An event titled "National Leader Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijan's Cultural Values" was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Sheki on May 8, organized by the Ministry of Culture to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the birth of the founder of the modern Azerbaijani state. The ceremony brought together high-ranking officials, including Culture Minister Adil Kerimli and the Head of the Sheki City Executive Power, Elkhan Usubov, who paid tribute to the National Leader by laying flowers at his monument.
During the official proceedings, Minister Adil Kerimli emphasized that Heydar Aliyev placed Azerbaijani culture and national-moral values at the core of his statehood philosophy and management strategy. Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the Minister highlighted how the National Leader viewed culture as a vital mechanism for preserving national identity. "The National Leader was well aware that intellectuals, artists, and creative individuals are the carriers of national values. The attention and care shown to them served the preservation of the national spirit," Kerimli stated, noting that the Great Leader personally attended numerous cultural events, from theater premieres to exhibition openings.
The Minister further underlined that this strategic course is being successfully continued and enriched by President Ilham Aliyev. He noted that the "Azerbaijan Culture – 2040" Concept, approved by the President, represents a long-term strategic vision for protecting national heritage in a globalizing world. Furthermore, the Minister praised the historical mission carried out by First Vice President and head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, in promoting Azerbaijani culture internationally. The event also featured speeches from prominent scholars, including Hasan Hasanov and Irada Huseynova, followed by a documentary screening and a concert program featuring the National Leader's favorite songs.
The city of Sheki, where the event took place, holds a significant position in Azerbaijan's cultural landscape, being home to the Palace of Sheki Khans, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Such commemorative events are held annually across Azerbaijan to honor Heydar Aliyev’s role in transitioning the country into a modern, sovereign state following the collapse of the Soviet Union. His legacy remains the cornerstone of Azerbaijan's domestic and foreign policy, particularly regarding the preservation of the country's unique multicultural traditions and historical integrity.
