One of the eminent personalities in the US and universal history George Washington said in one of his speeches: “Existence of every newly established state is determined by the political genius of the leaders establishing that.” In this respect, leadership of a wise leader, farsighted politician, skillful statesman such as Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan, which enjoys ancient statehood traditions, regained independence in the 90s of the last century and set up a state on the basis of statehood traditions, is of special importance in the history of our statehood.

Though Azerbaijan declared its state independence on October 18, 1991, its territory was under the danger of separation. On one hand domestic separatist efforts and on the other hand Armenian separatists skillfully using this opportunity became active. Being afraid of revolt the ruling forces tried to prevent by all means Heydar Aliyev’s arrival in the power. Heydar Aliyev’s personality was falsified, his political image curtained. But people understood well that Heydar Aliyev was the only person to save them of this danger. On June 15, 1993, Heydar Aliyev returned to the power upon the people’s insisting request. However, internal forces, foreign observers, politicians supposed this return of the national leader would have no result. These opinions failed soon. On June 24, President A.Elchibey left the office and Heydar Aliyev became an acting president. In the presidential elections of October 3 Heydar Aliyev left his rivals behind with majority of votes. To reinforce state independence, establish an independent government, set up and develop state attributes, assure Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, get the country out of the war, improve citizens’ welfare, provide necessary living conditions to them were set as necessary tasks. On his programme on the eve of the 1993 presidential elections the great leader declared: “Azerbaijan will choose the way of democratic development, our people will follow the path of the civil world.”

The years our country was governed by this unique historical person, whose name has gone down in the modern history of Azerbaijani statehood forever, are accepted as the era of renaissance, national progress, national revival, formation of independent state. During the first presidency of the great leader in 1993-1998 the civic war was prevented, armed groups neutralized, occupation of lands by the enemy stopped, ceasefire achieved, construction works commenced. Stability in the country was ensured, interest of the developed states directed to Azerbaijan. Signing of contracts that were the parts of the oil strategy policy, formation of a legitimate parliament, adoption of the constitution of the independent state changed Azerbaijan into a democratic society. 

The huge contributions to the statehood of Azerbaijan reached its peak in the personality of great leader Heydar Aliyev. The national leader’s rich statehood experience is recognized, respected and highly valued today all over the world. The great leader created for us a statehood concept based on the scientific principles and rich intellectual potential, left a rich scientific-theoretical and practical heritage in the sphere of public administration. The scientific-theoretical bases of his statehood ideas are important not today only but for the future as well. Today’s Azerbaijan is going forward and developing in the way of Heydar Aliyev.