TODAY, Heydar Aliyev is commemorated as the national leader and founder of modern Azerbaijani statehood. Born in Nakhchivan on May 10, 1923, he rose through the Soviet system due to his intellect, discipline and leadership skills, ultimately becoming first secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan in 1969.
His leadership ushered in a period of political, economic, social and cultural revival. Under his guidance, Azerbaijan saw significant industrialization, educational reform and growth in science, health care and the arts. During this era, national consciousness was preserved within the Soviet framework.
