Today, Heydar Aliyev Foundation bears the name of the great leader with honour, its activities are worthy of his memory. 
Ilham ALIYEV

All-round activities of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which has been taking since its establishment in May 2004 huge care of culture, science, education, health and social life of the Azerbaijani people and gone down in our national history with unforgettable charity actions, hit the highlight in the recent months and catch more attention of global community. The series of events the Foundation arranged this May, June and July is covered by the European press. The biggest one of them was ceremony of presentation of the 1st European Games to be held in Azerbaijan next year that took place in Cannes. Concerning this we will talk a bit later, but now brief information about another event organized in May in Europe. These 2 events comprised projects completing each other.

Opening ceremony of an exhibition organized by the permanent representation of Azerbaijan at CoE under the initiative and auspices of Heydar Aliyev Foundation was held this May 28 at the CoE head office as part of project “Cultural values of Azerbaijan – the gem of Caucasus”. Speakers in the event emphasized the presidency of Azerbaijan, which is going in the way of democracy, at the CoE Committee of Ministers is as significant as its admission to this organization as a full member on January 25, 2001. It was also mentioned Azerbaijan has reinforced in the past years its geostrategic positions and took its worthy place in the international world and it was possible thanks to the successful policy President Ilham Aliyev purses.

Speakers noted exhibition “Cultural values of Azerbaijan – the gem of Caucasus” was organized by Heydar Aliyev Foundation headed by First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva. The exhibition, which provided comprehensive information to Europeans on Azerbaijan, was held in various regions of France in late 2012. Holding the exhibition at CoE was especially important for our country since it promoted Azerbaijani culture in the world. Exhibits displayed in the event demonstrated the cultural development of the ethnic groups living in the country. All this are the cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s history and culture. Azerbaijan enjoys a diverse cultural heritage. Its cultural values cannot be compared with any other country. Architecture of Icherisheher History and Architecture Complex, monuments such as Gobustan and Ateshgah, Gabala archeological excavations are the most precious cultural riches of the world. The exhibition organized in Europe was an obvious example of all said about our country. The 1st European Games scheduled to summer 2015 will be held just in such a country. To demonstrate these realities, Heydar Aliyev Foundation organized exhibition “Cultural values of Azerbaijan – the gem of Caucasus”, featuring the cultural life of our country and nation, prior to the presentation of those games in Europe.

And now, let’s speak about solemn ceremony of presentation of Baku European Games - 2015 held on July 9 as part of the Azerbaijan Culture Days in Cannes. The European press writes Cannes again hosts Azerbaijani culture celebrations. This ancient French town, rich in culture events, was several days ago decorated with banners and posters about Azerbaijan to inform residents and tourists of Azerbaijan-related events. Within the Azerbaijan days our country was presented in such different aspects as history, music, literature, classic and modern art.

Detailed information on history and culture of Azerbaijan was provided in the solemn ceremony of presentation of Baku European Games - 2015. It was mentioned enjoying rich cultural values, Azerbaijan will host the first European Games about in a year.

Addressing the ceremony, First Lady of Azerbaijan, Chairwoman of the Organizing Committee of European Games Mehriban Aliyeva expressed honor of being an honorary citizen of Cannes and respect to the town and its residents. “Our today’s meeting has been devoted to a very significant event to occur in the Azerbaijani history – the first European Games to be held in 2015 in Baku. As you know, according to a decision of the European Olympic Committee, the first European Games will be held in Baku and this decision has been welcomed by the people of Azerbaijan. For this decision, I cordially thank all members and the president of the European Olympic Committee.”, said Mrs Aliyeva.

Expressing gratitude to the European Olympic Committee’s management for trusting Azerbaijan, M.Aliyeva said although the Olympic movement originated from Europe and was later restored in Europe, no European games have so far been held in Europe, and hosting such games, which will enter the history as the first European Games, is the greatest honour for us, for Azerbaijan, at the same time, it is great responsibility.

Today Azerbaijan is known to the world as a sports country. Supporting sports and Olympic movement is one of the main directions of the state’s policy. After regaining our independence, we started to participate in Olympic Games since 1996, and, in a short time, our sportsmen reached big achievements. With every new game, the number of medals gained increases. Azerbaijani athletes won ten medals in the last Summer Olympic Games, and for these results we took the 15th place among the European countries, and 30th among the participants.

Talking about all-round progress in Azerbaijan, which is developing on the basis of the political line of Heydar Aliyev, Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva mentioned much care and attention is shown in the country towards the development of the sports infrastructure, and in the last ten years, over 50 Olympic centres were built in the country. Number of the youth going in for sports and those that chose sports as a profession have recent years increased, and new perspectives and opportunities are facing these young people. Our country has gained much experience in holding international sports events. European and world championships were held in Baku on various types of sports. The European Championship for Rhythmic Gymnastics held last month in Baku has been appreciated by both sportsmen and also the sports society as very well organized.

According to the Foundation’s President, just taking into account these facts – achievements of our sportsmen, existing sports infrastructure, strong state support to sports and, of course, our country’s rapid economic development, the European Olympic Committee decided to hold these games in Azerbaijan. Speaking of the importance of these games, M.Aliyeva emphasized Olympic Games to be held in Baku will open a new page in sports history and, of course, the first games will define the level of future games’ standards. Despite only two and a half years are allocated for the preparation, Azerbaijan is determined to hold these games at the level of summer Olympic Games. All necessary measures are taken and the Organizing Committee is working hard to ensure this. We have built close partnership relations with international organizations and with the European Olympic Committee. We have been benefiting from the support of numerous volunteers and all necessary works are being performed. I’m hopeful the first European Games will be held in an environment of justice, fair competition, friendship and solidarity.

Mehriban Aliyeva said Europeans visiting our country during the first European Games will have a chance to acquaint themselves with the history, culture of Azerbaijan, architectural monuments linking the East with the West, and traditions of the country. They will see Azerbaijan has become one of the world hubs in terms of tolerance and multiculturalism. Representatives of various nations and religions have centuries long lived in our country in the environment of friendship, mutual trust and peace. Today we treat the universal cultural diversity with respect, having preserved our traditions, roots and history.

Highly valuing the friendly and partnership relationships between Azerbaijan and France, the President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation expressed belief in the continuation of this tradition: “I’m very pleased the relations between our countries, especially in the humanitarian sphere, have risen to a new level. Events aiming to promote Azerbaijan more closely are held in various cities of France. A year ago, you may remember, Days of Azerbaijani Culture were held, which was a very big success. Agreements of fraternity are signed between Azerbaijani and French cities, and I’m hopeful this tradition will be continued by signing another agreement between the city of Cannes and one of the Azerbaijani cities.”

It was a pleasure to hear the realities of Azerbaijan from Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, and a pride from a European official. Assessing Azerbaijan’s hosting the 1st European Games 2015 as a significant event, President of the French Olympic and Sports Committee Denis Masseglia said Baku will successfully host the European Games.

Day by day we are getting closer to that historical event, which will bring a dignity to our republic and nation. The first European Games will start in less than a year. Governed by the works done, measures taken in this sphere, we can say adoption of a decision on holding the European Games 2015 in Baku was a fair decision. Promotion of preparations for these games in Europe is an important contribution Heydar Aliyev Foundation gives to the implementation of our state policy. 

Araz Gadimaliyev,
Ph.D. in Law,
“Azerbaijan Realities” analytic study group active.