Azerbaijani leaders, institutions honour National Leader Heydar Aliyev on Memorial Day

President Ilham Aliyev, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, and official Azerbaijani institutions have paid tribute to national leader Heydar Aliyev on the 22nd anniversary of his passing.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by @presidentaz

President Ilham Aliyev shared a commemorative post, while First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva honoured the late leader on her official Instagram page, highlighting his enduring legacy and pivotal role in Azerbaijan’s political and social development.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Mehriban Aliyeva (@firstvicepresidentazerbaijan)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan also published a post on its official social media accounts, stating: "Today marks 22 years since the death of the great leader Heydar Aliyev, who left a deep mark on the heart of the Azerbaijani people, played a key role in the development of the Azerbaijani state, and rendered invaluable services in defending national interests. His wise policies, foresight, and boundless devotion to his people left an indelible mark on the history of Azerbaijan’s development. We honour the memory of the great leader with deep respect."

Bu gün, müasir Azərbaycan dövlətinin memarı, xalqımızı ən ağır sınaqlardan çıxararaq sabitlik və inkişaf yoluna aparmış Ulu Öndər Heydər Əliyevin əbədiyyətə qovuşmasından 22 il ötür.

Onun müdrikliyi, milli maraqlara sarsılmaz sədaqəti və dövlətçilik ənənələrinin… pic.twitter.com/XCMlV4Lq6C

— MFA Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 (@AzerbaijanMFA) December 11, 2025

Heydar Aliyev, born on May 10, 1923, in Nakhchivan, was a prominent Azerbaijani statesman and national leader. He began his career in the state security services, eventually becoming Chairman of the State Security Committee of the Azerbaijan SSR and receiving the rank of Major General. In 1969, he was elected First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan, and later held top positions in the USSR government, including membership in the Politburo.

Returning to Azerbaijan amid political turmoil in the early 1990s, Aliyev led the country through a critical period, founding the New Azerbaijan Party in 1992. He became President of Azerbaijan in 1993 and was re-elected in 1998. Known for his decisive leadership, he played a key role in stabilising the country and strengthening its independence.

Heydar Aliyev passed away on December 12, 2003, at the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, leaving a lasting legacy in Azerbaijan’s modern history.