Deep wounds (1988-1994)
The story of Natig Gasimov is one of unparalleled bravery and enduring spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. Born on January 2, 1971, in the village of Kichik Garamurad, Gedabey district, Gasimov was a young man who found himself thrust into the horrors of the First Karabakh War.
His journey, from a volunteer soldier to a symbol of resilience, encapsulates the broader struggle of the Azerbaijani people during that tumultuous period. In March 1992, amidst the fierce battles across the Khojaly region, he was captured by Armenian forces near Askeran after prolonged of intense fighting.
He had taken refuge in an old church, where he singlehandedly held his ground for five days, fending off the enemy. Meanwhile, 23 Khojaly residents were being held captive elsewhere by the Armenian forces. In a desperate bid to secure Gasimov’s surrender, the Armenians sent one of these hostages to negotiate, urging him to surrender in order to save their lives. Realising the gravity of the situation and to prevent prolongued bloodshed, Gasimov ultimately agreed to lay down his weapons.
Gasimov’s story first came to light through an article published in the Russian magazine Ogonyok in 1992, written by war correspondent Konstantin Smirnov and accompanied by haunting images taken by Italian photographer Enrico Sarzini.
These stills, discovered years later, which depicted his capture and interrogation, were the first to reveal the fate of this brave young man. The article also served as the initial source that brought his remarkable story to wider public attention and set the stage for further investigations into what happened to him. The documentary Son, produced years later, was inspired by these images and the article that first brought his story to the world. It delves deeper into his life, capture, and the mystery surrounding his ultimate fate.
In recognition of his bravery and selfless sacrifice, Gasimov was posthumously awarded the title of “National Hero of the Republic of Azerbaijan” in 2024 by a special decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.
Natig Gasımov, surrounded by the Armenian forces who captured him. For five days, the enemy believed they were battling an entire unit, unaware that they were facing the extraordinary resistance of a single man. 
In 1992, Natig Gasımov was captured by Armenian forces in a church in the village of Pirler, Khojaly. Despite their relentless efforts, the enemy could not defeat him in battle - his resilience and bravery remaining unshaken.
After fighting alone for five days without food or water, Natig Gasımov chose to sacrifice himself to save the lives of others when Armenian forces sent an Azerbaijani hostage to inform him that other captives would be executed if he did not surrender. 
Even when Natiq Gasımov was captured, he kept the Azerbaijani flag firmly in his hands. Today, that flag proudly waves in every corner of Karabakh.
The interrogation of captured Natig Gasımov. It is believed that he was subsequentally tortured to death by Armenian forces. To this day, his burial place remains unknown. 
After fighting alone for five days without food or water, Natig Gasımov chose to sacrifice himself to save the lives of others when Armenian forces sent an Azerbaijani hostage to inform him that other captives would be executed if he did not surrender. 
The interrogation of Natig Gasımov by Armenian forces. His unwavering courage and bravery were so remarkable that even the enemy was left in awe.
