An event titled "National Leader Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijan's cultural values" was held in Sheki on May 8 to mark the 103rd anniversary of the birth of the founder of the modern Azerbaijani state, National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The ceremony, organized by the Ministry of Culture, brought together state officials, cultural figures, and members of the public to honor the enduring legacy of the late leader.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the event began with Minister of Culture Adil Kerimli, Head of the Sheki City Executive Power Elkhan Usubov, and other dignitaries visiting the monument of the National Leader to lay floral wreaths. During his opening speech, Minister Adil Kerimli stated that Heydar Aliyev consistently placed Azerbaijan's culture and national-spiritual values at the center of his statehood philosophy. "The National Leader valued Azerbaijani culture as a primary mechanism for preserving our national identity and turned cultural values into a leading line in the development of our statehood," the minister noted, adding that this policy is being successfully advanced by President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva.
The event also highlighted the "Azerbaijan Culture – 2040" Concept, which serves as a strategic roadmap for the protection and development of national heritage in a globalized world. Heydar Aliyev, who served as the leader of Azerbaijan during both the Soviet period and as the President of the independent Republic, is credited with the institutional revival of the country's arts, literature, and historical preservation. The ceremony concluded with a concert program featuring the National Leader's favorite songs and the presentation of awards to employees of various Heydar Aliyev centers for their contributions to researching and promoting his heritage.
