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The 20th of January, one of the most tragic events in Azerbaijani history, is also considered a heroic chapter in our nation's struggle for freedom and independence. 35 years have passed since the Bloody January events.

On the night of January 19-20, 1990, military units of the former Soviet army committed an unprecedented massacre in the city of Baku, targeting peaceful civilians who had risen up to create an independent state and achieve sovereignty. This bloody crime could not extinguish the people's love for freedom, and at the cost of their blood, our nation achieved its independence.

The 20th of January tragedy, which has become a symbol of unity and patriotism, is a proud history of our people's struggle for freedom. Every year, on the anniversary of the tragedy, millions of people visit the Martyrs' Alley, located at the highest point of the capital, to honor the memory of the heroes.

The National Library has presented an online virtual exhibition titled “20 January – A Day of Heroism and Pride!” dedicated to the cherished memory of the martyrs of January 20.

The virtual exhibition features photos reflecting this tragedy, the unforgettable history, the heroic chapter of our history written with the blood of martyrs – the 20th January tragedy, the principled stance of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who was the first to sharply protest the bloody events, articles published in the periodicals about the tragedy in Baku, and literature in Azerbaijani and foreign languages preserved in the National Library's collections.

You can explore the virtual exhibition using the following link: 20 Yanvar – Qəhrəmanlıq və qürur günümüzdür!.