Turan Rzayev 
The people of Azerbaijan gained independence, and Heydar Aliyev protected and developed it! One of the most important days in the destiny of the Azerbaijani people is the June 15 National Salvation Day. National Salvation Day is not only a calendar holiday for the people of Azerbaijan, but also a day of great social, political and historical significance.
June 15 is a real date of salvation for our people. The creator of this history is Heydar Aliyev, who played an exceptional role in the preservation, strengthening and development of Azerbaijan’s independence and always relied on his people. Azerbaijan, which regained its independence in the late twentieth century, soon faced great dangers. The crisis of power in the country reached its climax, and chaos and anarchy engulfed the republic. As a result, the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by the Armenian armed forces has reached its peak.
I think that the period is best described by the words of national leader Heydar Aliyev: “Azerbaijan was in great danger. Because the internal forces opposed to the independent existence of Azerbaijan were strong, and the full independence of a country like Azerbaijan, which has great geographical and strategic importance and rich natural resources, did not satisfy some circles in other countries.
“Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan and the consequent weakening and defeat of Azerbaijan, as well as internal power struggles, brought down the forces that came to power in June 1992 a year later, and the people themselves.” Even these words of the national leader show how sad and dangerous that period was. I think that gaining independence was a prerequisite, but the second important issue was to preserve and develop it. Although the people of Azerbaijan gained this independence, they were in danger of losing it, as in 1918. In this sense, I can say that the will of the National Leader is the most important element in maintaining independence.
In fact, Heydar Aliyev created the concept of our national statehood. Despite all obstacles, socio-political stability was restored in the country as soon as possible. The people of Azerbaijan are already celebrating the Day of Salvation in a different mood. Under the leadership of President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the glorious Azerbaijani Army won a brilliant victory in the Great Patriotic War, liberated our occupied lands and ensured the territorial integrity of our country.
As it is known, the Great Leader’s greatest wish was to see Azerbaijan as a whole. It is no coincidence that he said in one of his speeches to the IDPs: “I want to go to Shusha with you. We will go, believe me, we will go. Shusha is the eye of Azerbaijan, a source of pride for every Azerbaijani. Shusha is a symbol of our culture and history.
Shusha is dear to everyone. But not only Shusha, but also Lachin mountains are dear. We can never live without Lachin. A beautiful city like Aghdam, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, Gubadli, those springs of Kalbajar, that Hot Water of Kalbajar – we cannot live without them. The dreams of the great leader Heydar Aliyev came true after 27 years, and President Ilham Aliyev fulfilled his father’s will. Today, our tricolor flag is flying majestically in Shusha, Lachin, Aghdam, Fizuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, Gubadli, Kalbajar.
Writer is Political Expert, Center for International Relations and Diplomatic Studies