On January 19, 2026, a commemorative event was held at the Presidential Library to honor the anniversary of the January 20 tragedy.

The event began with the playing of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Following this, a moment of silence was observed in remembrance of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of our country.

The event was opened by Professor Afet Abbasova, Director of the Presidential Library, who provided extensive information about the historical context and consequences of the bloody events that took place in Baku on January 20, 1990. She emphasized that this date marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s history and the national liberation movement. Professor Afet Abbasova also highlighted the unique role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in providing the first political, legal, and historical assessment of this tragedy, noting that the state is currently continuing this policy.

Later, a video dedicated to the memory of the January 20 martyrs and the heroism of our people was presented.

Speaking at the event, Minavvar Aliyeva, consultant-bibliographer of the Information-Bibliography Services Group of the Library-Bibliographic Services Section, Afiyet Majidova, consultant-editor of the Periodicals Collection Group of the Library Collection Section, Rakhshan Guliyeva, consultant-bibliographer of the Library Collection Section, and Zakir Ismayilov, head of the Library Automation, Digitization, and Electronic Resources Section, discussed the responsibility of libraries in promoting awareness of the January 20 events on an international level and instilling a sense of patriotism in the younger generation. The speeches highlighted the efforts made to commemorate our martyrs and the role of this tragic history in Azerbaijan's achievement of independence.

As part of the event, a traditional book exhibition and a virtual exhibition titled “20 January. Aggression 1990” were presented, reflecting the historical significance of the January 20 events and our people's struggle for freedom. The exhibitions display various publications in multiple languages that discuss the causes, developments, and consequences of the bloody events of January 1990, providing evidence of the massacres committed by the Soviet army in Baku.

It should be noted that the e-project "20 January. Aggression 1990," prepared by the Presidential Library on January 18, 2010, is a significant resource for the systematic study of the historical, political, and legal aspects of the January 20 tragedy. More information on the project can be received via the link https://aggression.preslib.az.