The tragedies of genocide and forced displacement of the peoples of the Caucasus are in many ways similar, Aida Eyvazli Goyturk, chair of the Silk Road Cultural and Historical Research Public Association, said.
According to a Report correspondent from Shusha, Eyvazli Goyturk said at the international conference "Cultural and Ethnic Diversity: Historical Lessons, Contemporary Challenges" that the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Tsarist Russia ended in the early 19th century, and after declaring independence in 1918, Azerbaijan faced Russian occupation again just two years later.
She noted that during the Soviet period, the historical lands of Azerbaijan – Zangazur and Daralayaz – were transferred to Armenia. In 1937, the Azerbaijani intelligentsia was subjected to repression, and hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis living in Armenia were deported, with thousands dying during the deportation.
Eyvazli Goyturk also recalled the events of January 20, 1990, noting that Russian servicemen shed the blood of the Azerbaijani people.
According to her, in 1992, with the participation of the Russian 366th Regiment, genocide was committed in Khojaly, killing approximately 700 civilians.
"We have not forgotten what we experienced, we did not surrender, and we have preserved our national memory. How was Armenia able to keep our territories under occupation for 30 years? Thanks to Russia, of course. The Russian tanks that marched against us are today displayed in the War Trophy Park in Baku. This is a triumph of historical justice. All peoples suffering under Russia's colonial oppression have a share in this Victory. Shusha is the symbol of this Victory. That is why we are here in Shusha together today," she stated.