Javid Shahverdiyev
As the world continues to navigate through tumultuous times, it is often exceptional leaders who emerge as beacons of hope and stability for their nations. Heydar Aliyev, the esteemed national figurehead of Azerbaijan, was one such luminary.
With his exceptional intellect, innate talent, and unparalleled wisdom as a statesman, Aliyev’s legacy is etched into the annals of modern history as a shining example of greatness. His contributions to the Azerbaijani people and their struggle for freedom and independence remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.
As we reflect on the life and leadership of Heydar Aliyev, it is clear that his impact on Azerbaijan and the world is immeasurable. Heydar Aliyev’s life path is a treasure trove of meaningful experiences and a rich cultural heritage that continues to inspire and guide us today. With his extraordinary service to his people, Aliyev has earned his place in eternity, and his story is a wellspring of inspiration and wisdom for generations to come.
As we look back on the past, we bear witness to the remarkable historical achievements of the Azerbaijani people under the wise and visionary leadership of Aliyev. His arrival marked a renaissance and a profound awakening of national consciousness, leading to the irreversible and eternal independence of our beloved country.
Aliyev’s farsightedness, sagacity, determination, indomitable will, and unmatched statecraft expertise were essential in elevating our nation to the deserved heights of global recognition. The legacy of Heydar Aliyev is a shining beacon that continues to inspire us to strive for excellence and pursue our national aspirations with unwavering commitment and fortitude.
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Heydar Aliyev, the national leader who devoted his life to serving Azerbaijan and its people. His unparalleled services to his homeland and people are celebrated with high respect and deep gratitude by every Azerbaijani, both within the country and beyond its borders.
The legacy of Heydar Aliyev continues to inspire us to work tirelessly toward building a prosperous and thriving nation, and his contributions will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of the Azerbaijani people.
Heydar Aliyev’s contributions to Azerbaijan go beyond just the material development of the country. He instilled a sense of national pride and self-awareness in the Azerbaijani people, strengthening their aspirations and feelings of statehood. Under his leadership, the Azerbaijani ideology experienced a significant rise, and the people’s historical memory was restored, making them a real political force.
Through his patriotic activities, Aliyev was able to cultivate an intellectual class with a strong national spirit, creating an image of a nationwide leader. His bold decisions, construction measures, and purposeful steps were all calculated for the future of Azerbaijan, ensuring its independence for decades to come. Heydar Aliyev’s legacy as a great leader has been maintained at all stages of Azerbaijan’s development.
Following his election as the head of state in October 1993, Heydar Aliyev’s leadership expedited the process of securing Azerbaijan’s legal and political-economic sovereignty as an independent nation.
Heydar Aliyev’s unwavering commitment to the betterment of Azerbaijan and its people have earned him a place in the annals of history as a founder, savior statesman, and beloved national leader. It is no surprise that his name has been immortalized in the hearts and minds of the Azerbaijani people, who hold him in the highest regard for his selfless service and unparalleled leadership.
Heydar Aliyev, who obeyed the will of his people, returned to the leadership of the country and took on a very difficult and honorable mission of saving the independent Republic of Azerbaijan, the people of Azerbaijan, and the historical achievements of the national liberation movement from destruction. In the truest sense of the word, this was the incomparable selflessness of the great-hearted son of the Fatherland, who threw himself into the field, saying “I will give the rest of my life to my people”. Heydar Aliyev once again proved that he tirelessly serves the prosperity of his people and the independence of his state without sparing his political skills and long-term management competence.
Heydar Aliyev also played a crucial role in restoring social and political stability in Azerbaijan after his return to power. He successfully neutralized illegal armed groups and prevented coup attempts, thereby preventing the danger of civil war and establishing social harmony in society. Heydar Aliyev also prioritized the protection of Azerbaijan’s independence and territorial integrity, taking comprehensive measures to build a strong army and prevent attacks from Armenian armed forces. With his strategic vision, he created a successful model for the country’s development, which has yielded positive results and is aligned with the reality of Azerbaijan.
Moreover, Heydar Aliyev’s innovative approach emphasized private ownership, entrepreneurship, free competition, and pro-social policies, which encouraged foreign investment and fostered a fertile business environment in the country.
During the ten years of our independence – 1993-2003, genius Heydar Aliyev successfully overcame everything that seemed impossible for Azerbaijan, and for our people, thanks to his thoughtful and far-sighted policy, as the famous saying says, “politics is not the art of doing the possible, but the art of doing the impossible.” irrevocable, eternal and permanent, Azerbaijan has persevered on the path of building a democratic and legal state and defined the strategic goals of future development. The development played the role of a solid foundation and potential for further strengthening and progress of independent Azerbaijan in the following years.
Balanced foreign policy, founded on solid foundations by Heydar Aliyev, is a concept of strategic action calculated for long-term goals, aimed at strengthening the influence and positions of independent Azerbaijan in the international arena and solving national problems.
In his historical address to the people in 2003, the Great Leader showed the exact address that could continue the policy: “I believe that with your help and support, Ilham Aliyev will be able to finish the fateful issues, plans and works that I could not finish. I believe in him as much as I do, and I have great confidence in his future. I hope”. Zaman confirms this belief of Heydar Aliyev, the worthy follower of our honorable President Mr. Ilham Aliyev, who leads Azerbaijan with skill and moves our country forward with his pragmatic and wise policy. Seeing that the helm of the state is in safe hands, the people always support their President and follow him with confidence.
We can confidently say that this policy has been successfully implemented since October 2003 under the leadership of Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the most worthy follower of Heydar Aliyev’s political course. Following Heydar Aliyev’s strategy of democratic statehood with dignity, the President of Azerbaijan became the founder of a new school of statehood based on established strong traditions. Mr. Ilham Aliyev has become the main provider of global energy and communication projects implemented in the South Caucasus region by taking our republic on the path of successful innovative development.
Javid Shahverdiyev is Chairman of Azerbaijan Democratic Reforms Development Center, journalist
