Remembering Black January: Azerbaijan Honors the Heroes of 1990

Jerusalem, 19 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Baku (AZERTAC) – The events of January 20 were not only one of the most severe and devastating tragedies in the history of Azerbaijan, but also a decisive turning point in the future fate of the country.

Israeli political scientist Lev Spivak expressed these views in a statement to AZERTAC.

According to him, the deployment of the Soviet army to Baku on January 20, 1990 and the massacre committed against the civilian population had a profound shock effect on the entire society. “This was not an attack by any foreign enemy army. This was the army of the country we lived in, of a state of which we were Soviet citizens. People were being shot by soldiers who happened to meet them on the street. This fact alone made the event even more horrific.”

Spivak noted that what happened that night radically changed the lives of a large part of society. “Until January 20, there was a normal, calm life. But after this tragedy, everyone, regardless of their nationality, was looking for a way out. This event marked the end of an era and the beginning of a completely new stage of life.”

According to the political scientist, no matter how heavy the tragedy was, it laid the foundation for the formation of new realities in terms of historical processes.

“It is like a big forest fire: everything burns to ashes, but new life sprouts on that very land. I believe that January 20 was the starting point for the birth of a new Azerbaijan. It was immediately after these events that Great Leader Heydar Aliyev made a courageous speech at the Azerbaijani representation in Moscow, openly condemning this bloody operation. This speech laid the foundation for Heydar Aliyev’s return to Azerbaijan and the future leadership of the country. Subsequent processes showed that it was this path that led to Azerbaijan becoming an independent, strong state that today already has a say in the international political arena.”

The Israeli political scientist said that although there is no concept of “if” in history, there are opinions that the events of January 20 played a significant role in the collapse of the Soviet Union.

“Perhaps if this tragedy had not happened, the processes would have unfolded differently. But the reality is that this blood, this pain laid the foundation for a new stage,” he said.

Spivak stressed that January 20 is both a day of mourning and a historical lesson.

“There is only a 60-second break between the Day of Remembrance, dedicated to the memory of those who died in Israel, and Independence Day. First, we remember all those who lost their lives for Israel. Just 60 seconds later, the celebration of Independence Day begins. Because these two concepts are inextricably linked. I think that January 20 is an important turning point in the history of Azerbaijan, where everything began. The great tragedy experienced on this date paved the way for the formation of a new state, a new national consciousness over time. Here, grief gradually turns into gratitude to history.”