Black January and March 1st
On Jan. 20, Azerbaijan marked the 34th anniversary of a somber chapter in its history: the Soviet Army’s military invasion and civilian bloodshed in Baku. In response to growing national independence movements, the Soviet leadership dispatched around 26,000 troops in an operation ominously named “Strike.” This forceful response aimed to suppress the Azerbaijani nonviolent independence movement, fueled by discriminatory policies, territorial claims and mass deportations of ethnic Azerbaijanis. The resulting massacre was a blatant violation of international law and the Soviet Constitution.
On Jan. 13, 1990, during a mass rally in Baku, Azerbaijani opposition leaders and citizens called for a referendum on Azerbaijan’s secession from the Soviet Union. Reports of Azerbaijanis being attacked in Karabakh heightened public outrage. Subsequently, the events of Jan. 20, 1990, underscored struggle for Azerbaijani sovereignty amid broader tensions within the collapsing Soviet Union. This midnight incident, perpetrated by Soviet military forces, resulted in 137 fatalities, 611 injuries, around 1,000 unlawful arrests and five missing. It stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of political power plays and the lengths authoritarian regimes will go to maintain control.
On this anniversary, let us stand to reminisce, reflect upon and comprehend the intricate fabric of history, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who forged a route to independence in turbulent times. May we strive for a world where the pursuit of sovereignty is met with respect for human rights and the principles of justice, recognizing that history always serves as an accurate arbiter of righteousness.
Black January stands as a poignant testament to the cultural pride and heroism ingrained in Azerbaijani history — a moment of resisting brutal attacks on freedom and independence, paving the way for the national liberation of Azerbaijan.
Consequently, Azerbaijan restored its independence in October 1991. It declared itself the political and legal successor of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918-20). This historic event led to the revival of the democratic, secular statehood traditions inherited from the Democratic Republic. In a short period of time, Azerbaijan was consolidated into a modern and stable state owning its strong voice in international affairs under the leadership of its current President Ilham Aliyev.
Reflecting on Black January brings to mind Korea’s March 1st Independence Movement of 1919, which aimed to restore Korean sovereignty amid Japanese colonial occupation (1910-45). The Independence Movement stands as a moment in our history, during which the Korean people declared their independence throughout the nation.
While historical circumstances and the degree to which victims differ, both events and their memorial celebrations share similarities, serving as powerful expressions of collective will to resist oppression and strive for national liberation.