Azerbaijan National Academy of Science

Our people celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Of course, this important history, which reflects the important aspects of the state-building process of our country, is also reflected as a factor of pride in terms of gaining our independence. The National Army of Azerbaijan was established by a decree signed on June 26, 1918. At that time, the political structure of the young, democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was the target of enemies, and the people faced serious threats. The situation necessitated the immediate start of army building, and this demand was successfully met in a short period of time.

Unfortunately, the political turmoil of that time, the insidious interests of the great powers in our country and other factors made it impossible to preserve the independence of the first Democratic Republic of the East.

The Azerbaijani state is experiencing its independence again. Today, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have the strongest army in the South Caucasus region and are among the 50 strongest armies in the world. Great leader Heydar Aliyev has unparalleled merits in realizing this reality. The army-

building process requires great labor and political experience. During the first period of Heydar Aliyev's presidency in Azerbaijan, he attached great importance to this factor. On June 20, 1971, he opened a specialized military school named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski. The Azerbaijani servicemen who grew up in these schools showed unparalleled courage in the First Karabakh War.

Today, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, is taking huge and perfect steps towards the rapid, dynamic progress of the army-building process. The victory of Lalatapa in the battles of April 2016, as well as the release of Jojug Marjanli, contain enough of these realities. Gunnut's victory in Nakhchivan in May 2017 was a continuation of the victories.

As a result of continuous political efforts of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, our Armed Forces have been further modernized, and the latest military technologies have been brought into the army. The magnificent military parades confirm this.

Today, each of us proudly celebrates the holiday of our Armed Forces, while understanding the historical significance of this holiday, we feel infinite joy in the strengthening of our independent Azerbaijan. We congratulate our officers and soldiers on the 102nd anniversary of the establishment of our army and wish them further victories and triumphs. Happy holiday!

Sevil Zulfugarova, director of the Central Scientific Library of ANAS

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