His fellow soldiers say that the presence of “Gizir Khan” on the battlefield – by their side – always created high spirits. With his presence, he gave hope to the soldiers and confidence to the command.
It is very regrettable that such a warrior, who survived the fires of the First and Second Karabakh Wars and struck fear into the enemy, became a martyr 2 years after the war ended – during peacetime.
The war hero Sayyaf Ahmadov, known as “Gizir Khan”, who shielded his life for the Motherland for many years, stepped on a mine on September 23, 2025, in the cemetery of Mirashalli village in Aghdam district.
This photo, presented by the **Modern.az** website in its **“History of a Photo”** section, tells the story of two heroes: the martyred Lieutenant Colonel Raguf Orujov, known as “Murov Eagle”, and “Gizir Khan”...
The time is April 5, 2016... The place is Sumgayit Martyrs' Alley... The day after the funeral of Rauf Orujov, who heroically became a martyr in the April battles, “Gizir Khan” came to visit him.
Photographer Jeyhun Isayev, who captured this moment on camera, says that while he was shooting there, an unknown serviceman came and knelt at Rauf Orujov's grave... He looked at the colonel's picture, looked... and sobbed uncontrollably... At that moment, whoever was standing and watching nearby couldn't hold back either... “Gizir Khan” made everyone cry...
This photo does not merely show a person kneeling and bowing before a martyr's grave. This photo is a moment where time stands still, and silence turns into a cry. “Gizir Khan”, kneeling, is lost in thought before the grave of martyred Colonel Raguf Orujov. Perhaps a storm is raging within him, perhaps he is whispering, “I am also on your path, commander.”
Perhaps this was a destiny written – a soldier kneeling before a martyr's grave, years later himself becoming a martyr and entrusted to the earth.
This photo shows a warrior's loyalty to a martyr, his love for the Motherland, and his unbreakable oath.
The path of those who lived for the Motherland and died for the Motherland is one: eternal respect, eternal reverence.
In this gaze, there was a silent promise, perhaps “Gizir Khan” swore without speaking: “One day I will also come, commander. Like you...”
This photo is a symbol of loyalty, love for the Motherland, and a silent promise leading to the pinnacle of martyrdom.
Years passed. The word was fulfilled.
Long live the Motherland!
May your soul rest in peace, “Gizir Khan”!
Afgan Gafarli
