613 Civilians Remembered on the 33rd Anniversary with Two Separate Events

The 613 Azerbaijani civilians killed in Khojaly on February 26, 1992, during the Karabakh War were commemorated on the 33rd anniversary of the massacre through programs organized by Bornova Municipality at Azerbaijan Friendship Park and in Kızılay Neighborhood. Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that Khojaly must not be forgotten and called for the events to be recognized as genocide. As part of the commemoration, an exhibition featuring photographs depicting the massacre was opened, poems were recited, and balloons were released into the sky in memory of the children who lost their lives.

The 613 Azerbaijani civilians killed in the town of Khojaly by Armenian-affiliated forces were remembered in two separate ceremonies organized by Bornova Municipality. The program began during the day at Azerbaijan Friendship Park in Karacaoğlan Neighborhood and continued in the evening in Kızılay Neighborhood. The photo exhibition presenting the massacre to the world drew significant attention, while balloons were released into the sky during the evening ceremony in memory of the children who perished.

Emotional Moments at Azerbaijan Friendship Park

A moment of silence was observed at the ceremony held in Azerbaijan Friendship Park in Karacaoğlan Neighborhood, followed by the Azerbaijani National Anthem and the Turkish National Anthem. Speakers emphasized the importance of not forgetting the events in Khojaly and passing this historical memory on to future generations.

Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that the municipality would continue to organize this commemoration every year with determination, saying:

“If genocides are forgotten, they are repeated. We do not have the right to forget them—at least for the sake of future generations.”

Eşki also recalled that a commemoration is held on the 26th for Türkan Feyzullah, the infant killed in Bulgaria, noting that history is filled with painful events and that humanity must confront these dark chapters.

“Khojaly Is More Than a Massacre; It Is Genocide”

Mayor Eşki stated that what happened in Khojaly remains a stain on human history and said he believes it should be recognized as genocide by the Turkish Grand National Assembly as soon as possible.

He also announced that the process of establishing a sister-city relationship with Sumgait, Azerbaijan, has been completed. Eşki added that they intend to present a bust of Nuri Pasha—known as the “Conqueror of Baku”—to Sumgait and are awaiting a positive response.

Announcement of a Karabakh Victory Monument

Gürsel Özdemir, President of the United World Azerbaijanis Organization Association, recalled the events of 1992 and thanked Bornova Municipality. He announced that they are working with Mayor Eşki on the construction of an Azerbaijan Karabakh Victory Monument in Çamdibi Atatürk Park. Özdemir also stated that the Khojaly Massacre should be recognized as genocide by Turkey.

Cavid İsmayıl, Turkey Representative of the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, stated that following the 44-day war in 2020, Azerbaijan regained its territories and that the peace process is progressing under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. He emphasized that Khojaly must not be forgotten and should be conveyed to younger generations.

Eşref Tuna, President of the İzmir Azerbaijanis Culture and Solidarity Association, also thanked the participants and shared a message of solidarity.

Poems, Carnations, and Balloons Rising to the Sky

The poem recited passionately by Roza İbadova created emotional moments during the ceremony. At the end of the program, red carnations were laid at the monument. In the evening, balloons were released into the sky in memory of the children who lost their lives in the massacre at the park where the neighborhood headman’s office and the City Restaurant are located in Kızılay Neighborhood.

The balloons rising over Bornova carried the memory of the innocent children who lost their lives 33 years ago into the sky. Mayor Eşki and the participants once again delivered a strong message:

“We have not forgotten Khojaly, and we will not let it be forgotten.”