The Church of St. Sarkis, also known as the Church of St. Sergius, no longer serves its original purpose. Today, the building houses a museum. According to available historical records, the church dates back to the 16th-18th centuries.
The architecture of the church is marked by simplicity and restraint, reflecting the minimalism typical of its era. Despite its unassuming design, for centuries, this church attracted Armenian pilgrims from across the region, drawn to its quiet reverence.
By the late 19th century, the building had fallen into a state of disrepair and was in urgent need of restoration. However, during the national conflicts of 1905, the church was almost completely destroyed, with even its walls suffering extensive damage. It wasn’t until 1917 that the local community took it upon themselves to rebuild the structure.
Today, the Church of St. Sarkis functions as a branch of libraries No. 13 and 14.
After Azerbaijan regained its independence from the Soviet Union, Martyrs’ Day was officially declared a national holiday. In 2010, the government honored the memory of the victims by establishing a memorial in the Yasamal District of Baku. This memorial, known as Shekhid Alley (Martyrs’ Lane), features the names of each national hero who perished during the Black January events inscribed on its walls, serving as a lasting tribute to their bravery.
Every year, on January 20, the people of Azerbaijan come together to commemorate this tragic event with a large, solemn procession to the memorial. Participants lay flowers and pay their respects, honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the pursuit of justice and freedom.