On 26 February 2026, a commemorative event entitled “Khojaly – 34: A Symbol of the Steadfastness of National Memory” was held in the Reading Room of the Presidential Library to mark the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide.

The event commenced with a one-minute silence in memory of the victims of the Khojaly Genocide, as well as the martyrs who gave their lives for the independence and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. 
 
Opening the event with introductory remarks, Professor Afet Abbasova, Director of the Presidential Library, emphasized that the Khojaly Genocide constitutes one of the gravest crimes against humanity and noted that this tragedy has left an indelible imprint on the national memory of the Azerbaijani people.

Following this, Nazim Mustafa, PhD in History, delivered a speech providing information on the historical past of Khojaly and discussed the tragic consequences of the massacres, genocide, and deportation policies to which the Azerbaijani people were subjected by Armenian nationalists, particularly during the periods of 1905, 1918–1920, 1948–1953, and 1988–1993.

Within the framework of the event, participants were introduced to an extensive book exhibition entitled “The Khojaly Genocide” organized at the Presidential Library. The exhibition featured publications addressing the historical roots of the tragedy, efforts aimed at its recognition at the international level, and eyewitness testimonies.

Subsequently, various artistic presentations reflecting the pain of the tragedy and the unshakable will of the Azerbaijani people were presented. The event first featured a video presentation prepared by the Presidential Library, depicting the horrors of the Khojaly tragedy.

This was followed by a performance presented by students of the Choreography Department of the Art Gymnasium affiliated with the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, who paid tribute to the memory of the martyrs through the choreographic composition “Ithaf” (“Dedication”), authored by Vusal Aydamirov and staged under the artistic direction of Gunel Eynullayeva. Students of Secondary School No. 138, under the artistic direction of Sevda Nagiyeva, presented the literary-artistic compositions “Ana harayı” (“A Mother’s Cry”) and “Xocalı – yaddaşın səsi” (“Khojaly – The Voice of Memory). In addition, Nilufar Alisoy, a member of the Children and Youth Development Center No. 3, performed the poem “Xocalı müsibəti” (“The Tragedy of Khojaly”) prepared under the artistic direction of Rana Karimova, evoking deep emotion among the audience.

The commemorative event continued with performances presented by members of the Children and Youth Development Center No. 3. Through the dance composition “Şəhidləri anırıq” (“We Commemorate the Martyrs”) staged by choreographer Samira Musaim, as well as the songs “Od ürəkli Azərbaycan” (“Azerbaijan with a Heart of Fire”) and “Zəfər” (“Victory”) performed by the vocal group under the artistic direction of Gulnara Gurbanova, tribute was paid to the memory of the victims of the genocide. The event concluded with the poem “Gözün aydın, Azərbaycan” (“Congratulations, Azerbaijan”) recited by Yusif Allahverdiyev, a member of the Children and Youth Development Center No. 3.

Concluding the event, Professor Afet Abbasova stated that today the souls of the Khojaly martyrs are at peace, that the Azerbaijani flag now flies over the liberated territories, including Khojaly, and that the Great Return has begun.

Following this, a video presentation reflecting the return to the liberated territories, including the Great Return to Khojaly, was screened.

Through the exhibition and artistic compositions presented, participants of the event once again paid tribute to this tragic chapter in the history of Azerbaijan.