In early 1990, Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, became the epicenter of mass protests against the Soviet government as tensions rose among ethnic groups and dissatisfaction with the central authority grew. The protests initially emerged as a response to local grievances, including political repression and economic decline. Numerous citizens gathered in the city center, chanting slogans for independence and calling for rights and autonomy. The unrest was part of a broader wave of political changes sweeping across the Soviet Union, as various republics sought to assert their independence and challenge Soviet control. On January 19, demonstrators organized a mass gathering, which escalated into a vocal outcry for national rights and against the heavy-handed policies of the Soviet government. In response to the escalating situation, the Soviet authorities decided to deploy troops in Baku on January 20, leading to a violent crackdown on the protests. The military operation turned deadly as troops opened fire on peaceful demonstrators, resulting in numerous casualties. The tragic events of that day shocked the nation, highlighting the extent of discontent in Azerbaijan, and fueling even more fervent calls for independence and autonomy in subsequent months. This pivotal moment marked a significant turning point in Azerbaijan's struggle against Soviet domination and played a key role within the broader context of the dissolution of the Soviet Union.