Mehmood Ul Hasan Khan
Revival of Islamic values Heydar Aliyev always emphasized the need for revival of Islamic values. He was saying that the most terrible blow of communist ideology against humanity was to prohibit religion and conduct black propaganda on it. But even in Brezhnev’s time, H.Aliyev visited Mashhad, Iran and Kerbala. He also went on a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1997. We can summarize his course on Islam as below:
1. Islam is dear to Azerbaijanis because they worship Islam. At the same time, Islam is very important part of Azerbaijan’s national culture;
2. Islam is a significant factor for moral, ethical and national unity;
3. Islam requires from its followers to be tolerant and treat others mercifully. Mutual understanding and dialogue between peoples and religious groups is one of the demands of humanity in current situation.
Heydar Aliyev did his best to create good conditions for Muslims and followers of other religions as well. Thousands of mosques all over the country, innumerable Islamic schools were restored or rebuilt, Islamic university and departments were established by his instructions. This phenomenon of “religious renaissance” took place in parallel with a strong “national birth” or “rebirth”.
Culture
National Leader Heydar Aliyev always tried to play his part to develop Azerbaijani culture and introduce it to the world.
By respective decrees of Heydar Aliyev, high-level celebrations were held in regard with the 500th anniversary of genius Azerbaijani poet and philosopher Muhammad Fuzuli in France, Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Russia.
For the first time in history of Azerbaijan, Icherisheher (Old City) Historical-Architectural Reserve with Shirvanshahs’ Palace and Maiden Tower was included into the UNESCO’s “List of cultural legacy of the world”.
Founder of Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations
Pak-Azerbaijan friendship was founded by two great leaders of the two countries, Heydar Aliyev and Benazir Bhutto. On the invitation of President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev, President of Pakistan Sardar Farooq
Ahmad Khan Legari visited Azerbaijan in October, 1995 and Heydar Aliyev reciprocated with an official visit to Pakistan in April, 1996. In 1997 Embassy of Azerbaijan to Pakistan was established by the instructions of H.Aliyev. Furthermore, in Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summits 2000, Tehran and 2002, Istanbul, the two Presidents had meetings and discussed bilateral relations.
Heydar Aliyev knew the spirit of Pakistan that’s why he reached out to Pakistan and Turkey for friendship after assuming charge. He called relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan brotherly and strategic. In his own words, “Azerbaijan has always, and in all the necessary levels, defended, and is defending today, the just position of Pakistan on Kashmir issue. We strongly condemn and express our objections to the violation of human rights in Kashmir”.
The national leader of Azerbaijan, President Heydar Aliyev passed away on December 12, 2003. He was buried at the Fakhri Khiyaban (The Alley of Honor) cemetery in Baku.
The people of Azerbaijan never forget its national leader, outstanding politician and great patriot – Heydar Aliyev.
Some thoughts about Heydar Aliyev:
Jacques Chirac (French President in 1995-2007): “This extraordinary personality led Azerbaijan to the way of prosperity. At our different meetings, especially in discussions around the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, I highly appreciatec his courage, wisdom and firmness in the peaceful settlement of the conflict”.
Receb Tayyib Erdogan: (Turkish President): “Heydar Aliyev occupied an honorable place in the Turkic and world history for his extraordinary services and contributions to the happiness and prosperity of Azerbaijan and peace in the region and world”.
Chingiz Aytmatov (famous Kyrgyz writer): “Heydar Aliyev is one of the builders of the present-day democratic Eurasia, as one of the prominent leaders of the 20th century”.
Concluded
