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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
The genocide committed against the local Azerbaijani population by the Armenian armed forces, with the participation of the 366th motorized rifle regiment of Russia, during the occupation of the city of Khojaly on the night of February 25-26, 1992, has been recorded in the history of mankind as one of the most serious crimes. I recall the words of the Honorable President, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, who spoke at a meeting with the residents of Khojaly in February of last year: “Khojaly has such a great place in the history and consciousness of the Azerbaijani people that this tragedy has inflicted such great wounds on our hearts that we could not calm down until Khojaly was liberated.”
Thanks to the determination of our head of state and the bravery of our glorious Army, Khojaly was liberated as a result of the anti-terrorist operation conducted on September 19-20, 2023. We also hear the footsteps of the Great Return in this land, which is dear and sacred to our people. The return of Khojaly residents, who have been displaced for more than thirty years, has begun. The Azerbaijani state is restoring the city of Khojaly. Houses are being renovated at a high level and returned to their owners.
The foundation of the Genocide Memorial has been laid in the rebuilt and improved Khojaly. The memorial is being created by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which has made significant contributions to the world’s awareness of the Khojaly genocide.
Today, the souls of the victims of the Khojaly genocide are happy. The heroic sons of Azerbaijan took their revenge on the battlefield. On the 33rd anniversary of this genocide, which our people will never forget, I respectfully commemorate the memory of all our martyrs, and I wish the Almighty God mercy on them and patience for their loved ones and relatives.
We are in Khojaly again!
Karabakh is Azerbaijan!
Azer Askerov
January 20, 1990 will forever remain one of the most tragic pages in the history of Azerbaijan. Black January… This is how the Azerbaijani people, faced with unprecedented cruelty and injustice, but demonstrating incredible moral strength and determination to restore justice, stood up to the armed forces.
On the night of January 20, hundreds of tanks and armored personnel carriers entered Baku, destroying everything in their path. Armed soldiers opened fire on unarmed people, including the elderly, women, and children. As a result of the bloody military intervention in the Azerbaijani capital, more than 140 people were killed, hundreds were injured, and there were missing. Those who fell under the bullets were not only those who were trying to defend their lands, but also those who happened to be on the streets of the city at that time, those who were walking or driving home, or simply looking out of the window of their apartment… This tragedy did not bypass our family. My 39-year-old uncle Shamsaddin Orujov lost his life from a bullet wound he received while looking out the window of his house, he became a martyr.
On Black January, the Soviet Army, receiving orders from the central leadership of the USSR, intervened militarily not only in Baku, but also in other regions of the republic. Officially, this was justified by the “need to suppress mass unrest and prevent interethnic conflicts.” However, in reality, the military intervention led to the mass killing of civilians who demanded the establishment of justice, the protection of their rights, and the restoration of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
This tragedy caused deep sadness and anger not only in Azerbaijan, but throughout the world. The incident once again demonstrated the readiness of the Soviet government, represented by the hated Gorbachev and his gang, to resort to any kind of cruelty to suppress the people’s struggle for freedom. However, Black January was a turning point in the history of Azerbaijan. This tragedy further strengthened the people’s determination to fight for their independence and national identity.
The memory of the victims of the January 20 tragedy, which is of exceptional importance for the preservation of our unity, independence, and national dignity, lives forever in the memory of our people. Their sacrifice is unforgettable. An independent and prosperous Azerbaijan is the best proof that the struggle for the ideals of freedom and justice, despite all obstacles and trials, will result in victory.
May God have mercy on our martyrs!
Azer Asgarov
