On November 16, on the occasion of the National Revival Day, a group of teachers and students of the Faculty of History and Geography visited the memorial monument erected in the courtyard of the university and commemorated the souls of our martyrs who died for the freedom and territorial integrity of our homeland with a minute of silence. Then they laid carnations on the monument.

Prof. Adil Bakhshaliyev, Dean of the Faculty of History and Geography, said that these sons liberated our lands from occupation and brought us to our most sacred goal. “The heroic example of our brave sons, who cleansed our historical lands from the clutches of the enemy at the cost of their lives and blood during the war, once again proved that martyrdom is not only a high peak, but also a school. In this Battle of Victory, dozens of graduates, students and employees of Sumgayit State University and their families fought heroically, showed courage and won the title of victorious soldier. That is why every citizen of Azerbaijan should know their heroes and learn a lot from their way of life”.

Speaking about the historical significance of the National Revival Day on November 17, the Dean said that the National Revival Day played a historic role in the restoration of Azerbaijan's independence. “This history, which has its moral foundations and origins in the 60s of the XX century, later became irreversible with the political foresight and wisdom of the great leader Heydar Aliyev, and independent Azerbaijan entered the path of modern development. Since 1988, the national independence movement has become widespread in Azerbaijan. The essence of the demands voiced in Freedom Square, where millions of people gathered, has gradually changed, and the idea of building an independent state has dominated national thinking. National leader Heydar Aliyev, who brought a healthy spirit and self-consciousness to the people with his coming to power, paid special attention to national moral values, revival of science, economy and culture of Azerbaijan, despite the strict prohibitions of Soviet ideology. Development and awakening began to be observed in all areas. Azerbaijan has entered a period of real renaissance and revival. Thus, the beginning of the historical path from national revival to national progress was laid. The development strategy created by the great leader Heydar Aliyev is in safe hands today. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the worthy successor of the National Leader, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief, is leading our country with confidence in new successes in the future. The Day of Revival of our people, which has a long

history, is a celebration of the struggle for national solidarity, democracy and the protection of our state independence”.