This year, the holy month of Ramadan and the festive Tuesdays of Novruz coincide. We are living through a period that unites spiritual purification with the awakening of nature — a time that strengthens the harmony of our national and religious values. In the Islamic world, Ramadan is regarded as the “sultan of eleven months.” Its greatest virtue lies in self-discipline, patience, and the strengthening of one’s will. Fasting is not merely physical abstinence from food; it is also a purification of the heart from negative thoughts and the tongue from gossip. During this month, people distance themselves from everyday concerns and reflect on their inner world. Ramadan is a month of repentance and compassion, when letting go of resentment becomes especially meaningful.

At the same time, the Water, Fire, Wind, and Earth Tuesdays — known in Azerbaijani as Su, Od, Yel, and Torpaq Çərşənbələri — reflect our deep connection to our national roots. Novruz symbolizes the awakening of nature, the end of winter, and the beginning of new life. Each of these Tuesdays represents the revival of the four elements of the universe, bringing us closer to Mother Nature.

Azerbaijan is a country where the religious and national traditions of different peoples merge into a single symphony of peace. In these days, when Ramadan coincides with the heralds of Novruz, we once again feel the strength of our tradition of tolerance. In our shared home, we respect one another’s feelings, celebrate holidays together, and cherish our unity.

Today we are in the sacred month of Ramadan, and tomorrow we welcome the first herald of Novruz — Water Tuesday (known in Azerbaijani as Su Çərşənbəsi). This coincidence symbolically highlights a value Azerbaijan has taken pride in for centuries: our ability to unite traditions, faith, and sincere respect for our fellow citizens.

Why is our home special? Because Azerbaijan has always been, and remains, a place where tolerance is not merely a beautiful word but a way of life. Here, church bells resonate in harmony with the call to prayer, and people of different beliefs share the same table. For us, there are no “foreign” traditions. We congratulate one another with the same joy on Ramadan, Easter, and Christmas; we jump over Novruz bonfires together and share our sweets.

At a time when the world needs mutual understanding more than ever, Azerbaijan stands as an example of how different cultures can live in peace while preserving their identities and enriching one another. In this sacred period, it is especially important to remember that true nobility and faith are reflected not only in fasting but also in the purity of thought, heart, and speech. For our people, dishonorable actions such as slander or false accusations in pursuit of baseless ambitions have always been alien. Attempts to defame national leaders and their families or to diminish their historical service to the country and its people are unacceptable and contradict the spirit of Islam. In Azerbaijan, dignity and nobility have always been held in high esteem; slander and disrespect toward the fundamental principles of the state and those who serve it stand in deep opposition to our values and to the spirit of Ramadan.

May this Ramadan and the coming festive Tuesdays bring light and prosperity to every home. May our unity and mutual respect remain unshakable, and may the warmth of our hearts embrace everyone, regardless of faith or nationality.

Wishing you a blessed Water Tuesday and a peaceful and blessed holy month of Ramadan.

Azer Askerov

Watching judo competitions live, witnessing the exciting moments of the struggle on the tatami, gives a special pleasure to fans of this one-on-one combat sport. And if the athlete who is fighting is your compatriot and fights with selflessness with his opponents and wins, there is no limit to your joy.

As a veteran athlete who watched the “Grand Slam” judo tournament that ended on February 8 in the French capital, Paris, directly at the “Accor Arena” where the competitions were held, and who happily cheered on each member of the Azerbaijani team, I repeatedly felt a sense of joy and pride.

The “Grand Slam” (“Grand Slam”) is one of the highest-level tournaments on the calendar of the International Judo Federation. The Azerbaijan Judo Federation was represented by a team of 8 people in this first major competition of the year. Although several of our highly titled athletes were not included in the team, our well-known judokas joined the fight on the Paris tatami. All of them fought with determination. But sometimes desire and determination are not enough for victory. Luck is also an important factor in sports.

In any case, the results of this year’s first “Grand Slam” are worth considering as successful for us. Balabey Agayev (60 kg) won the gold medal, Zelim Tchkayev (81 kg) won the silver medal, and Ruslan Pashayev (66 kg) won the bronze medal, once again demonstrating the power of the Azerbaijani judo school.

The traditional Paris tatami of the “Grand Slam” is an indispensable place for both young talents to shine and experienced masters to confirm their status. This time, the Japanese showed their dominance in this type of combat and became the first in the team standings. It was natural that the French were second in the “owner of the field” status. After these giants, the fact that the Azerbaijani team secured third place is an achievement worthy of praise.

I sincerely congratulate our medalists, their coaches, and the Azerbaijani judo family in general for their successful results! May our victories be many!

Azer Askerov

We are in the third decade of January, the first month of 2026, which was declared the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan. Of course, the good mood of the historical Victory, whose fifth year we successfully bid farewell to, will always be with us now and in the future.

We have come to these days after going through difficult trials. January 20, 1990, occupies a special place in the history of our people as a glorious page of our struggle for freedom and independence. We remember this event with pride… The First Karabakh War, its numerous victims, the destruction of our cities and villages, the problem of refugees and displaced persons, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of our compatriots from their ancestral homeland… These too have deep traces in our hearts and memories!

But the magnificent victories won in the 44-day Patriotic War and then in the one-day anti-terrorist measures put an end to the problems that Azerbaijan had been suffering from for years.

We remember with respect those who died for the freedom of our people and lands, wish their families patience, and pray for our veterans’ health and long lives. May love be given to the author of the Great Victory – Mr. President Ilham Aliyev, and to our brave Army, of which he is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief!

Today, large-scale reconstruction and reconstruction work is underway in our liberated territories. The fact that our “Azman Holding” makes its contribution to this process, albeit small, – its participation in construction work, personally pleases my colleagues. It is very pleasant to see how willingly former displaced persons return to those territories, how quickly those places are reviving. Today, more than 70 thousand people live and work in Karabakh and East Zangezur. The days are not far off when these regions will literally turn into paradise.

And… I would like to emphasize the importance and responsibility of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” to me, as a businessman and entrepreneur operating in the construction sector. We have implemented and are implementing a number of projects that define the modern architectural image of our capital. This year, we are committed to making new contributions to the development of our city and enriching it with new national architectural examples.

Thus, I wish that the year we started with a good mood and a desire for creativity will bring blessings to everyone!

Azer Askerov

There is a golden rule in judo: falling is not a crime, not getting up is a defeat. We, as a nation, under the leadership of our esteemed President, the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, have demonstrated to the whole world the most magnificent example of standing up, unity, and great Victory.

Today, we are on the threshold of two significant holidays – December 31, the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis, and the New Year. Solidarity is not just a calendar day for us; it is both the spirit that makes us victorious on the battlefields and the unshakable force that realizes great projects in the broad process of construction. Thanks to this unity, we are experiencing the pride of the Great Return today. The eternal peace established in every inch of our lands liberated from occupation is the biggest door opened for the progress and prosperity of our region.

I see the upcoming year 2026 as a new peak in both the physical and spiritual rise of Azerbaijan. Mr. President’s declaration of this year as the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture in our country is a special responsibility for us, businessmen and builders. Every building we erect, stone by stone, every city we restore in Karabakh and East Zangezur is a contribution to the present and future of our Azerbaijan.

At the same time, as a veteran athlete, the fact that Azerbaijan will bear the status of the World Sports Capital in 2026 fills my heart with pride. The unifying power of sport and the stability brought by peace make our country an unshakable leader of the region.

On these festive days, I sincerely congratulate every compatriot whose heart beats with Azerbaijan, regardless of where they live in the world. May 2026 be the year of Azerbaijan’s renaissance, new architectural pearls, sporting triumphs, and even closer solidarity.

Happy holidays! May our path always be filled with peace and victory!

Azer Askerov

Azerbaijani judo is in the spotlight of the world. This is no coincidence. Our athletes, who represent our country in international competitions, are not only able to compete at an equal level with the most influential representatives of world judo, but in some cases even surpass them.

This year alone, the Azerbaijani national team has won 22 medals in international tournaments in various age groups, including 5 gold, 6 bronze, and 11 silver, which is an indicator of the continuous development of our judo.

We are sincerely pleased and proud that at the VI Islamic Solidarity Games, which ended a few days ago in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, our Olympic champions Hidayat Heydarov and Zelim Kotsoyev once again demonstrated their leadership in their weight categories, and that our judokas won first place in the mixed team competitions, defeating all their rivals.

The achievements of the young member of “Judo Club 2012” Huseyn Allahyarov, who has attracted attention with his consistent successes in recent years, as well as the members of the national team Kenan Nasibov, Eljan Hajiyev and others in international competitions, should be considered bright pages of the Azerbaijani judo chronicle.

Of course, successes and achievements are achieved thanks to the strength and determination of our athletes. What creates a strong spirit of victory and self-confidence in them is the care of sports by our state, and the purposeful and efficient organization of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation.

In a few days, Azerbaijani judokas will test their strength in the republican championship. This is considered the most serious competition in which young people prove themselves and play an important role in the formation of the national team. Every athlete who takes to the tatami at the national championship knows that this arena is also the beginning of the path to Europe and the world.

We expect brilliant performances, strong struggle and principled confrontation from each of them. Members of the Azerbaijani judo family have proven for years that they are among the favorites, whether at world championships, European arenas, or the Olympic Games.

For the second year in a row, we are delighted to be sponsoring the national judo championship. Personally, as a judo veteran, I welcome the continued development of this sport in our country! May the strong win!

Azer Askerov

Five years have passed since those historic days when the Azerbaijani people, under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, won a brilliant victory in the 44-day Patriotic War for the liberation of our occupied lands. This victory, achieved after nearly thirty years of waiting for justice, has become a symbol of historical truth, national dignity, and the restoration of justice for our people.

Azerbaijan waited patiently for nearly 30 years for the international community to react to the occupation of our lands and recognize the scale of injustice against one million refugees and internally displaced persons.

However, time passed, UN resolutions remained on paper, and the aggressor continued to strengthen in the occupied territories. When the people’s patience ran out, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, made the only correct historical decision to liberate the occupied lands by giving an adequate, legal, and fair response to Armenia’s next provocation.

This war became a real Patriotic War for Azerbaijan. For 44 days, virtually no family was left out of this historical event. The entire nation breathed life into the front, waiting for news from there, rejoicing in victories, mourning the martyrs. In those days, Azerbaijan had become a single organism, everyone felt personal responsibility for the fate of the Motherland.

The collective of our company was not aloof from the events taking place. When the Supreme Commander-in-Chief announced the start of military counter-offensive operations to liberate the historical lands of Azerbaijan from occupation, our employees, like all the children of our people, greeted this news with great enthusiasm and pride. Everyone understood that the hour had come when the fate of the Motherland would be decided, and therefore they worked with even greater determination, a deep sense of unity and responsibility.

We had created a special headquarters in our office, where every day we discussed the latest news from the front together, made decisions on providing all kinds of assistance to soldiers, visiting the wounded in hospitals, and participating in the funeral ceremonies of our martyrs. Each of our male team members was ready to go to the defense of the homeland, raising the Azerbaijani flag on their heads. About fifty of our employees were called up to the ranks of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. Two of them, honorably fulfilling their civic duty, heroically died on the battlefield, inscribing their names in the immortal Victory chronicle. Today, forty-five veterans of the Karabakh war work in our team – living witnesses and participants of those heroic days. We commemorate the memory of our martyred colleagues with deep gratitude.

The Victory changed not only the fate of Azerbaijan, but also the geopolitical map of the entire region. Azerbaijan turned from a country waiting for support into a state capable of independently solving its strategic tasks, protecting its interests, and dictating the terms of peace. Azerbaijan’s image on a global scale as an example of strength, determination, justice, and humanism was strengthened.

Today, our country is spoken of with respect as a factor of stability and peace in the South Caucasus, and the name of Azerbaijan is associated with construction, trust, and justice.

The victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev played an indispensable role not only in achieving military victory, but also in creating a new model of restoration of the liberated lands. Over the past five years, Karabakh and East Zangezur have turned into a huge construction site. Modern cities, roads, airports, power lines, factories are being built on the site of cities and villages destroyed as a result of the Armenian occupation. Today, more than 60 thousand people work in these territories, building new lives. Shusha, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Agdam, Lachin, Kalbajar, Jabrayil – cities that have become symbols of Azerbaijan’s revival and a new era are coming to life again.

Azerbaijan has never claimed foreign lands. But it will not give its own to anyone – this is the firm position of our people and the country’s leadership. Victory in 2020 – thanks to the will of the people and the wisdom of the leadership, has become convincing evidence that justice and courage always win.

The five years since the Victory have been a period of creativity, not revenge. Azerbaijan pursues a consistent policy of good neighborliness and cooperation with all countries of the region, including Armenia. We have proven to the whole world: Azerbaijan does not need conflict; it needs a lasting, just and mutually beneficial peace. This Victory is not just a military victory. It is a symbol of the spiritual revival of a people, its strength and unity.

We bow to the memory of our martyrs, thank our veterans, and are proud to live in a time when the centuries-old dream of the Azerbaijani people to return Karabakh has come true.

The five years of the Victory are five years of new opportunities, confidence and creativity. May this path, which began with heroism and ended with victory, always be continuous!

Azer Askerov

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

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