BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 1. Today, Azerbaijan
celebrates Azerbaijan Alphabet and Language Day. This significant
occasion was established by a decree signed by National Leader
Heydar Aliyev on August 9, 2001. The choice of August 1 was not
accidental, as the Azerbaijan Alphabet Commission was established
on this date in 1990.
As is well known, during the alphabet reform of the 1990s, the
distinguished linguist, author of the modern Azerbaijani alphabet,
Honored Scientist, State Prize laureate, and Academician Afad
Gurbanov became the first scholar to scientifically substantiate
the necessity of transitioning to a new independent alphabet based
on the Latin script. At his initiative, the Azerbaijan Alphabet
Commission was established on August 1, 1990, and, in recognition
of his expertise and extensive knowledge in the field of alphabet
studies, Afad Gurbanov was appointed chairman of the
commission.
The alphabet and writing system constitute one of the
fundamental components of every nation's cultural heritage. The
alphabet is a cultural instrument and a national spiritual
treasure. A writing system based on a well-developed and effective
alphabet plays a crucial role in the creation, preservation, and
advancement of a nation's material and cultural achievements. It
also contributes to the development of the national language,
scientific cooperation, and other essential spheres of public
life.
Regardless of where they live, every Azerbaijani should preserve
and promote their native language, religion, national customs, and
traditions. Just as every Azerbaijani knows that the lyrics of the
National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan were written by Ahmad
Javad and its music was composed by Uzeyir Hajibeyli, they should
also know that the author of today's Azerbaijani alphabet—one of
the nation's greatest cultural treasures—is the renowned linguist
and academician Afad Gurbanov.
