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How quickly time flies… It has been five years since Azerbaijan launched its war of liberation in response to the enemy’s next provocation. September 27, 2020 – is a date that will forever remain in the memory of our people as the beginning of the 44-day Patriotic War that ended with the Great Victory.
I remember well what all of Azerbaijan was living through at that time. In the first days of the war, each of us had great faith and hope, along with excitement and anxiety. People all over the country were waiting for news from the front, wholeheartedly supporting the army, trying to help as much as they could. Warm clothes were being made in cities and villages, young people flocked to military mobilization departments, and many of those who wanted to go to the front voluntarily were being turned back. The Ministry of Defense even had to appeal to the people to stop sending food, clothing, and other necessary items to the front – there was no need for this, since our state provided the army with everything it needed.
However, the determination of our people was invaluable. It is difficult to describe this unity in words. In those days, there was no difference between young and old, city dweller and peasant in Azerbaijan, regardless of the nationality, everyone’s thoughts and feelings were directed towards one goal: to protect the Motherland, to liberate its occupied lands so that future generations could live without carrying this heavy burden.
And our army justified this trust. Under the wise leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, our soldiers and officers, showing excellent preparation and determination, brought Victory closer day by day, step by step, meter by meter. Each liberated city, each village cleared of the enemy became a symbol not only of military power, but also of the unshakable spirit of the people.
Now, five years later, we remember those days with pride. We – the current generation – fulfilled our mission – restored justice, restored the territorial integrity of the country and showed the whole world that if the issue is the Motherland, the Azerbaijani people are ready to unite in a united front.
This Victory, in addition to restoring our rights, created a solid foundation for peace and stability in the region. And it clearly showed that any aggression against Azerbaijan is doomed to failure. We are building a future on the liberated lands, and this is the best answer to those who want to provoke us into eternal conflict.
We honor the memory of those who gave their lives for the liberation of our lands from occupation, those who dreamed of martyrdom and those who sacrificed their lives for the survival of others.
September 27 will always remain a day of courage, unity and self-confidence!
Azer Askerov
September always brings a special revival to homes. On the eve of September 15 – Knowledge Day and the beginning of the new school year, the concerns of thousands of families increase. School preparations for children who will enter first grade are being completed: clothes and school supplies have been purchased, and each child is advised on how to behave during the first days at school and in class. These are such exciting events that they are recorded in memory. There is such an atmosphere in our family now.
My grandson, Said, is preparing to enter school for the first time. We are all looking forward to that day, when we can give him advice and discuss every detail. And every time I pay attention to how he is preparing for school, I remember my own childhood. Along with pleasant memories, my heart is filled with a little excitement: I wonder how quickly Said will be able to get used to school life? After all, an important stage awaits him ahead – the first experience of independence, new knowledge, discipline, the ability to listen and learn.
For me, as a grandfather, this event has a special meaning. It seems like yesterday that I held him in my arms as a baby, and today he is in his school uniform, with a backpack on his shoulder, and his eyes shining with determination and shyness at the same time… At such moments, my heart is filled with joy and pride. I remember my school, my teachers, and understand that much has changed, but faith in the power of education remains unchanged. It is education that paves the way for success and a decent life for children.
I want Said to study with interest and joy, to go to school with enthusiasm every morning, and for his successes to strengthen his self-confidence. I believe that he will succeed, that he has great achievements ahead, and that every effort will be rewarded. For me, there is no greater happiness than seeing our children become smarter, stronger, and kinder.
I do not feel this feeling only for my family… I wholeheartedly share the joy of my relatives, friends, and colleagues whose children have entered higher education institutions in Azerbaijan and abroad. For every family, this is a real holiday, the result of many years of hard work, patience and hope. I am happy for every parent, for all grandparents, whose children have reached the heights of education.
We – the older generation – know the value of quality education. It not only gives a profession, but also shapes a person, opens up new horizons for him. In recent decades, special attention has been paid to education in our country. Schools are modernizing, universities are preparing world-class specialists, Azerbaijani children are looking to the future with pride.
I believe that my grandson Said will also be a part of this bright future, will grow up to be a worthy citizen of his homeland.
May Almighty God protect all our children and grandchildren, grant them good health, hard work, intelligence, and a passion for science.
Happy Knowledge Day!
Azer Askerov,
grandfather of a first-grader
On August 30, an event was held in Baku, jointly organized by the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation (AAF) and the Azerbaijan Republic Equestrian Federation (ARAF), which brought together classic cars, a chovkan game, and a horse show.
Report informs that Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the event.
The event began with an exhibition of classic cars on Baku Boulevard. Classic cars registered for the event at the AAF, as well as some of the vehicles from the permanent exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Center, were exhibited in the Seaside National Park. More than a hundred classic cars participated in the event, and it was possible to see vehicles from different years. These rare exhibits reflect the development stage of the automotive industry and always attract attention from a visual perspective.
Then, retro cars drove along the central streets of the city, including Neftchilar Avenue – White City Boulevard – Heydar Aliyev Center – Heydar Aliyev Avenue – Bina Equestrian Center, giving Baku residents and guests moments full of nostalgia. Classic vehicles produced by different automobile companies in different years have added a special touch to the appearance of our capital. Each of these cars is interesting not only for its appearance, which differs from modern vehicles, but also for its history.
At the end of the rally, an exhibition was organized at the Bina Equestrian Center. A video clip on the activities of the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation and the Azerbaijan Republic Equestrian Federation was shown at the event that began later.
AAF, a full member of the International Automobile Federation, implements various projects and events aimed at the development of motor sports, road safety and the promotion of automobile heritage. Among these activities, motor sports competitions, speed festivals, drift and off-road races, and classic car exhibitions occupy a special place. The Federation’s initiatives have also been highly appreciated at the international level. At the FIA award ceremony held in Kigali in 2024, AAF was awarded the “Heritage Propaganda Cup” for the “Classic Cars” exhibition.
During these years, ARAF has also done important work to protect Karabakh horses and promote them at international events. In May of this year, Karabakh horses performed magnificently for the 9th time at the Windsor Royal Horse Show in England and the Ethnosport Culture Festival in Istanbul, and won great popularity from the audience. At the same time, the chovkan game has already become known worldwide and has been taken to international competitions. Then, the audience was presented with the fascinating performance of Karabakh horses – the “Victory” program. A video clip about the chovkan game, one of the national equestrian games in Azerbaijan, was presented. The national equestrian game, chovkan, which was included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2013, is not only a sport, but also a rich cultural heritage. It should be noted that next year, the 2nd Chovkan World Championship will be held in Baku. The event continued with the Azerbaijan-Italy friendly chovkan game. The game reflected the mission of friendship and cooperation of the sport. The chovkan game resulted in the victory of the Azerbaijani team with a score of 2:1.
At the same time, the event awarded the drivers of the “Best Female Rider”, “Best Male Rider” and “Most Unique Car”, “Most Original Car”, “Most Legendary Car”, “Most Ancient Car”, “Most Distinctive Car of the 1950s–1960s”, “Most Distinctive Car of the 1970s–1980s”. That evening, not only athletes and drivers, but also guests distinguished by their colorful retro clothing were awarded. The three winners of the “Most Colorful Retro Clothing” were awarded. The evening continued with a concert program.
P.S. Traditionally, 13 retro cars from the “Azman Motors” company participated in this car show, and these cars attracted the attention of both experts and motorsports enthusiasts. It should be noted that two cars from the “Azman Motors” collection were awarded special awards: the 1957 Mercedes Benz SL 190 was awarded the title of “The Most Distinctive Car of the 1950s–1960s”, and the 1961 Mercedes Benz Adenauer W189 was awarded the title of “The Most Legendary Car”. These rare models are distinguished not only by their designs, but also by their rich history.
The event was beautifully organized and aroused great interest among the public of the capital.
June 26 – the day of the establishment of the glorious Azerbaijani Army is one of the most significant days in the life of our people and independent state. Our ancestors, our ancestors left their mark on history with their militancy and created a rich chronicle of heroism. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces keep this valuable heritage alive and enrich it even more.
We were worried during the period when our lands were temporarily occupied. Will we be able to defeat the enemy, will we be able to liberate our lands? The courage shown by our army in April 2016 was an optimistic answer to these questions. Thanks to the attention and care of the leadership of our state, we saw that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces have reached high combat capability. We were proud in our hearts, we waited for the next victories with great confidence. And finally, in the Patriotic War that began on September 27, 2020 and ended in just 44 days with the territorial integrity of our country, our army showed its strength and power to the whole world. In September 2023, with the anti-terrorist operation that did not last a day, the sovereignty of our state was restored throughout the territory of Karabakh. Armenian separatism was uprooted and thrown into the dustbin of history.
The leadership talent of the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and the unparalleled heroism of the soldiers and officers of our brave Armed Forces brought joy to our people and glorified us as a victorious nation in the world.
Today, we respectfully commemorate the memory of all our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the honor of our Motherland and the freedom of our lands, and we wish them God’s mercy and patience to their families. Our veterans who have lost their health, our veterans who have come out of the fire and the flames are very valuable to us. We always consider it our duty to support them and their families.
Concerns are growing in the world, wars do not stop, terrible weapons are raining fire near our region… At such a time, the constant strength and vigilance of the Azerbaijani Army gives us confidence, creates a basis for us to look to tomorrow with confidence.
I heartily congratulate all the personnel of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, our brave soldiers and officers on this significant day! We are proud of you and wish each of you good health and inexhaustible fighting spirit!
Azer ASGAROV
We are welcoming Eid al-Adha, one of the holiest celebrations in the Muslim world.
On these blessed days — a symbol of our spiritual unity and solidarity — we raise our prayers to Almighty God, wishing blessings for every family, prosperity for our people, and strength and power for our state.
In our country, Islamic values and traditions have always been held in deep respect and devotion. During the years of independence, our ancient mosques have been restored, and new ones have been built. Thanks to our national unity and solidarity, special attention is being paid to the restoration of religious monuments in our liberated lands, under the instruction of our head of state and with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. New mosques are being constructed and placed at the service of our believers.
Eid al-Adha is a spiritual form of worship. It reflects noble values such as gratitude to God, helping others, and showing kindness. These virtues illuminate the life of every Muslim; their practice brings spiritual rewards and opens the path to abundance and blessings.
Let us pray for the acceptance of the sacrifices offered on this sacred holiday, and for the fulfillment of all righteous intentions.
Happy Eid al-Adha!
Azer Askerov
We are in the spring-like month of May… Nature opens the heart and pleases the eye with its inimitable beauty. Fresh air, birds’ sound, and flowers’ aroma evoke pleasant feelings and joy in everyone. For us, May is also marked by three important historical events. Thus, May 9 is Victory Day over Fascism. This year, the 80th anniversary of the Victory will be celebrated. May 10 is a particularly significant day for our people – the birthday of the Great Leader, Heydar Aliyev. And on May 28, we will celebrate the glorious holiday of our national statehood history – Independence Day…
May 9 – Victory Day has not lost its significance even after eighty years. For us, like all the people of the former Soviet Union, this is a holiday symbolizing the courage and heroism of our ancestors. It is a historical fact that, in addition to the sacrifices made by the sons and daughters of Azerbaijan in achieving victory over fascism, Baku oil also played a decisive role.
I also remember well the attempts to make us forget May 9 and remove this holiday from the Azerbaijani calendar. Only as a result of the return of the Great Leader, Heydar Aliyev, to political power in independent Azerbaijan with a mission of salvation, this attempt was thwarted. The brilliant son of our people, the founder of our independent state, restored respect for our glorious past to the system of national values. The Great Leader has an exceptional place in the historical destiny of Azerbaijan: his name, as the founder and founder of our modern state, is forever engraved in the memory of our people. I remember the difficult days that our country experienced on the eve of the restoration of independence and in the following years. Returning to political power on June 15, 1993, the Great Leader, with his steely will, wisdom, and foresight, saved Azerbaijan from disintegration and our statehood from collapse, and laid the foundation for our development and victories today. As a living witness and a person and citizen whose worldview and vision of the future were formed in those years, I always remember the period when he led our independent state with a sense of pride and gratitude. Like millions of our compatriots, I am convinced that the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev was an irreplaceable leader, a unique personality sent by history and God at a time when we needed him. He both protected and strengthened the independence of Azerbaijan and determined the path of future development.
Today, the worthy successor of the Great Leader, the esteemed President, the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, continues successfully, justifying the hopes and trust of our people. Mr. President managed to overcome what seemed impossible to us for many years: under his leadership, our brave army liberated all the historical lands occupied by Armenia and today confidently leads the country to new heights in all areas.
May 9, Happy Victory Day!
May 10 – We commemorate with mercy and honor the memory of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, who gave us independent Azerbaijan and faith in the future.
Every year, on such significant days, we once again deeply understand what a great happiness it is to live in a strong, powerful, independent country. I feel this happiness especially deeply on a special day that I will add to the significant days of May – May 29, my birthday. Long live strong and victorious Azerbaijan!
Azer Askerov
It has been 9 years since the beginning of the April 2016 battles – the four-day war, which was a historical turning point in Azerbaijan’s struggle to restore its territorial integrity. In this war, the Azerbaijani Army, demonstrating its power, determination, and high fighting spirit, destroyed the myth of the “invincibility” of the Armenian armed forces and liberated part of our lands from 23 years of occupation.
The results of the April battles formed a strong belief in Azerbaijani society that if the political efforts of our head of state are not successful, our lands can be liberated from occupation by force. The Victory of our valiant servicemen in 2016 showed that the Armenian occupation is not eternal and that Azerbaijan is capable of restoring justice with its strength.
I would like to once again take special note of the tireless efforts and services of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, President Ilham Aliyev, in the successful implementation of this military operation. Under his leadership, in addition to implementing a clear and coordinated military operation, a powerful information campaign was carried out aimed at conveying to the world community the full truth about the causes of the conflict, the course of military operations, and the consequences of the occupation of Azerbaijani lands.
The April battles were an important stage that paved the way for the Great Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, when Azerbaijan finally restored its territorial integrity.
We bow to the blessed memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the Motherland! Eternal love to our heroes! Long live strong and invincible Azerbaijan!
Azer Askerov
With joy and high spirits, we welcome the beloved Nowruz holiday, deeply rooted in the rich historical traditions of our people. As citizens of a victorious state, we take great pride in witnessing the revival of our liberated lands. New cities and villages are being built, our displaced compatriots are returning to their native homes, and reconstruction efforts continue across the country. The foundation of these achievements lies in our national unity and the strength of our state.
On this blessed day, we pay tribute to our heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our homeland. We extend our deepest sympathies to their families and wish a swift recovery to our veterans.
This year, the coincidence of Nowruz with the holy month of Ramadan further strengthens the spirit of mercy and kindness that defines this holiday. May Allah accept the fasting and prayers of all our believing brothers and sisters.
Congratulations to everyone on the occasion of Nowruz! May this holiday bring prosperity, happiness, and good health to every home and family.
Happy Nowruz!
Azer Askerov
are the unshakable foundation of family happiness
How good it is that there is such a special day! On March 8, we have the opportunity to express once again our respect and admiration for women, who are traditionally the most delicate part of humanity – our family members, colleagues, and friends. Sometimes, just sincere and kind words are enough for this.
Since ancient times, our people have had a tradition of showing respect and courtesy to women. In particular, our holy religion of Islam gives women high value and authority and protects their rights. Moreover, at the beginning of the last century, Azerbaijan went down in history as the first state in the East to grant women the right to vote. Even today, women in our society are surrounded by special attention and care.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude and admiration to all the women around us on this mysterious spring day. You are the heart and soul of the Azerbaijani family, the protectors of our hearts. Your wisdom, love, and patience are a strong foundation that protects our home, our culture, and our future.
From the day we came into the world, we have felt the warm breath of our mothers. Their prayers, advice, and inexhaustible care are a solid foundation that ensures the well-being of every family. Mothers are the bond that unites generations. The ability to preserve customs and traditions, to pass on the secrets of our hospitality, and the wisdom of our ancestors from generation to generation make them true heroes of our people.
The role of a spouse in the fate of an Azerbaijani man is irreplaceable. They are not only beloved life companions, but also colleagues, support for each other in difficult times, and a source of joy in happy days. Next to our spouse, we find strength in ourselves to move forward, because we know that understanding, comfort, and support await us at home.
Sisters, daughters, and grandchildren… You are our pride and hope. Our future is reflected in your smile. You can combine modernity with millennial values and remain true to your roots. Your energy, intelligence, and kindness inspire us to be better every day.
A woman has always held a special place in our traditions – she is a symbol of beauty, nobility, loyalty, and creativity. We are grateful to you for making our world kinder and our lives more meaningful with your hard work, generosity, and devotion.
Happy holiday! We wish you good health, happiness, well-being, and prosperity! May your families always live in peace, and the native land of Azerbaijan be proud of you – just as we are proud of you!
Azer Askerov
Bismillahir-rahmanir-rahim!
I congratulate all my Muslim sisters and brothers on the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan!
Our Holy Quran, which guides people to the right path and clearly declares the separation of right from wrong, was revealed in this month.
Fasting is obligatory in the month of Ramadan, when prayers and deeds are accepted in the presence of Allah Almighty. Fasting purifies us both physically and spiritually, and brings many rewards to every believing Muslim.
Today, we welcome Ramadan with joy and pride as the children of a victorious nation. Our lands liberated from occupation are flourishing, and our compatriots whose forced displacement has ended are returning to their native lands.
We are grateful to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Mr. President Ilham Aliyev, and the glorious Azerbaijani Army, who granted us this magnificent Victory and Great Return. We wish God’s mercy to our heroes who witnessed for the freedom of our homeland and the sovereignty of our state, patience to their families, and healing and health to our veterans.
In the upcoming month of Ramadan, we will also celebrate the dear holiday of our people, the symbol of the reawakening of nature – Novruz. In these blessed days, our wish and desire from the Most Gracious and Most Merciful God is for our people to live in peace and prosperity, and for our state to increase its strength and power.
May God accept our fasting and worship, and answer our prayers!
May Allah grant us peace and blessings!
Azer Askerov
