Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

Membership Certificates of the New Azerbaijan Party Presented to a Group of Academy Employees

On October 10, an event dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS)was held at the Central Scientific Library (CSL).

The event was attended by Tahir Budagov, Deputy Chairman and Head of the Central Office of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP); Academician Isa Habibbayli, President of ANAS; Bakhtiyar Nabiyev, Chairman of the Yasamal District Branch of YAP; members of the ANAS Presidium; department heads of the Presidium’s Office; directors and employees of ANAS scientific institutions and organizations; representatives of the Party’s district organization; young scientists; and other guests.

At the beginning of the event, participants laid flowers at the bust of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the foyer of the Central Scientific Library, paying deep respect to his cherished memory.

Afterward, the attendees viewed the CSL’s exhibition hall and the Hall of Academicians, and got acquainted with the activities of the Library’s Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijani Statehood Department.

The ceremony began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In his opening speech, Academician Isa Habibbayli, President of ANAS, emphasized that the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev dated March 18, 2025, “On the Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences” reflects the state’s high appreciation and deep respect for Azerbaijani science, scholars, intellectuals, the new generation of scientists, and the Academy itself. He noted that this historically significant document also serves as a roadmap for the further development of science, defining the future responsibilities of the Academy, which has already passed through a glorious history.

On behalf of the ANAS community and Azerbaijani scientists, Academician Isa Habibbayli expressed deep gratitude to the Head of State, stating that Azerbaijani scholars will continue to unite closely around President Ilham Aliyev, support his domestic and foreign policy, and confidently advance their scientific mission in the name of national progress and the protection of state interests.

The ANAS President noted that various events marking the 80th anniversary of the Academy had been held in Karabakh, Nakhchivan, the Vajiha Samadova Exhibition Hall, and at Baku State University, emphasizing that the main goal of these jubilees was to inspire the younger generation toward science, promote modern scientific knowledge, and present the achievements of Azerbaijani science to the wider public.

For the first time in the Academy’s history, the jubilee was also celebrated abroad — in Ankara and Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye. Academician Isa Habibbayli recalled that the anniversary of ANAS was also marked during the meeting of the Presidents of the Academies of Sciences of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) member countries. He also mentioned that the Vice-President of ANAS, Academician Ibrahim Guliyev, attended the session of the International Association of Academies of Sciences held in Minsk, where the jubilee was also commemorated.

Academician Isa Habibbayli highlighted that the joint celebration of the 80th anniversary of ANAS with the New Azerbaijan Party carries special scientific and political importance.

“Azerbaijan is one of the world’s oldest centers of science and culture. The concept of an academy is not new to our nation — our country may be among the first in the world to have established such an institution,” said Academician Isa Habibbayli, noting that the Maragha Observatory founded by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi in the 13th century and the “Rashidiyya” madrasa established by Fazlullah Rashid al-Din in Tabriz were, by their nature and philosophy, true Academies of Sciences.

Reviewing the history of scientific development in Azerbaijan, he stated that the roots of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences trace back to Azerbaijan Society for Researches and Studies, founded in 1923. He outlined the historical stages as follows:

• 1923–1932 — the initial phase, marked by the activities of the Society and the State Scientific Research Institute of Azerbaijan;

• 1932–1945 — the preparatory stage, during which the Azerbaijan Department of the Transcaucasian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences and later the Azerbaijan Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences were established;

• 1945–1969 — the foundation and institutional formation period of the Academy of Sciences of the Azerbaijan SSR;

• 1969–1982 — the Renaissance period under Heydar Aliyev’s leadership;

• 1983–1993 — a period of decline and crisis;

• 1993–2003 — the reorganization and revitalization phase following Heydar Aliyev’s return to political leadership.

He noted that over the past 80 years, ANAS has made great strides, contributing to the development of the Azerbaijani state, the Azerbaijani national ideology, and the training of highly qualified scientific personnel, while nurturing generations of prominent scholars and creating scientific schools in various fields.

Academician Isa Habibbayli underlined the exceptional role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the history of the Academy, emphasizing that the great leader, who always treated science with great sensitivity, never spared his care and attention for ANAS, consistently supported its growth, and elevated its status.

He recalled that the first jubilee of the Academy was held in 1975 at the Republic Palace by decree of Heydar Aliyev, then leader of Soviet Azerbaijan, during which ANAS was awarded one of the highest honors of the time — the Order of Friendship of Peoples.

He cited the Great Leader’s words as a testament to his deep respect for science:

“The Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences is the national treasure of our people. We must preserve and protect this treasure.”

“The science policy wisely defined and implemented by National Leader Heydar Aliyev is being successfully continued today by President Ilham Aliyev,” said the ANAS President, emphasizing that the Head of State’s participation in the 2010 annual meeting of ANAS, his thoughtful address to scientists, and his valuable recommendations for the development of science once again demonstrate the state’s consistent attention to this field.

Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the victorious Head of State, ANAS — like all sectors of the country — has been undergoing a continuous process of reform and renewal for more than two decades. The modernization and innovation policies implemented by the state have ensured not only the development of traditional sectors but also the realization of large-scale projects aligned with the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, leaving a clear positive impact on the scientific environment within the Academy.

“The people of Azerbaijan believe that after the Victory in the Second Karabakh War, a peace treaty will be signed with Armenia, the Zangezur Corridor will be opened, and Azerbaijan will enter an entirely new stage of development. The Azerbaijani people are proud to have a leader like Ilham Aliyev, who fulfills their aspirations and leads them to victory,” concluded Academician Isa Habibbayli.

Following his speech, Tahir Budagov, Deputy Chairman and Head of the Central Office of the New Azerbaijan Party, addressed the event, noting that one of the key directions of ANAS’s activity is the formation of the scientific foundations of national statehood ideology, the promotion of Azerbaijanism, and the strengthening of national unity in society. He stated that the Academy’s scholars and intellectuals bear great responsibility not only through their scientific achievements but also in shaping public thought and educating the younger generation in the spirit of national values. He underlined that the work of scientists serves to strengthen the intellectual pillars of the state.

Tahir Budagov stressed that Azerbaijan is currently living through one of the most remarkable and proud periods in its history in terms of statehood, national ideology, and socio-economic progress:

“Azerbaijan has become a dynamic country that meets the challenges of the modern era by strengthening its intellectual, economic, and political standing in the global arena. The growing international interest in scientific and political events held in our country, and Azerbaijan’s expanding role in the global scientific community, are clear evidence of this. Taking part in these processes and witnessing the rise of independent Azerbaijan is a source of great pride and responsibility for every citizen. Our present achievements are rooted in the solid foundation of statehood laid by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, his political legacy, and the wise leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.”

The YAP Deputy Chairman emphasized that ANAS has long been a symbol of the country’s scientific and intellectual potential and has played an exceptional role in shaping the scientific foundations of national identity and the ideology of Azerbaijanism:

“ANAS has rendered invaluable services throughout the history of Azerbaijani science, leaving a profound legacy. The country’s scientists have played an irreplaceable role in Azerbaijan’s current level of development and in its social, economic, cultural, and moral progress. Today, the Academy continues to successfully fulfill its historic mission.”

Tahir Budagov praised the scientific and public activities of Academician Isa Habibbayli, noting that he has always remained faithful to the political course of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and has played an important role in the organizational and ideological strengthening of the New Azerbaijan Party:

“It is no coincidence that during Academician Isa Habibbayli’s leadership of ANAS, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of scientists and employees joining the ranks of YAP. Every scholar represented in the Party is both a bearer of national ideology and an intellectual representative of society.”

He also highlighted that the inclusion of ANAS employees in the Party enriches its composition and promotes the active participation of scientific thought in public processes. Tahir Budagov further noted that President Ilham Aliyev’s Decree declaring 2025 as the “Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty” represents an important political step toward strengthening the country’s independence. He added that Azerbaijani scientists and intellectuals have made significant contributions to state-building during this historic period:

“The historic Victory in the Second Karabakh War, the full restoration of our country’s constitutional rights, territorial integrity, and sovereignty are the results of the wise and decisive policy of President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the heroism of our soldiers, and the devotion of patriotic scientists and intellectuals to the national idea.”

In conclusion, Tahir Budagov congratulated all scientists on the 80th anniversary of ANAS and wished them new achievements. He also addressed the young people who had recently joined the Party, encouraging them to actively participate in the country’s scientific and public life and to always uphold the principles of loyalty to national values and statehood.

Later, Ilham Aliyev, Deputy Head of the Public Relations, Press, and Information Department of the ANAS Presidium Office, and Arzu Isgandarzade, Chair of the Council of Young Scientists and Specialists of the Nasimi Institute of Linguistics, delivered speeches, noting that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan is currently experiencing the brightest period of its development and that the youth will continue to contribute actively to this progress.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of New Azerbaijan Party membership certificates to ANAS employees who had recently joined the Party, followed by the performance of the Anthem of the New Azerbaijan Party.

Translation: Gulhane Aghayeva, Department of Public Relations, Press and Information Office of the Presidium of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

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