26 Commissars Memorial

26 Commissars Memorial Baku: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Visitor Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

The 26 Commissars Memorial in Baku, Azerbaijan, once honored a group of Bolshevik and Left Socialist Revolutionary leaders executed in 1918. Although the original monument was dismantled in 2009, the story and influence of the 26 Commissars remain deeply embedded in Baku’s cultural and historical landscape. This guide provides a thorough account of the memorial’s history, cultural significance, and practical information for visiting the sites and museums connected to this chapter of Azerbaijani history (Azerbaijan International, British Library).

Historical Background and Significance
Memorial History and Current Status
How to Visit: Sites, Hours, and Tickets
Visitor Experience: What to Expect
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Background and Significance

Origins of the 26 Commissars

Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, the South Caucasus became a battleground for competing ideologies and empires. In April 1918, the Baku Commune was established by a diverse group of Bolsheviks and Left Socialist Revolutionaries, aiming to implement Soviet governance in a strategically critical oil-rich city (Encyclopaedia Britannica). The leadership included notable figures such as Stepan Shahumyan, Prokofy Dzhaparidze, Meshadi Azizbekov, Ivan Fioletov, and Grigory Petrov, representing the region’s multi-ethnic composition (Azerbaijan International).

The Fall of the Baku Commune

The Baku Commune faced military and political opposition from anti-Bolshevik forces, local nationalists, and British interventionists seeking control of the city’s oil during World War I. In July 1918, the Commune was overthrown by the Centro-Caspian Dictatorship, a coalition supported by the British. The 26 Commissars were arrested and, after a period of imprisonment, executed by firing squad near Krasnovodsk (now Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan) on September 20, 1918 (British Library, Yale University Press). Their deaths became central to Soviet martyrdom narratives.

Biographical Overview

The group reflected Baku’s cosmopolitan society, with members from Armenian, Azerbaijani, Russian, Georgian, Jewish, Greek, and Latvian backgrounds (Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences). Stepan Shahumyan, the most prominent, was an Armenian Bolshevik often referred to as the “Caucasian Lenin.” Meshadi Azizbekov was among the first Azerbaijani Marxists. Each played a distinct role in the revolutionary movement and the administration of the Baku Commune.

Memorial History and Current Status

The original 26 Commissars Memorial was constructed in 1920, featuring a mausoleum and later, a grand granite obelisk with an eternal flame. For decades, it served as a focal point for Soviet commemorative events, reinforcing ideals of internationalism and revolutionary sacrifice (Atlas Obscura).

After Azerbaijan gained independence in 1991, the monument’s symbolism became increasingly controversial. In 2009, the government exhumed the remains of the commissars, reburied them at Hovsan Cemetery, and demolished the memorial (BBC News). The original location now forms part of Sahil Park, a central urban space with no visible markers relating to the commissars.

How to Visit: Sites, Hours, and Tickets

Current Visiting Options

Hovsan Cemetery: The reburial site of the 26 Commissars. While not a formal tourist attraction, it is open to respectful visitors.
National Museum of History of Azerbaijan: Central Baku museum featuring exhibits on the revolutionary period and the history of the commissars (National Museum of History of Azerbaijan).
Sahil Park: The former memorial site, now a public park, accessible freely year-round.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hovsan Cemetery: Open daily from approximately 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. No admission fee.
National Museum of History of Azerbaijan: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays. Tickets are approximately 5 AZN (about $3 USD).
Sahil Park: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Free entry.

Directions and Accessibility

Hovsan Cemetery: Located about 15 km southeast of central Baku. Reachable by taxi or local bus.
National Museum of History of Azerbaijan: Located in central Baku, within walking distance from many attractions and accessible via public transport.
Sahil Park: Centrally located near the intersection of Azadliq Avenue and Khagani Street; accessible by metro (nearest station: Sahil), bus, taxi, or on foot.

Accessibility notes:
The National Museum is wheelchair accessible. Sahil Park features paved walkways suitable for those with mobility challenges. Hovsan Cemetery has limited accessibility due to uneven terrain.

Nearby Attractions

Icherisheher (Old City): A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Maiden Tower: Iconic Baku landmark.
Baku Boulevard: Seaside promenade.
Flame Towers: Modern city skyline highlight.
Martyrs’ Lane: Memorial for Azerbaijan’s independence martyrs.
Freedom Square: Central gathering place near Sahil Park.

Guided Tours and Events

Many local tour operators provide guided walking tours of Baku’s historical sites, often including the Old City, National Museum of History, and Soviet-era landmarks, with insightful commentary on the 26 Commissars’ legacy. Advance booking is recommended.

Visitor Experience: What to Expect

While the original 26 Commissars Memorial is gone, visitors can engage with its history in several ways:

At Sahil Park: Reflect in a tranquil urban space where the memorial once stood. There are no interpretive signs, so prior research or a guide is helpful.
At Hovsan Cemetery: Visit the reburial site for a more solemn perspective; be respectful of local customs.
At the National Museum of History: View artifacts and exhibits contextualizing Baku’s revolutionary history.

Photography: Allowed in public spaces and at the cemetery, but be considerate of mourners.

Dining and Amenities: Numerous restaurants and cafes are nearby, including Chinar Restaurant, Firuze Restaurant, and Sahil Bar & Grill.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the original 26 Commissars Memorial today?
A: No, the memorial was dismantled in 2009. The site is now Sahil Park, a public park without any monument.

Q: Is there a fee to visit Sahil Park or Hovsan Cemetery?
A: Both sites are free to enter.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, many local operators include Sahil Park and related Soviet history sites in their tours.

Q: Is the area accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Sahil Park and the National Museum are accessible; Hovsan Cemetery has limited accessibility.

Q: Where can I learn more about the 26 Commissars?
A: The National Museum of History of Azerbaijan and reputable online resources provide detailed information.

Summary and Recommendations

Although the physical 26 Commissars Memorial no longer stands, its story remains a crucial component of Baku’s—and Azerbaijan’s—historical narrative. The transformation of the site into Sahil Park and the reburial at Hovsan Cemetery underscore the evolving interpretations of Soviet history and national identity (BBC News, Azerbaijan International).

For a meaningful visit:

Explore Sahil Park for reflection.
Visit Hovsan Cemetery to pay respects.
Spend time at the National Museum of History for deeper historical context.
Join a guided tour for expert insights.
Combine your visit with other historical sites like Icherisheher and Martyrs’ Lane.

To maximize your experience, consider downloading the Audiala app for curated travel guides and following local travel resources for updated information on Baku’s heritage sites.