Day of Azerbaijani Genocide (31/03)

On March 26, 1998, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev issued a Decree according to which a memorable date — Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis (Azerb) was established on March 31. Azərbaycanlıların Soyqırımı Günü).

The events to which today's date is dedicated took place in March 1918 in Baku and the Baku province. Then, during the period of the establishment of Soviet power in the republic, mass interethnic clashes occurred, leading to thousands of casualties, mainly among local residents of — Muslims.

In the modern history of Azerbaijan, these events are regarded as genocide of the Azerbaijani people by the Armenians with the support of the Bolsheviks. But this concept of genocide of Azerbaijanis is criticized by a number of researchers.

Today, Azerbaijan and many countries around the world are hosting events dedicated to the day of remembrance of the victims of the massacres of Azerbaijanis in Baku, Shamakhi and other cities that occurred in March 1918.

Similar events are being held in some US cities where Azerbaijanis live. To this end, the American-Azerbaijani Society annually prepares a plan of events dedicated to March 31.

This memorable date is celebrated in all Azerbaijani families.

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