Istanbul, February 26, AZERTAC A rally commemorating the 27th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide has been held in the Turkish city of Istanbul. Organized by Azerbaijan`s Consulate General in Istanbul and Bağcılar Municipality, the rally involved a delegation from Azerbaijan, members of the Turkish parliament, members of the general public, media representatives, and employees of Azerbaijan`s Consulate General and Bağcılar Municipality.The rally aimed to pay tribute to victims of the tragedy and increase the international community`s awareness of the Armenians` crimes against humanity. Addressing the event, head of Turkey-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group Samil Ayrim said the Khojaly genocide was a crime not only against the people of Azerbaijan, but also against the Turkic nation and humanity. He said 613 people were killed, including 106 women, 63 young children, 70 elderly in Khojaly. Ayrim noted that on the night of the tragedy, 1,275 civilians were captured, and the fate of 150 of them is still unknown.The Azerbaijani President's Assistant for Public and Political Affairs Ali Hasanov said his country has been seeking justice for the Khojaly genocide for 27 years, adding that crucial work has been done over these years to increase the world community`s awareness of this crime. He said more than 10 countries as well as 22 states of the USA have recognized what had happened in the town of Khojaly 27 years ago as genocide. Ali Hasanov also commended Turkey and its people for assisting Azerbaijan`s efforts to ensure justice for the Khojaly genocide. The rally participants placed flowers at a Khojaly memorial in the Azerbaijan Friendship Park. A total of 613 trees were planted in the park to remember those killed in Khojaly. Gunel MalikovaSpecial Correspondent