BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 11.
National Salvation Day is a turning point that changed the fate of
Azerbaijan, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.
“There are days in history that are not just a date on the
calendar, but a turning point that determines the future of an
entire nation. For Azerbaijan, one of such days is June 15 -
National Salvation Day. This date is not only about the change of
political power. June 15 is about the preservation of statehood,
ensuring national unity, and giving independence real
substance.
Azerbaijan, which regained its independence in 1991, faced great
difficulties. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, a new system
of governance had not been formed in the country, economic
relations had been disrupted, and the social situation had
worsened. On the other hand, as a result of Armenia's military
aggression against Azerbaijan, lands were occupied, and thousands
of people were displaced from their homelands.
The political conflicts that arose in the country in the first
years of independence further complicated the situation. State
institutions were weak, various armed groups were operating, and
the central government could not fully control the processes. By
the summer of 1993, Azerbaijan had actually entered a stage of
severe political crisis. A power vacuum had formed in the country,
and the threat of civil conflict was gradually increasing," he
said.
According to him, in such a difficult period, the people's
attention was focused on Heydar Aliyev, who had extensive political
experience.
"Heydar Aliyev, who headed the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic at
that time, constantly emphasized the importance of maintaining
stability and statehood in the country. His return to Baku in June
1993 became a decisive event in the recent history of
Azerbaijan.
The election of Heydar Aliyev as the head of the parliament on
June 15 marked the beginning of a new political stage in the
country. This date later went down in history as the National
Salvation Day because the decisions made during that period allowed
Azerbaijan to escape the threat of disintegration, restore state
governance, and ensure stability.
The concept of salvation did not only mean a way out of the
crisis. It was also about creating a solid foundation for building
the future. In the following years, important steps were taken to
improve state governance, form a legal framework, build a regular
army, and expand international relations," the analyst noted.
Garayev pointed out that one of the main directions of
Azerbaijan's modern development path was determined precisely
during that period.
"The ‘Contract of the Century’ signed in 1994 expanded the
country's economic opportunities, created conditions for attracting
foreign investments, and brought Azerbaijan to an important
position on the international energy map. Large energy and
transport projects implemented in subsequent years further
strengthened the country's economic independence.
The political stability that emerged after the National
Liberation played a decisive role in strengthening the Azerbaijani
state. It was precisely this stability that allowed the country to
build a long-term development strategy, create a modern army, and
strengthen its international positions," he said.
The analyst emphasized that looking back today, it is clear that
the decisions made in 1993 formed the basis of Azerbaijan's
subsequent successes.
"The results achieved in the direction of protecting statehood,
ensuring economic development, increasing international prestige,
and restoring the country's territorial integrity are a logical
continuation of the foundation laid at that time.
June 15 is therefore not just a holiday. This date is a symbol
of the people's statehood instinct, national solidarity, and
ability to make the right choice in difficult times. National
Liberation Day is of particular importance in the history of
Azerbaijan as the day when the state was able to protect itself,
confidently step into the future, and determine the path of
development.
"The successes Azerbaijan has achieved so far, the major
projects it has implemented, and the position it holds in the
region once again show that the steps taken on June 15 were
strategic decisions that affected the fate not only of that era,
but also of future generations. That’s why National Salvation Day
remains one of the most significant dates of independent
Azerbaijan," Garayev added.
