December 12 is the Commemoration Day of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan. Aliyev was the architect and founder of modern independent Azerbaijan, who occupies a unique place in the history of world politics.

Every year on this day, Azerbaijani people commemorate the anniversary of the death of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev by visiting the Alley of Honor.

The strategic foresight of National Leader Heydar Aliyev played a decisive role in leading Azerbaijan to independence and shaping the country's development path. His leadership skills, which were particularly evident in the late 20th century, were crucial as Azerbaijan underwent significant geopolitical changes following the collapse of the Soviet Union. His legacy is reflected in the development of Azerbaijan's economy, culture, and society.

In December 1982, Aliyev was elected to the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and became one of the leaders of the USSR with his appointment as first deputy chairman of the USSR Cabinet of Ministers. In October 1987, Aliyev resigned from office in protest against the policies of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev.

After the tragedy of January 20, 1990, in Baku, caused by Soviet troops, Aliyev demanded punishment for the organizers and perpetrators of the crime against the Azerbaijani people. In protest against the hypocritical policies of the USSR leadership and the conflict in Karabakh, he resigned from the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in July 1991.

Heydar Aliyev was elected chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party at its founding congress in Nakhchivan in 1992.

When, in May/June 1993, the extreme intensification of the government crisis in the country threatened civil war and the loss of independence, the Azerbaijani people demanded that Heydar Aliyev take power. The then leaders of Azerbaijan had to officially invite Heydar Aliyev to Baku. On June 15, 1993, Heydar Aliyev was elected Chairman of the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan, and on July 24, by a decision of the Milli Majlis, he began to exercise the powers of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. On October 3, 1993, Heydar Aliyev was elected President of the Republic of Azerbaijan by popular vote.

Under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan developed into a strong, stable, and reliable state after the crisis of the 1990s. His policies and foresight enabled Azerbaijan to establish itself as an important player in international relations. Heydar Aliyev's ability to build equal relationships and partnerships with global power centers and to set the world agenda was crucial to Azerbaijan's success on the world stage.

Only after his return to power at the will of the people was political stability established. A ceasefire was reached between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Large-scale economic reforms were initiated and the country's financial situation stabilized. The volume of investment in the economy increased year on year and a better quality of life was achieved for the population.

Heydar Aliyev was the Leader who shaped Azerbaijan's modern history and became a true legend of his time. History remembers him as a unique leader, powerful head of government, selfless person, and legendary personality who was able to shoulder the difficult historical task of state-building.

In the post-Soviet period, Heydar Aliyev's vision for Azerbaijan played a decisive role in leading the country towards independence and stability. His comprehensive national development strategy focused on establishing independence, socio-political stability, economic growth, and Azerbaijan's integration into the world community. He also emphasized the modernization of the army, the restoration of territorial integrity, and the promotion of national unity.

After returning to power in 1993, Aliyev began implementing measures to revive the oil and gas industry—the engine of Azerbaijan's economy.

 On September 20, 1994, a “Contract of Century” was signed with other oil companies around the world, setting out Azerbaijan's economic strategy. In his inaugural speech in 1998, the Great Leader declared: “We want Azerbaijan to enter the 21st century as a powerful, independent state. Our goal is to create a better life for future generations. Azerbaijan will develop into a free, democratic nation and play its historic role at the crossroads between Europe and Asia."

Heydar Aliyev, together with the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, was at the forefront of shaping relations between the two countries and essentially laid the foundation for these relations.

The successful development of fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan is the result of precisely these activities in the early 1990s, when both countries were experiencing great difficulties and public and political stability in both countries was disrupted. President Emomali Rahmon and President Heydar Aliyev did everything in their power to end the chapter of bloodshed and put our countries on the path to development. And they succeeded. Today, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan are two stable states.

Heydar Aliyev's policies were successfully continued from 2003 onwards by his son, the current President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ilham Aliyev. During Ilham Aliyev's presidency, Azerbaijan has developed into an economic and militarily leading power in the region.

Today, Azerbaijan is a strong, sovereign, and truly independent state. Building on the foundation laid by the Great Leader, President Ilham Aliyev has created an unprecedented success story for Azerbaijan. The country has eradicated poverty, built a robust economy, formed a professional army, and strengthened its international standing, becoming a significant global player.

The National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, passed away on December 12, 2003. The deeds of Heydar Aliyev are highly valued by the Azerbaijani people during his leadership of both Soviet Azerbaijan (1969-1982) and independent Azerbaijan (1993-2003).

Although many years have passed since his death, the Azerbaijani people never forget their savior and always remember him with respect. Not only on December 12, but also on ordinary days, people visit the Avenue of Honor to pay their respects to the National Leader.

The Azerbaijani people are proud of their great son, who served his people and his country faithfully throughout his life during the most difficult period in history. The living memory of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, wise leader, and brilliant personality, lives on in the hearts of millions of people.