Vice-rector on Science and Innovations Professor Ramazan Mammadov, who is an author of researches, books and articles about Sumgayit events, gave an interview to AZERTAC.

“Armenians committed several crimes and sabotages against Azerbaijani people in various periods of history. Mass riot committed in Sumgayit city at the end of February, 1988 is one of them. 32 people, 26 of which were Armenians died, more than 400 people injured, more than 200 flats plundered, more than 50 cultural and social objects destroyed, 40 cars demolished”, Professor Ramazan Mammadov notified in his speech with the correspondent of AZERTAC.

He noted: “Sumgayit citizens remember how Armenian nationalists committed bloody events by the support of “Dashnaksutun” party. At that time creating chaos and ethnic hostility was among “reforms” of Mikhail Gorbachov, who implemented “perestroika” in the country. During Nagorno Karabag conflict, Gorbachov promised to render assistance to Armenians. The speech of chauvinist Aganbekyan in Paris was an initial spark to flame the events”.

The results of researches, which I conducted about Sumgayit events, are reflected at the book “Sumgayit: national slavery, or national generosity?” by me and Professor Hasan Sadigov and “Sumgayit, 1988. Crime and punishment” by me and honored journalist Eyruz Mammadov. At that time “Krunk” Armenian organization was functioning. Almost all nationalists were its members. The only purpose of the organization was to alienate Nagorno Karabag Autonomous Province from Azerbaijan and annex it to Armenia. For this reason, they gathered money from Armenians massively. Sumgayit Armenians also joined to this action. About 1 million ruble withdrew from Sumgayit bank in a month. The civil Armenians did it for not paying nationalist “Krunk” and “Dashnaksutun” organizations. But Armenians deny these facts. Eduard Grigoryan initially killed 5 persons and instigated the people to mass riots. Provocateurs not only killed the people, but also attacked the homes, fired cars and plundered commercial objects”.

Recalling the events, Professor Ramazan Mammadov said: “I personally witnessed that there were unknown persons in center square of Sumgayit, as well as around of bazaar and department store, who introduced themselves as Azerbaijanis banished from Armenia. Propagating talks showed its effects. They gathered people, especially young persons to the square, the rally started and the challenges sounded to kill Armenians. On February 28-29, instigator group caused tragic events and disappeared. Afterwards, nobody saw them again in the city”.

Ramazan Mammadov: “In those days the administration of Sumgayit city was sent to vacation. The city was deliberately left without rulers. Evidences and proofs clearly display that the event prepared by the walls of SSC. It was determined that the majority of Armenians, who lived in Sumgayit were aware of mass riots in advance. In the investigations it was found out that more than 100 families withdrew their money from savings banks till the events and left the city. Most of them were wealthy families. Investigations also determined that the employees of Armenian special services settled in the hotels of Baku and Sumgayit and held secret meetings with Armenians. It is an irrefutable fact that these events are thought for alienating Nagorno Karabakh from Azerbaijan”.