BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 9. There are figures in
Azerbaijan’s modern history whose legacy extends far beyond the
political events of a specific era, political analyst Azer Garayev
told Trend.


According to him, the work of such leaders shapes the future of
the state, influences the development of national identity, and
becomes a turning point in the history of an entire nation.
National leader Heydar Aliyev is regarded as one of those historic
figures. Today, his name remains closely associated with
Azerbaijani statehood, political stability, national security, and
strong governance.


Garayev noted that May 10, 2026, marks the 103rd anniversary of
Heydar Aliyev’s birth. Despite the passage of time, he said
Aliyev’s philosophy of governance, political legacy, and strategic
vision continue to play an important role in Azerbaijan’s
socio-political life.


He said one of the most significant aspects of Aliyev’s
political career was the formation of the state security system and
the implementation of a personnel policy based on national
interests and professional expertise. Aliyev understood even during
the Soviet era that statehood depended not only on economic
development and political administration, but also on a strong
security system, strategically minded leadership, and highly
qualified Azerbaijani professionals, Garayev added.


Garayev noted that Aliyev began working in state security
agencies in 1944 and quickly distinguished himself through
professionalism, discipline, and management skills. At the time,
the Soviet security apparatus was among the most closed and tightly
controlled institutions in the USSR, and representatives of Soviet
republics rarely advanced to senior positions. Azerbaijanis, in
particular, had minimal representation in strategic state
structures.


“In such a difficult period, Heydar Aliyev’s rise to leadership
positions in the security system was not only a personal
achievement, but also a demonstration of the Azerbaijani people’s
intellectual and national potential,” he said.


He added that Aliyev’s appointment as chairman of the Azerbaijan
SSR State Security Committee in 1967 marked a major stage in the
country’s political and security history. After his appointment,
systematic efforts were launched to train Azerbaijani professionals
within the security agencies.


Garayev said Aliyev promoted Azerbaijani youth in strategic
sectors at a time when non-national cadres dominated major Soviet
institutions. Under his initiative, hundreds of young Azerbaijanis
were sent to prestigious universities in Moscow, Leningrad, Kyiv,
Minsk, and other Soviet cities to study law, security, military
administration, and intelligence-related fields.


He described the policy as part of Aliyev’s long-term vision for
building Azerbaijan’s future national security system around
professionals committed to national interests.


Many Azerbaijanis who later served in Soviet security structures
entered the system through Aliyev’s support, Garayev said. He added
that Aliyev closely monitored their education, service, and
professional development, while experienced specialists were later
brought back to Azerbaijan and appointed to key state
positions.


As a result of that policy, the number of professional
Azerbaijani personnel in the country’s security and law enforcement
agencies increased significantly during the 1970s and 1980s, he
said. Many officials who later played important roles in
independent Azerbaijan emerged from that system.


Garayev also highlighted Aliyev’s appointment in 1969 as first
secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of
Azerbaijan, saying it marked the beginning of a new phase in the
republic’s development. During that period, industrial growth
accelerated, new factories were launched, agricultural productivity
increased, and major progress was made in science and
education.


“One of the most important aspects was the emphasis on
professionalism in governance,” Garayev said, adding that Aliyev
strengthened discipline in public administration and made the
promotion of Azerbaijani professionals a priority.


He argued that Aliyev understood a strong human capital base was
essential for Azerbaijan’s future as an independent state.


Garayev also pointed to Aliyev’s 1982 appointment as first
deputy chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers, saying it
demonstrated recognition of his political influence across the
Soviet Union. Even while working in Moscow, he said, Aliyev
continued focusing on Azerbaijan by supporting economic projects,
promoting Azerbaijani specialists, and defending national
interests.


Garayev described Aliyev’s resignation in 1987 in protest
against Soviet leadership policies as evidence of his principled
political stance, particularly in response to what he viewed as
biased policies toward Azerbaijan under Soviet leader Mikhail
Gorbachev.


He also called Aliyev’s reaction to the January 20, 1990 tragedy
one of the most significant political moments in Azerbaijan’s
history. Aliyev publicly condemned the Soviet military crackdown in
Baku while in Moscow, despite the political risks involved in
openly challenging Soviet authorities, Garayev said.


“Despite intense pressure, Heydar Aliyev demonstrated that he
stood with his people and publicly condemned the tragedy from both
a legal and political standpoint,” he said.


Garayev added that when Heydar Aliyev returned to power in 1993
amid a deep political crisis, chaos, and the threat of civil
conflict, he succeeded in restoring stability in a short period of
time. State institutions were rebuilt, law enforcement and security
systems were strengthened, and major steps were taken toward
building the national army, he said.