AZƏRBAYCAN RESPUBLİKASININ ELM VƏ TƏHSİL NAZİRLİYİ Bakı Dövlət Universiteti

 I am very happy to be a graduate of Baku State University

                         National Leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev

Over its illustrious history of more than 100 years, Baku State University (BSU) has nurtured prominent scholars, public figures, and creative intellectuals. The most distinguished alumnus of BSU is a man deeply committed to his people, their culture & morality, who turned into a symbol of his nation with his exceptional personality, a savior and founder of modern Azerbaijani statehood, and the National Leader of Azerbaijanis worldwide – Heydar Aliyev.

Heydar Aliyev, a graduate of the Faculty of History of Baku State University, remained in close contact with the University throughout his life and never withheld his support for this educational institution. This is sourced from his deep connection to the University he graduated from, his love for intellectuals, and his consideration of them as a sense of kinship. Heydar Aliyev approached every issue related to BSU with special sensitivity, starting from making decisions about the University, and organizing its anniversaries, to awarding and recognizing its staff, and he never spared his attention from this foremost temple of science and education in the Republic. Heydar Aliyev is the most renowned graduate of BSU, elevating both the University's and the Azerbaijani people's prestige and providing invaluable services to his nation. The 50th, 60th, 75th, and 80th anniversaries of the University were celebrated with the participation and leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

With Heydar Aliyev's election as the leader of the Republic in 1969, a significant turning point towards state independence and a period of national awakening began in Azerbaijan's history. His invaluable contribution to achievements during this period to the restoration of our nation's state independence at the end of the 20th century is an undeniable fact. The important historical phase from 1969 to 1982 served as a kind of bridge between the era of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and the rising national liberation movement in the Republic in the late 1980s. The strong social, economic, and intellectual potential developed over 14 years under Heydar Aliyev's wise policies provided the foundation for the restoration of Azerbaijan's independence.

In the 1970s and 1980s, like in other areas, significant qualitative changes occurred in science, education, enlightenment, and socio-cultural fields. Heydar Aliyev noted that the progress of the Republic was possible only with sufficient well-educated national personnel paying special attention to the development of higher education in Azerbaijan, expanding its network, increasing the number of students, and taking care of instructors. As a result, the material-technical base of higher education institutions was reinforced, equipment and various supplies were procured, and dormitories were built. All these efforts served as a push for the improvement of the education level in Azerbaijan.

During these years, new opportunities emerged for achieving further development and progress at the University, expanding and improving its activities comprehensively. This was primarily possible due to the efforts and policies of the republican leadership aimed at achieving maximum independence within the USSR. Particularly during these years, favorable conditions were created for strengthening the material-technical base of the University, improving the quality of education, advancing science, expanding international relations, opening an information-computing center, and new educational buildings, laboratories, departments, a library, and dormitories were commissioned.

Among higher education institutions Heydar Aliyev showed special care for BSU, Azerbaijan's first European-style one, which played an exceptional role in the development of Azerbaijan's science, education, and culture. According to the Great Leader, the instructors working in the University’s auditoriums and departments & delivering lessons played an exceptional role in developing the national identity, consciousness, and spirit of the Azerbaijani nation. Heydar Aliyev paid special attention to the appreciation of Azerbaijani teachers and their work. Particularly during his leadership, teaching became the most respected and prestigious profession in Azerbaijan. The National Leader highly valued true intellectuals: “What characterizes an intellectual above all? A higher education diploma? A candidate or doctoral diploma? I don’t think so. The primary quality of an intellectual is to serve society selflessly...”

First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, during an entrance exam at the University (August 1, 1981)

Heydar Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan's contemporary development was possible precisely based on the achievements of this educational institution. He could not imagine Azerbaijan's history, culture, science, and economy or the modern Azerbaijani society as a whole, without this temple of science. He saw the future of Azerbaijan in the University, did everything possible to create conditions for nurturing the new generation, and believed that the development of our Motherland could occur with the help of this educational institution. The Great Leader regarded this issue as a priority of state policy. This is why the University was always at the center of attention for education.

As a result of this care, the 50th anniversary of the University was celebrated solemnly at the state level at last on November 1, 1969, long after the initiative to mark its 10 th anniversary had been taken. The participation and speech in the native language of the Country's leader, Heydar Aliyev, at the anniversary event held at the F.E. Dzerzhinsky Club (now the Shahriyar Club) was a turning point in the direction of national awakening for not only the University community but also the entire Azerbaijani society. This speech ignited a spark of hope in the hearts of the University staff, which had suffered from the repressions and persecutions of the totalitarian Soviet regime until then, and marked the beginning of a new qualitative stage in the University's life.

Emphasizing the magnificent and effective role of the University in the life of the Azerbaijani people, the development of Azerbaijani science, and the rise of our economy, Heydar Aliyev said in his speech: “The anniversary of the first higher education institution on Azerbaijani land is an event whose public significance goes far beyond state borders of Azerbaijan. The participation of representatives from the scientific and educational centers of Moscow and Leningrad in the anniversary celebrations is proof of our opinion. Allow me to sincerely greet all participants of our solemn meeting dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Baku State University on behalf of the Azerbaijani people... and express my gratitude to them. Today, on this solemn anniversary, we respectfully commemorate those who devoted their knowledge and talent to the creation and development of Azerbaijan University. We say the names of these & some other prominent scholars and public figures with respect and gratitude - V.I. Razumovsky, T. Shahbazi, I.I. Shirokogorov, Y.B. Lopukhin, A. Hagverdiyev, R. Malikov, H. Shahtakhtinsky, C. Nagiyev, Kh. Rzabayli, B. Hasanbayov, A. Karayev, Y. Mammadaliyev, M. Alekperli, and many other famous figures. Their lives and creative activities are linked with inextricable ties with the history of Azerbaijan University. Veteran scientists, the veterans of Azerbaijan State University, who received the baton of scientific courage race from the founders of the University, have gathered here for our meeting. Allow me to heartily congratulate them on the glorious anniversary of Azerbaijan State University and wish them good health, happiness, and new creative achievements. Allow me to sincerely congratulate all professors and instructors of Azerbaijan University who have devoted their efforts and knowledge to the noble task of training young specialists. I also warmly congratulate all graduates of Azerbaijan University, all students, and, in their person, all distinguished young people, the worthy continuers of a great cause.” Evaluating the historical service of the University highly, the political figure compared it to a powerful tree, calling other universities its branches. He characterized the period when the idea of establishing a university in Azerbaijan was discussed in 1919 in Azerbaijan public circles: “Some doubted that this work would succeed, suggesting instead to send young people to study in well-known universities abroad. Today we can tell those doubters that representatives from four continents come to Azerbaijan to study. Young people from 27 foreign countries are studying at Azerbaijani universities. The historical service of Azerbaijan University also lies in the fact that it trained a large team of highly qualified specialists for the national economy, science, and culture of Azerbaijan.” Emphasizing that the University was established in Baku during difficult times for the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev bravely noted that the existing situation at that time could not prevent the movement for the establishment of such a university. Evaluating the establishment of the University amid such turmoil as a victory for progressive forces, the prominent political figure showed that this significant event was the result of the struggle carried out over many years by the best sons of Azerbaijan to educate the native people and open the doors of world culture and science to them.

In his speech, Heydar Aliyev described the fact that the University had turned into an advanced center of science and culture, a higher education institution that trained highly qualified personnel, and that the best traditions of Azerbaijani culture were being developed at the University in the following way: “The names of the famous philosopher A. Behmanyar, the thinker-poet Nizami, the mathematician-astronomer Nasiraddin Tusi, the great lyric poet Fuzuli, the great medieval scientist F. Rashidaddin, the rebellious poet Nasimi, the historian Bakikhanov and the realist writer M.F. Akhundov, as well as the prominent satirists Alakbar Sabir, Jalil Mammadguluzade and many others adorn the history of this multi-century-old culture. We are grateful to these and many other outstanding sons of the Azerbaijani people because they preserved the torch of Azerbaijani public thought, science, and culture under the conditions of dark reaction and self-ruling. Today, as we summarize the fifty-year journey of Baku State University, we can confidently say that the jubilarian has proven itself worthy of this high title through all its activities.” At the end of his speech, Heydar Aliyev set great tasks next to the University community, expressing his confidence that they will justify his trust, multi- thousand staff will remain true to the beautiful traditions of the University, which is the flagship of the Republic's higher education institutions and will honorably fulfill the great and responsible tasks standing ahead.

By delivering a speech in the native language at such an international event in front of hundreds of foreign guests, including high-ranking officials from other Soviet republics, Heydar Aliyev brought the national spirit back within the walls of the University. Courageously breaking existing prohibitions, Heydar Aliyev demonstrated not only his attachment, love, and respect for the native language but also by calling for special attention to national history set a new development direction for Azerbaijani society as a whole. This direction caused a great resonance in society, which was moving away from national consciousness.

As a result of the decent development of science and education and the achievements in training highly qualified personnel in the fields of science and culture, on February 11, 1971, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor to Baku State University on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, at the presentation ceremony of the Order of the Red Banner of Labor (1971)

Such celebratory events continued in subsequent years. In 1980, the Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan decided to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Baku State University. By this decision, jubilee events began at the beginning of 1980. On March 13, 1980, in recognition of its services in the development of science and the training of highly qualified specialists and in connection with its 60th anniversary, the University was awarded the Honorary Diploma of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Azerbaijan SSR. On the same day, a scientific session dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the University was held. On March 14, 5 University employees were awarded the honorary titles of Honored Scientist, 2 employees –Honored Worker of Culture, 2 employees- Honored Lawyer, and 1 person - Honored Geologist. Ten employees of the University were awarded the Honorary Diploma of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Azerbaijan SSR. A solemn event was held at the F.E. Dzerzhinsky Club on March 14 to celebrate the University's anniversary and the presentation of the high award. The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan SSR, A. Ibrahimov, congratulated the University’s faculty teaching staff, and students on behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, and the Council of Ministers of the Republic. Representatives from higher education institutions from various Soviet republics and cities also participated in the anniversary event.

There was an organic connection between the events occurring in the Republic during the Soviet era and the life of the University. The world-renowned statesman and politician Heydar Aliyev, evaluating the role of the University in the processes that took place in the 20th century and the formation of the national liberation movement, said: “Much has been done in the auditoriums, classrooms, and departments of Baku State University to develop the national identity, national consciousness and national spirit of the Azerbaijani people. I note this, especially today. Because the scientists and instructors who develop their language, the scientists who write, develop, and reflect their history, scientists who explore, analyze, generalize, and present their morality to their people at a high level – all of them together serve the development and progress of their nation’s national consciousness, national spirit, and patriotism. The emergence, formation, and development of the national liberation movement in Azerbaijan, the protection of our history from falsification and distortion, the possession of great history, great culture, and great morality of our people through the ages – all these have been made possible by the activities of our scientists and instructors working in higher education institutions in the 20th century. Services of Baku State University in this area are very significant and I consider it necessary to especially emphasize this today.” Throughout all periods the University was the main center for the formation of the intellectual potential of the Azerbaijani people. Its employees made great contributions to the development of all areas of Azerbaijani society. University scientists have invaluable contributions to Azerbaijani science.”

First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, participated in the admission exams at the University in the 1970s to ensure the objectivity of these processes. His reforms in the 1970s aimed at admitting the children of workers and peasants to the Faculty of Law caused a great resonance throughout the entire former USSR, his interview titled “Let Justice Prevail...” given to the central newspaper “Literaturnaya Gazeta” in Moscow was translated and widely spread into all national languages. This experience was later applied in other republics.

Thus, after the world-renowned statesman and politician, National Leader Heydar Aliyev was elected as Azerbaijan's political leader in 1969, the process of ascent began in the Republic’s life. The National Leader Heydar Aliyev showed special care for the University, the temple of science, education, and culture. The measures implemented positively influenced the activities of Baku State University, the flagship of higher education institutions in Azerbaijan, too, and a renaissance period began in the University’s life. This period continued until the late 1980s.

Although Azerbaijan restored its state independence in 1991, it faced severe political and economic crises with the constant threat of losing its independence. The ongoing political processes negatively affected the life of the entire Republic, including the University. Although the restoration of state independence created the basis for raising the activities of BSU to a qualitatively new level, this ascent only materialized after the National Leader Heydar Aliyev returned to the country’s leadership in June 1993 at the insistent request of the people. With Heydar Aliyev’s return to leadership, Azerbaijan was saved from disaster and chaos, disintegration and destruction, and civil war. Political stability was established in the Country and BSU began to gradually restore its former prestige. Even in such a difficult situation the prominent statesman Heydar Aliyev thought about BSU and its future, appreciating the role of the University in strengthening the independent state.

Heydar Aliyev repeatedly visited the University breathing new life into this educational institution. Until his return to power, BSU was in a very deplorable condition. The level of education at Azerbaijan’s first higher education institution declined, the sense of confidence in the future among the staff weakened and not only the University but also other higher education institutions in the Republic faced the threat of collapse. Many scientists had left Azerbaijan, seeking opportunities in other countries, some others ceased their pedagogical and scientific activities.

The return of Heydar Aliyev to the leadership of Azerbaijan instilled hope and confidence in the future among all science and education workers, including the BSU community. In 1992, 91 public and scientific figures, including BSU intellectuals, addressed Heydar Aliyev, asking him to return to big politics and lead the Republic. This appeal became a landmark event, recorded in our history as one of the turning points in the political life of the Republic. Heydar Aliyev’s response letter to the “91s” is considered one of the jewels of the National Leader’s political legacy. In his response, the National Leader declared that he would not remain indifferent to the life of the Azerbaijani people, fulfilling his promise to his people and saving the Country from the threat of destruction.

Thanks to the attention and care of the President, the University coped with this crisis. After the prominent statesman returned to power, the strategic line implemented in the field of education created conditions for fundamental reforms alongside other education institutions, at BSU, too and ensured its future development. From 1993, significant progress was observed in educational activities and scientific research and measures were taken to strengthen the material-technical base. The funds allocated to the University and student admissions increased annually. Important reforms were carried out in the educational process and educational discipline was strengthened. Thanks to Heydar Aliyev’s care, new faculties and specialties were established. As BSU’s international relations expanded, it gained the opportunity to establish direct contacts with leading universities worldwide as the leading higher education institution of an independent state.

On September 3, 1994, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, signed a decree celebrating the 75th anniversary of BSU and established a Jubilee Commission. Although political stability was not fully restored in the country and the economic situation was difficult, the President’s leadership of the commission reflected his high regard and attention to the University’s role and importance in society, as well as his care for science, education, and culture.

The Azerbaijan Republic President Heydar Aliyev’s speech in the jubilee event devoted to the 75 th anniversary of the University held in the Republic Palace ( 26 November 1994)

On November 26, 1994, based on the relevant decree of the President of the Republic, the 75th anniversary of the University was solemnly celebrated at the Republic Palace (now the Heydar Aliyev Palace). President Heydar Aliyev also participated in the anniversary ceremony. In his speech, Heydar Aliyev appreciated the establishment of BSU as a significant event, calling BSU “the national heritage, the national pride of the Azerbaijani people and the Republic of Azerbaijan” and said: “...When we talk about Baku State University, we think about Azerbaijan’s science, education, culture and the education of our entire nation.” Valuing the development of Azerbaijani science specifically and directing attention to the role played by the University in this process, the National Leader said in his speech: “Azerbaijani science is among the leading sciences in the world. The activity of Baku State University in its development is invaluable. Since its inception, Baku State University has become a center for the development of science in Azerbaijan. Most of the scientific research institutes established later in Azerbaijan and all the scientific centers originated from Baku State University.”

name and prestige and invaluable services to the Azerbaijani people and state, the Scientific Council of BSU awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of Baku State University to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, on October 28, 1994

Diploma of Honorary Doctor of Baku State University awarded to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev (1994)

In 1999, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of BSU, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, wrote in his congratulatory letter to the University community: “Many patriotic intellectuals who have worked with great perseverance for the progress, development, and prosperity of Azerbaijan are graduates of this national educational institution. Over its 80-year history, the University has contributed many prominent figures to the fields of science, culture, and literature of our Republic...

It is noteworthy that Baku State University, in addition to being a temple of science and education throughout its history, has also played a central role in the development of the Azerbaijani language, national consciousness, and patriotic spirit. Always highly appreciating the work of those who founded and advanced the University, I remember their memory with great gratitude and respect.” These thoughts of great historical significance were both an expression of respect for the memory of those who founded the University and a high appreciation of BSU’s role in the national and moral development of the Azerbaijani people.

On February 11, 2000, President Heydar Aliyev accepted foreign guests and a group of University employees who had come to the jubilee celebrations at his residence. By the decree signed by the President on February 11, 2000, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of BSU, 17 University teachers were awarded the order of “Glory”, 18 were awarded the “Progress” medal, 13 received the title of Honored Scientist and 21 received the title of Honored Teacher. It was the first time that so many intellectuals from the University were honored with awards. This award ceremony was the result of the attention and care shown by the prominent statesman Heydar Aliyev not only to the University community but also to Azerbaijani science and education as a whole.

BSU has always felt the care of its world-renowned alumnus. As a result of the particular attention and care shown by the prominent statesman Heydar Aliyev, the University achieved new development and upgrade, creating wide opportunities for expanding and improving its activities comprehensively. The University achieved great success in education, scientific development, and strengthening its material-technical base.

The bust of the world-famous alumnus of BSU, National Leader Heydar Aliyev, at BSU

Prepared based on the materials of the book “Baku State University. The Temple of Science and Education of 100 Years” (Baku, 2019)