Baku — September 8, 2025
Recent footage showing foreign tourists dancing and filming entertainment clips at Baku’s Alley of Martyrs has triggered widespread outrage in Azerbaijan, where the memorial is regarded as one of the nation’s most sacred sites. As ATV reports, the incident, widely shared on social media, has reignited debate over how to protect the memorial from inappropriate behavior while balancing Azerbaijan’s tradition of hospitality toward visitors.
The Alley of Martyrs, located on a hill overlooking the capital, commemorates those who died for the country’s independence and territorial integrity. For many Azerbaijanis, it is a place of solemn reflection and national mourning. Turning it into a backdrop for frivolous videos struck a deep nerve.
Member of Parliament Pervana Valiyeva has called for immediate steps to ensure respect for the memorial. Speaking to Media.az, she proposed installing multilingual information boards at the entrance to the site.
“Signs in five or six languages should clearly explain that dancing, filming entertainment clips, or any action interpreted as disrespect is strictly forbidden — and that violators will face penalties,” Valiyeva said.
The lawmaker also suggested that the issue be raised during the autumn session of the Milli Majlis, potentially leading to legislative changes. These could include criminal liability for insulting the memory of the martyrs — whether verbally, through videos, or via social media posts.
The proposal has already been submitted to Baku’s Civil Service Trust, the municipal body responsible for maintaining the Alley of Martyrs.
While Azerbaijan is known for its hospitality and respect for foreign guests, officials and citizens alike stress that this cannot be mistaken for tolerance of disrespect toward national history and sacrifice. “Hospitality does not mean permissiveness,” Valiyeva emphasized.
Public reaction to the incident has been swift and emotional. Many social media users demanded not only stricter rules but also stronger enforcement. Some argued that visitors should face immediate fines, while others called for bans on those who break the rules.
Analysts note that the controversy highlights a broader challenge: how to manage a growing influx of tourists while preserving the dignity of memorial spaces. With Baku becoming increasingly popular as a regional travel destination, the balance between openness and protection is under sharper scrutiny.
For now, the debate is set to continue in parliament. Whether through fines, signage, or new criminal penalties, lawmakers say the priority is clear: ensuring that the Alley of Martyrs remains a place of reverence, not spectacle.
