The Heydar Aliyev Museum at Baku State University (BSU) was established in 1997 with the personal approval of the National Leader, Heydar Aliyev. The museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy, statehood philosophy, and Azerbaijani identity ideology of Heydar Aliyev, a BSU graduate and Honorary Doctor. Its mission includes studying, researching, and widely disseminating his invaluable contributions.
The museum plays a crucial role in documenting and preserving historical materials that reflect Heydar Aliyev’s remarkable life and career and passing them on to future generations. It also aims to educate young people studying at BSU by fostering their patriotism, loyalty to Azerbaijan, and commitment to national and moral values.
The museum houses a rich collection of documents, photographs, and materials showcasing various periods of Heydar Aliyev’s life and work. Notable exhibits include documents like his high school diploma which got from an international school in Nakhchivan in 1939, his application letter and examination sheet for admission to BSU, group photo from his university graduation and his diploma from the Faculty of History and other rare and valuable historical documents related to his academic and professional journey.
The museum also contains exhibits related to Heydar Aliyev’s visits to BSU, his participation in university anniversaries, and his historic speeches. Other displays include materials on his meetings with world leaders and officials, as well as Honorary Doctorate diplomas and medals awarded to him by prestigious universities, including BSU.
A significant section of the museum is dedicated to his return to political leadership in 1993 at the demand of the Azerbaijani people. Exhibits document his leadership in Soviet times, his role in Azerbaijan’s independence, and his efforts to establish Azerbaijan’s global recognition. His official visits abroad, meetings with world leaders, and diplomatic initiatives to protect Azerbaijan’s national interests are showcased through photographs, documents, and artifacts.
A special section features monographs by BSU scholars analyzing Heydar Aliyev’s state-building legacy and political philosophy, along with books and photographs capturing key moments of his life.
The museum has been visited by numerous prominent public and political figures, as well as representatives of the scientific and educational community. Many visitors have shared their thoughts about Heydar Aliyev’s legacy and the museum’s importance in the guestbook.
During his visits to BSU, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has also toured the museum and left his historical remarks in the guestbook.
The museum regularly hosts lectures, roundtable discussions, meetings, and seminars focused on studying and promoting Heydar Aliyev’s legacy. It also organizes guided tours for newly admitted bachelor’s and master’s students at BSU, students from the "Young Talents" High School affiliated with BSU, pupils from other secondary schools.
Within the museum, the Heydar Aliyev Lecture Hall is actively functioning. It serves as a platform for lectures on his political legacy and Azerbaijani national identity.
Distinguished public and political figures, as well as prominent BSU scholars, deliver lectures on topics such as Heydar Aliyev’s independent state doctrine and its inseparable link to the Azerbaijani identity ideology, his nation-building efforts as the founder of modern Azerbaijan, his unparalleled contributions to preserving and promoting the Azerbaijani language, history, culture, and national-moral values.
