Zubair Qureshi
An art competition and exhibition was organized in Pakistan, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the 20th January –Nationwide Mourning Day
Students from more than 20 leading Pakistani universities and amateur artists displayed their works at an exhibition titled “January 20- Bloody and Glorious Page of Azerbaijan’s History.”
The event held at the Preston University was jointly organized by organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Preston University.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan Ali Alizada, Chancellor of Preston University Abdul Basit, diplomats of foreign countries, students and well-known artists, craftsmen, the public and mass media attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition dedicated to the presentation of paintings.
On January 20, 1990, the Soviet army forces entered Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, to suppress the masses protesting the USSR-supported Armenian aggression based on territorial claims against Azerbaijan.
The result was an unprecedented tragedy for Azerbaijan. Valiant sons and daughters of Azerbaijan put the country’s freedom, honor and dignity above everything else, sacrificed their lives and became martyrs.
Around 147 people were killed, 744 were injured and 841 were illegally arrested after Soviet troops entered Baku.
The Soviet troops also destroyed 200 apartments and houses, as well as private and public property.
Young artists’ paintings and works reflected the deep sense of loss and grief the Azerbaijan nation went through and the memory is still itched on their minds.
The themes of the paintings included: “From Martyrdom to Independence”, “Martyrs are always alive and never forgotten”, “Friendship between Azerbaijan and Pakistan is eternal”, “ Historical monuments and modern architecture of Azerbaijan” and “20January:a great step forward towards the independence of Azerbaijan.
More than 25 paintings submitted for the contest were reviewed by a panel of seasoned artists.
The winners and participants of the competition will be awarded at the commemoration ceremony on the occasion of the 20 January –Nationwide mourning day and will be presented with cash prizes, certificates and various gifts.
