An event dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of the birth of National Leader Heydar Aliyev was held at Azerbaijan University. At the event, attended by the University leadership, faculty members, administrative staff and students, detailed information was presented regarding the political activities of the National Leader, his salvation mission, and his historic role in shaping the modern Azerbaijani state, while emphasizing the vital importance of preserving statehood traditions, strengthening national solidarity, and educating the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism.

The keynote speaker at the event was Hasan Hasanov, the first Prime Minister of independent Azerbaijan, the first Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, a prominent statesman, diplomat, and historian who worked alongside National Leader Heydar Aliyev for many years. Students listened to the guest’s personal memoirs of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and gained insight into his extensive experience in state governance and diplomatic activity.

The report highlighted the immense historical responsibility assumed by the National Leader during the country’s most fateful and challenging times, as well as the successful continuation of the statehood model he established today, underlining the major successes achieved by the Republic under his leadership across economic, political, and cultural spheres. In his speech, Hasan Hasanov noted that although Heydar Aliyev led Azerbaijan across two distinct socio-political systems, the country faced severe political, economic, social, and security challenges during both stages. The complex situation that emerged both upon his coming to power in the Azerbaijan SSR in 1969 and during the initial years of independence could only be overcome by a statesman as visionary, decisive, and strategically minded as Heydar Aliyev. During a period marked by chaos, political crisis, and the threat of fragmentation, the National Leader, returning to power at the demand of the people, saved the statehood, established stability, laid the foundations for building a law-based state, and defined Azerbaijan’s long-term development strategy. His political willpower, close bond with the people, and governing principles rooted in national interests played a decisive role in enabling Azerbaijan to emerge from severe crises and embark on a path of sustainable development.

The presentation emphasized that in 1969, Azerbaijan was among the republics of the former Soviet space lagging behind in economic indicators, experiencing a severe decline in agriculture and industry. Concurrently, dangerous trends began to take shape in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO) on the grounds of interethnic relations, making the prevention of this process a matter of vital significance. As a result of Heydar Aliyev’s dedicated and principled leadership, the plans of Armenian nationalists were thwarted, economic revitalization was achieved in the shortest possible time, industrial capacity was reinforced, significant steps were taken toward training national specialists, and the Republic’s prestige within the Soviet Union grew substantially.

The guest noted that Heydar Aliyev’s years of service within the top state and party leadership in Moscow carry special significance regarding the international recognition of Azerbaijan. The political authority and trust established during that period became one of the primary factors accelerating Azerbaijan’s integration into the international relations system during the years of independence.

The address particularly underscored that Heydar Aliyev was not merely a leader who resolved the problems of his era, but a great political figure who created a strategic mechanism ensuring the continuous development of the state. Today, this political course is being successfully continued by Mr. President Ilham Aliyev, with special priority placed on army building, which serves as the foundation of Azerbaijan’s military power.

It was noted that through the National Leader’s salvation mission, the state independence of Azerbaijan was preserved, while through the historic victory of the heroic Azerbaijani Army under the leadership of Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the country’s territorial integrity and state sovereignty were fully restored. This triumph stands as one of the most glorious pages in the history of Azerbaijani statehood and a source of immense pride for every Azerbaijani.

Following the presentation, Hasan Hasanov answered numerous questions from participants regarding state governance, diplomatic experience, scientific work, his book “Diplomacy Under the Roar of Cannon: The First Diplomatic Mission of the

Republic of Azerbaijan”, as well as the political legacy of Heydar Aliyev and his personal memories of the National Leader.

It should be noted that the event was organized by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and initiated by the Student Scientific Society operating under the faculty.

Public Relations Department