Martyr's Day is observed in Azerbaijan on January 20 each year, commemorating the events of Black January in 1990 in Baku. The day marks the violent crackdown by Soviet troops on Azerbaijani protesters who had barricaded the city in response to demands for closer ties with Azerbaijanis in Iran. The state of emergency was declared on January 15, and on the night of January 19-20, 26,000 Soviet troops entered Baku, resulting in the deaths of 93 to 137 civilians and 21 soldiers over three days of conflict. In memory of those who lost their lives during these events, a Memorial for Black January was erected in January 2010, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the tragedy. Observances typically include remembrance ceremonies and reflections on the impact of these historical events on Azerbaijan's national identity.