December 12 is the memorial day of the great leader, the architect and founder of the modern independent state of Azerbaijan, who has a unique place in world political history.

On December 12 this year, 21 years passed since the death of world-renowned politician and national leader of the Azerbaijani people.

On this day every year Azerbaijani people commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Azerbaijani Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, by visiting the Alley of Honors.

Heydar Aliyev is a personality who created history. Today the Azerbaijani people commemorate the Great Leader and numerous events are organized in all regions of Azerbaijan, as well as in the capital Baku.

A period of thirty-five years in Azerbaijan's history that spanned over three decades from the late 1960s to the early 21st century is associated with the name of the National Leader - Heydar Aliyev. The responsibility of true leadership within this period reflected the most arduous and difficult trials.

Undoubtedly, when talking about Heydar Aliyev's invaluable services to the Azerbaijani people, it is first necessary to look at the years 1969-1982, the time when he led the republic during the Soviet Union. In their memoirs about the National Leader, statesmen and artists, businessmen, and intellectuals always express their pride in being a contemporary of such an outstanding personality and note that his leadership of Azerbaijan was a fundamental turning point in the history of Azerbaijan. Until that time, the republic called Azerbaijan was not well known not only in the world but even in the former Soviet Union. However, Azerbaijan was distinguished in the union with its rich culture and underground resources. Nevertheless, the Republic of Azerbaijan was mentioned as one of the remote national provinces. It was with the appointment of Heydar Aliyev as the head of the republic at the historic July plenum of 1969 that a period of rapid development began in the history of Azerbaijan. Within a short time, on his initiative, important industrial enterprises were built in the cities of Azerbaijan, and decisive reforms were implemented in the fields of economy, science, and education.

The 1990s entered the history of Azerbaijan as a period of severe tragedies. Having received the historic opportunity to regain independence at the end of the 20th century, Azerbaijan soon faced the threat of losing it. The crisis of power in the country reached its climax in June 1993, and chaos and anarchy engulfed the republic. The conflict, which had escalated to the level of a civil war, directly targeted not only Azerbaijan's independence but even its national existence. The continuous occupation of Azerbaijani lands, the increasingly tense political situation, and the increasingly difficult social situation of the population necessitated the need for a leader who could save the country from these troubles and lead the people behind him. All layers of society were convinced that the only person capable of bringing the country, which had just regained its independence, out of the difficult and unbearable situation it had found itself in was Heydar Aliyev.

Heydar Aliyev was the leader who created the modern history of Azerbaijan, becoming a true legend of his time. The history remembers him as a unique leader, powerful head of state, selfless man and a legendary figure able to take on his shoulders a difficult historical task of state building.

The Great Leader's coming to power created peace and stability in Azerbaijan, put an end to chaos, and the construction phase began.

Heydar Aliyev’s philosophy of Azerbaijanism, after gaining independence, determined the place of Azerbaijan in the modern world, provided a strong basis for the solidarity of the world Azerbaijanis as an ideological ground to the national statehood.

Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan gained victory in the 44-day Patriotic War and its ancient lands, as well as Shusha - the pearl of Karabakh were liberated from the occupation. President Ilham Aliyev fulfilled the dream of Heydar Aliyev and all the world Azerbaijanis by liberating the lands of Azerbaijan from occupation and now the national flag of Azerbaijan is waving in the liberated lands, as well as Shusha.

On 12 December 2003, national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev died at Cleveland Hospital in the United States of America and was buried at the Alley of Honors in Baku on 15 December.

Heydar Aliyev together with the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, stood at the origins of the formation of interstate relations between two countries and, in essence, laid the foundation for these relations.

Today, the successful development of brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan is the outcome of precisely that activity in the early 1990s, when both countries experienced great difficulties when public and political stability in two countries was disrupted, when, unfortunately, there was a civil war both in Tajikistan and in Azerbaijan. The most horrific war is a fratricidal war. President Emomali Rahmon and President Heydar Aliyev did everything in their power to turn the page of bloodshed and put our countries on the path of development. And they succeeded. Today Azerbaijan and Tajikistan are two stable states.

Despite the many years that have passed since his physical absence, the Azerbaijani people never forget their savior, they always remember him with respect. Not only on December 12 but also on ordinary days, people go to the Alley of Honor to pay tribute to the National Leader.

The people of Azerbaijan are proud of their great son, who devoted all his life to faithfully serving the people and motherland in the most difficult period of history. The bright memory of Heydar Aliyev, the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, wise leader and genius personality, lives in the hearts of millions.