On August 17, the displaced residents of Martuni, a city in the Republic of Artsakh, solemnly commemorated the Day of Revival, a date that holds deep historical significance for them. Traditionally, this day has been a moment of reflection and honor for those who defended their homeland. Although the city is now under Azerbaijani occupation, its former inhabitants continue to uphold the tradition by visiting the Yerablur Pantheon, where they pay tribute to the martyred heroes who laid down their lives in the defense of Artsakh.
Since 2007, August 17 has been celebrated as Martuni’s Renaissance Day, a day marked by festive events and communal pride. However, due to the current situation, this year’s celebrations were significantly scaled back. The festive events that once filled the day with joy and unity were cancelled, leaving only the memorial and bowing ceremonies as reminders of the city’s resilient spirit.
In 2022, a significant addition was made to Martuni’s commemorative landscape—a khachkar, or cross-stone, was unveiled in the city, dedicated to the heroes martyred in the three Artsakh wars. However, with the ongoing occupation, there is uncertainty surrounding the fate of this khachkar, as reports have emerged of systematic desecration and destruction of Armenian landmarks in occupied Artsakh by Azerbaijani forces.
Martuni, known for its resilience, has a storied history of standing firm against numerous attacks. The city’s defenders demonstrated extraordinary courage, withstanding enemy assaults time and again, refusing to allow the city to fall. Their strong defense and resistance became a symbol of the indomitable spirit of Artsakh.
A key moment in Martuni’s modern history occurred on August 23, 2022, when the Glendale City Council in California unanimously passed a resolution establishing a sister-city relationship between the City of Glendale and Martuni. Spearheaded by Glendale City Mayor Ardashes Kassakhian and seconded by Councilmember Ara Najarian, the resolution laid the foundation for a long-term partnership, fostering cultural, educational, professional, and humanitarian cooperation between the two cities. This partnership is seen as a symbol of international support and solidarity with the people of Artsakh, particularly during these challenging times.
Martuni lied close to the former line of contact with Azerbaijan and was one of the civilian areas most severely targeted by Azerbaijani military forces. During the war, over 1,000 buildings were damaged in the bombardment, including schools, homes, and medical facilities. The tragic first day of the war saw the deaths of a child and an elderly civilian, with over 8,000 civilians displaced from the city during the height of the conflict.
Despite the challenges faced by the people of Martuni, the sister-city relationship with Glendale stands as a symbol of international solidarity and a reminder that their struggle is not forgotten. The displaced residents of Martuni continue to remember and honor the sacrifices made, preserving the legacy of their homeland, and holding on to the hope that one day, they may return to their city. Until then, their annual commemoration at Yerablur, alongside the memory of the khachkar unveiled in 2022, serves as a powerful reminder of their shared history, the enduring strength of their community, and the unwavering hope for Martuni’s future.
