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A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way -- John Maxwell

Heydar Aliyev was a unique leader, who gained the love and respect of millions of people through his bright ideas and genuine work. He will remain forever in the memory and hearts of the people, as positive changes in their lives are directly associated with the name of the great leader and his farsighted policy.

A 35-year history of Azerbaijan, covering the period from the late 1960s to the beginning of the 21st century is associated with the name of Heydar Aliyev.

Historical destiny of Azerbaijan, covering this period, as well as revival of the people during these years in all spheres of its socio-political, economic and cultural life was inseparably linked with the name of Heydar Aliyev.

Heydar Aliyev, who devoted his life to prosperity and well-being of his nation, holds a special place in the history of Azerbaijan.

Heydar Aliyev came to state power on July 14, 1969 as the first secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan under the USSR.

During the period of his leadership, Heydar Aliyev helped his native Azerbaijan, the progress that he persistently strove towards, the rich culture, great historical past with which he was proud of, and on the coming generations on whom he was concerned, to overcome as a state with heavy and sharp ordeals of time.

The national leader played a large and exceptional role in all spheres of life, including in the development of the national economy. The national leader spent his whole life caring about the future of his country and people and defined specific areas for sustainable and strategic development of the country.

Heydar Aliyev will always be remembered not only as a man who established peace and ensured the prosperity of Azerbaijan, but also the leader who turned the Caucasus into a region of peace and stability.

Being an outstanding politician and statesmen, indisputable leader of the nation, he was a live legend. The Heydar Aliyev phenomena always attracted attention, the admiration rising political activity of this nationwide leader of the Azerbaijanis of world was widely covered both in local and world press.

During the years on power he assumed the responsibility for Azerbaijan, helping the people to overcome the heavy and severe obstacles, and thus establishing a strong independent republic that we call modern Azerbaijan now.

Thanks to the effective activity of Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan revived the traditions of statehood, consolidated independence and confident progress, as well as began to stand out in the international arena.

Complete renovation and upgrade of the oil industry, commissioning of a number of plants and factories, including high-tech alumina production, hydroelectric power station, textile mill and production of household air conditioners are associated with the name of great Heydar Aliyev.

"Modernization" can be the most accurate word to describe his activity. Coming to state power in Azerbaijan during the Soviet period he commissioned a process of deep modernization in Azerbaijan, which long used to act as a provincial raw outskirt of the Soviet empire.

Over 10 years of presidency Heydar Aliyev carried out radical reforms in the country, leaving a viable state for the nation, constructed from almost devastated country.

During his presidency, the national leader built clear and right policy, strengthened statehood, and formed a socially oriented market economy. The openness and publicity of Heydar Aliyev contributed to the development of democratic processes and the intensification of the dialogue with the institutions of civil society.

He came to power with a pragmatic and balanced foreign policy, which meant constructive relations with main powers.

Besides achieving a political stability in Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev laid the foundations for the economic independence of the country. He developed an anti-crisis program for the recovery of production, as well as improvement of the financial situation, and attraction of foreign investment.

Signing of the "Contract of the Century" with 13 oil majors from eight countries became a turning point for the young independent nation, thus enabling for the further implementation of huge work. The document went down in history as the first major economic act of Heydar Aliyev, which determined the country’s oil strategy.

"Contract of the Century" inked with the Western oil companies in Baku on September 20, 1994 was of vital importance for Azerbaijan and played a crucial role in the establishment of internal stability in the country, and achievement of success in foreign policy.

Heydar Aliyev, who spearheaded the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline project, did much to attract huge western capital to Azerbaijan, what created many new jobs and lead to the development of several fields.

Moreover, Heydar Aliyev initiated the development of a new Constitution, which was adopted in 1995. "We need to develop and adopt a constitution, so that it would become a historical document, the Basic Law, providing for a long period of stable existence of Azerbaijan on the basis of democratic principles," Aliyev said.

Activity of the great leader Heydar Aliyev has been included in the treasury of political art, his name has become a symbol of the Azerbaijani people, and the way of life he passed was a true reflection of love and devotion to his native land.