This Day in History for January 21

JAN 21 Wednesday 2026
Featured event 2025

Kartalkaya hotel fire

A fire at a hotel at the Kartalkaya ski resort in Turkey's Bolu Province results in 78 people killed.

Notable Births

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Notable Deaths

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On This Day Quote

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt
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What happened on this day

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  1. 2025
    Kartalkaya hotel fire

    A fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort in Bolu Province, Turkey, results in 78 people dead and 51 injured.

  2. 2023
    Monterey Park shooting

    Huu Can Tran, 72, opens fire in a dance studio in Monterey Park, California, killing eleven people and injuring nine others before later committing suicide. It is the worst mass shooting in Los Angeles County since the 2008 Covina massacre.

  3. 2017
    Women's March

    Over 400 cities across America and 160+ countries worldwide participate in a large-scale women's march, including in Portland, on Donald Trump's first full day as President of the United States.

  4. 2014
    Rojava Revolution

    Rojava conflict: The Jazira Canton declares its autonomy from the Syrian Arab Republic.

  5. 2011
    Albanian opposition demonstrations

    Anti-government demonstrations take place in Tirana, Albania. Four people die from gunshots, allegedly fired from armed police protecting the Prime Minister's office.

View full historical timeline (40 events)

On This Day Quote

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt

People born today

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on January 21?

One highlighted entry is from 2025: A fire at a hotel at the Kartalkaya ski resort in Turkey's Bolu Province results in 78 people killed.

Who was born on January 21?

People listed for January 21 include Luke Littler (2007), IShowSpeed (2005), and Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway (2004).

What observances fall on January 21?

Observances listed for January 21 include Flag Day (Quebec), Christian feast day: Agnes, and Christian feast day: Demiana (Coptic Church).

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