Azerbaijan: New Memorial Day holiday to be observed nationwide Sept. 27

Event

Azerbaijan will mark the nation's Memorial Day holiday for the first time on Sept. 27. The new national observance was established under a December 2020 presidential decree to honor Azerbaijanis who died in the country's second conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region during the autumn of that year.

While holiday events will take place in cities and towns nationwide, the largest commemorations will occur in Baku between the hours of 09:00-13:00. Police will close several major thoroughfares in the city center to all traffic from 06:30 through 14:00 in order to facilitate and provide security for the various events; affected roadways include Afiyeddin Jalilov, Yusif Safarov, Uzeyir Hajibeyov, Zarifa Aliyeva, Pushkin, Richard Sorge, Kovkab Safaraliyeva, Niyazi, and Mehdi Huseyn streets, as well as Azadliq and Neftchilar avenues, and Azneft Circle.

In Ganja, memorial events will largely center around the Martyrs' Lane Cemetery (Shehidler Xiyabani) on the southwestern outskirts of the city. Similar observances are also likely in Sumqayit, Lankaran, and Mingachevir.

Increased security and localized traffic disruptions are likely near any commemorative gatherings that may occur. Public transport in major cities may operate on altered schedules or routes.

Advice

Allow extra time to reach destinations in major cities across Azerbaijan, particularly in Baku and Ganja, during the Sept. 27 holiday. Confirm public transportation schedules and routes. Heed the instructions of local security personnel.