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Azerbaijan

Thousands In Azerbaijan Mark 30th Anniversary Of Deadly Soviet Crackdown

Residents of Baku wave to Soviet tanks entering their city. More than 26,000 Soviet troops invaded the capital of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic on the night of January 19,1990. 
1/24 Residents of Baku wave to Soviet tanks entering their city. More than 26,000 Soviet troops invaded the capital of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic on the night of January 19,1990. 
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Soviet soldiers block a Baku street on the night of January 19, 1990. Moscow declared a state of emergency and moved in troops after ethnic violence flared between Armenians and Azerbaijanis. Soviet officials used the tensions as a pretext to suppress a growing nationalist movement and support for the pro-independence Popular Front of Azerbaijan.
2/24 Soviet soldiers block a Baku street on the night of January 19, 1990. Moscow declared a state of emergency and moved in troops after ethnic violence flared between Armenians and Azerbaijanis. Soviet officials used the tensions as a pretext to suppress a growing nationalist movement and support for the pro-independence Popular Front of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Gregory Vartanian tells fellow Armenians how he was injured when 40 people ransacked his apartment in Baku. On January 13, 1990, a week before Soviet troops invaded, many ethnic Armenians were targeted. At least 50 people were killed in Baku during ethnic violence between Armenians and Azerbaijanis after fighting flared in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Thirteen thousand Interior Ministry troops who were stationed in Baku did nothing to stop the violence.
3/24 Gregory Vartanian tells fellow Armenians how he was injured when 40 people ransacked his apartment in Baku. On January 13, 1990, a week before Soviet troops invaded, many ethnic Armenians were targeted. At least 50 people were killed in Baku during ethnic violence between Armenians and Azerbaijanis after fighting flared in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Thirteen thousand Interior Ministry troops who were stationed in Baku did nothing to stop the violence.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Azerbaijanis surround a victim of the Soviet crackdown in Baku starting on January 20,1990. Over several days, more than 200 people were killed and at least 700 were wounded as Soviet troops fired without warning into crowds of protesters. Ordinary citizens were targeted. The dead included Azerbaijanis, Tatars, Armenians, Russians, Jews, and Lezgins, a northeast Caucasian ethnic group.
4/24 Azerbaijanis surround a victim of the Soviet crackdown in Baku starting on January 20,1990. Over several days, more than 200 people were killed and at least 700 were wounded as Soviet troops fired without warning into crowds of protesters. Ordinary citizens were targeted. The dead included Azerbaijanis, Tatars, Armenians, Russians, Jews, and Lezgins, a northeast Caucasian ethnic group.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Soviet soldiers and Interior Ministry troops poured onto the streets of Baku on January 21, 1990.
5/24 Soviet soldiers and Interior Ministry troops poured onto the streets of Baku on January 21, 1990.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Baku residents inspect a bus that was shot up by Soviet troops on January 21.
6/24 Baku residents inspect a bus that was shot up by Soviet troops on January 21.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Baku residents lay flowers in honor of those who were killed in the Soviet crackdown. This car's windshield was riddled with bullet holes.
7/24 Baku residents lay flowers in honor of those who were killed in the Soviet crackdown. This car's windshield was riddled with bullet holes.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
A destroyed bus on a Baku street after the January crackdown. Soviet Defense Minister Dmitry Yazov explained the attack saying, "We came to destroy the political structure of the Popular Front to prevent their victory in the upcoming elections scheduled for March 19, 1990."
8/24 A destroyed bus on a Baku street after the January crackdown. Soviet Defense Minister Dmitry Yazov explained the attack saying, "We came to destroy the political structure of the Popular Front to prevent their victory in the upcoming elections scheduled for March 19, 1990."
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Relatives mourn the victims of the bloody crackdown at a funeral in Baku on January 21.
9/24 Relatives mourn the victims of the bloody crackdown at a funeral in Baku on January 21.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Soviet troops surround a resident of Baku on January 22 during one of their patrols through the Azerbaijani capital.
10/24 Soviet troops surround a resident of Baku on January 22 during one of their patrols through the Azerbaijani capital.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Women mourn the victims of the crackdown during a Baku procession on January 22.
11/24 Women mourn the victims of the crackdown during a Baku procession on January 22.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
A child looks through a window shattered by a bullet in Baku on January 22, 1990.
12/24 A child looks through a window shattered by a bullet in Baku on January 22, 1990.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Nearly 500,000 people attend a funeral in Baku on January 22, 1990, to remember those who were killed in the Black January massacre. 
13/24 Nearly 500,000 people attend a funeral in Baku on January 22, 1990, to remember those who were killed in the Black January massacre. 
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
During a funeral on January 22, 1990, Azerbaijanis discard their Communist Party-membership cards. The Kremlin crackdown failed to save the Soviet Union and only strengthened Azerbaijan's independence movement.
14/24 During a funeral on January 22, 1990, Azerbaijanis discard their Communist Party-membership cards. The Kremlin crackdown failed to save the Soviet Union and only strengthened Azerbaijan's independence movement.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
A Soviet military vehicle seen on the streets of Baku on January 23.
15/24 A Soviet military vehicle seen on the streets of Baku on January 23.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Families of Soviet military officers in Baku wait to be evacuated from the Azerbaijani capital on January 24. Moscow feared that Soviet soldiers and their families would be the targets of reprisals.
16/24 Families of Soviet military officers in Baku wait to be evacuated from the Azerbaijani capital on January 24. Moscow feared that Soviet soldiers and their families would be the targets of reprisals.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
A Soviet soldier on guard on January 26 in Baku.
17/24 A Soviet soldier on guard on January 26 in Baku.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Soviet troops question a resident of the Azerbaijani capital on January 27 during a patrol to quell nationalist support. Thousands of Popular Front members and sympathizers were arrested and imprisoned.
18/24 Soviet troops question a resident of the Azerbaijani capital on January 27 during a patrol to quell nationalist support. Thousands of Popular Front members and sympathizers were arrested and imprisoned.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
A man lifts his arms in grief under a statue of Lenin during a mass funeral in Baku. The traditional 40-day mourning period for the dead was marked by a national strike across Azerbaijan.
19/24 A man lifts his arms in grief under a statue of Lenin during a mass funeral in Baku. The traditional 40-day mourning period for the dead was marked by a national strike across Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Azerbaijani women walk between a pair of Soviet tanks in Baku on January 28.
20/24 Azerbaijani women walk between a pair of Soviet tanks in Baku on January 28.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Two Azerbaijani women overcome with grief next to the body of a relative in Baku on January 28.
21/24 Two Azerbaijani women overcome with grief next to the body of a relative in Baku on January 28.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Special KGB troops on patrol on January 30, 1990.
22/24 Special KGB troops on patrol on January 30, 1990.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Thousands of mourners walk past graves dug in a Baku park on February 3, 1990. Twenty months later, on October 18, 1991, Azerbaijan declared independence.
23/24 Thousands of mourners walk past graves dug in a Baku park on February 3, 1990. Twenty months later, on October 18, 1991, Azerbaijan declared independence.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
Baku residents lay flowers in remembrance of those killed during the Black January massacre in Baku on February 3, 1990. By the end of 1991, the Soviet Union had been dissolved.
24/24 Baku residents lay flowers in remembrance of those killed during the Black January massacre in Baku on February 3, 1990. By the end of 1991, the Soviet Union had been dissolved.
Azerbaijanis are set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Black January, a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops that failed to stop Azerbaijan’s independence movement. On January 20, 1990, more than 200 people were killed after emergency rule was declared and Soviet soldiers fired into crowds of protesters in Baku. It was part of an attempt by Moscow to prevent the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But the crackdown only strengthened the local independence movement, and the following year Azerbaijan became a sovereign state.
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BAKU -- Thousands of Azerbaijanis have descended on the capital, Baku, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Soviet crackdown in which dozens of people were killed.

Visitors from across the country made their way to the "Alley of Martyrs" on January 20 to commemorate the victims of what is known in the Caucasus nation as "Black January."

Members of the government, other top officials, and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions also took part in the ceremonies.

Meanwhile, special prayers commemorating the victims of the crackdown were performed in the country's mosques.

Broadcasts of entertainment programs on television were canceled and somber music was played in the Baku subway.

On January 20, 1990, the Soviet government sent troops to Azerbaijan to thwart efforts by the country's independence movement to overthrow the Soviet Azerbaijani government.

According to official estimates, 134 civilians were killed in Baku and 13 more in the cities of Neftecale and Calilabad.

Official figures also show that at least 800 people were injured and five individuals went missing in the crackdown.

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