Returning to power at the insistent call of the people in a difficult and fateful period for Azerbaijan, which had restored its state independence in 1991, Heydar Aliyev showed exceptional selflessness in the name of saving the Motherland. He saved Azerbaijan from the threat of fragmentation and loss of independence, a deep economic and political crisis, and put it to a path of sustainable development. The logical result of his titanic activity, foresight and strategy aimed at the future was the fact that a strong and powerful Azerbaijan, a country enjoying great authority in the world, won a glorious Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War and proved that it was capable of defending its sovereignty and independence.

AZERTAC highlights the chronology of the thorny and glorious path traveled by our great leader, his unique political and public activities, and his life given to the people.

Moments of life given to the people: 1969

14 July. Heydar Aliyev is elected First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan.

5 August. He makes a speech at a plenary session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan.

6 August. He is elected member of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Azerbaijan SSR at the fifth session of the Supreme Soviet of the Azerbaijan SSR of the seventh convocation.

18 September. He makes a speech at an official meeting dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Kommunist newspaper.

1 November. He delivers a speech at an official meeting dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Azerbaijan State University.

3 November. He makes a speech at the Third Congress of Azerbaijani collective farmers.

24 December. He makes a speech at a plenary session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan.

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14 July 1969 has a special place in the history of Azerbaijan. At the July plenary session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev was elected its First Secretary. The new First Secretary broke the ice of stagnation and decline and embarked on large-scale creative work in the republic. Enterprises unique for that time were built in Baku – an air conditioners plant and a deep-water jackets factory, the beautiful buildings of the Gulustan and the current Heydar Aliyev Palace. Such large residential areas as New Ahmadli, Gunashli and micro-districts were established as well. At the same time, agriculture revived, the production of cotton, grapes and vegetables increased many times. The well-being of the rural population also dramatically improved.

Heydar Alirza oglu Aliyev, who was unanimously elected as First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Azerbaijan SSR at the July plenary session, said in his speech that he fully understood the difficult and complex tasks facing him and yet he would do everything possible to solve them.

Addressing the August plenary session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan with an extensive speech, Heydar Aliyev deeply analyzed the economic and social situation and determined the main directions for the future. The issues raised at the plenary session and the decisions made became a development program for Azerbaijan.

If we turn to history, we can see that despite the repeated changes of leaders of the Central Committee of Azerbaijan after 1920, the republic was experiencing crisis up until July 1969. The acknowledgement by the leaders of the republic of negative phenomena that existed not only in Azerbaijan but also in Soviet society as a whole reverberated throughout the USSR. Heydar Aliyev openly pointed out the shortcomings, put forward ideas that were very bold for that period and determined a clear program of action.

Another important fact is worthy of note: on 7 May 1969, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Azerbaijan SSR approved a decision adopted on 5 May 1938 to transfer more than 2,000 hectares of borderline territory to the Armenian SSR. Immediately after Heydar Aliyev was elected as head of the Azerbaijan SSR, he raised this issue and stopped the implementation of this decision. Guided by the interests of the Azerbaijani people, he did not retreat in the face of strong pressure from the central government in Moscow and resolutely prevented the insidious plans of Armenian nationalists.

In general, Heydar Aliyev, a strong statesman and talented politician, not only contributed to the recognition of Azerbaijan in the former USSR and in the world, he also has made a historic contribution to the preservation of our national identity.

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From Heydar Aliyev’s speech at an official meeting dedicated to the 50th anniversary

of the Azerbaijan State University

“The Azerbaijan State University has played a great and fruitful role in the life of the Azerbaijani people, the progress of their culture, the development of Azerbaijani science, and the revival of its economy...

The anniversary of the first higher educational institution on the land of the Azerbaijani people is an event the social significance of which goes far beyond the borders of the Azerbaijani state...

Today, on the day of the official anniversary, we respectfully honor the memory of those who invested their knowledge and talent in the creation and development of the Azerbaijan University...

The historical contributions of the university lies in the fact that it laid the foundation for higher education in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijan Pedagogical University, the Azerbaijan Medical University and the Azerbaijan Institute of National Economy were created within the walls of this university. This is where they drew strength and embarked on the path of independent development. If we compare the university to a mighty tree, then they are its branches...

When discussing the issue of establishing a university in the public circles of Azerbaijan in 1919, some were skeptical and said that nothing would come of it, that it would be better for us to send young people to study at well-known university centers in foreign countries. We can tell those skeptics today that representatives from four continents come to Azerbaijan for education.”