On October 17, scientific-practical conference on occasion of October 18 – restoration day of state sovereignty of Azerbaijan was held at Sumgayit State University.

Rector of university Professor Elkhan Huseynov opened the conference with welcome speech and congratulated participants on occasion of 27th anniversary of remarkable historical event, restoration of state sovereignty by Azerbaijani people. He spoke about history of Independence Day and intense struggle of people for independence. Rector said: “Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan adopted constitution Act on “State independence of Azerbaijan Republic” on October 18, 1991 and realized independence idea of the nation. Sovereign Azerbaijan was established on the base of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1991. To preserve the independence is more difficult than to gain it. Azerbaijan gained the chance to be sovereign twice in one century. Unfortunately, first chance was lost because of external intervention, internal disputes and absence of international assurance. Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was built in 1918, could live only 23 months. Second historical opportunity came only after 70 years. Collapse of Soviet empire gave the opportunity to Azerbaijani people to restore its national independence. “Constitution Act on State Independence of Azerbaijan Republic” was adopted in the session of Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan Republic on October 18, in 1991. Our nation reached to freedom with this historical document. The Republic began to function in a complicated historical situation. However, occupation of 20 percent of our lands by Armenians, economic crisis, power struggle of some politicians threatened our sovereignty. Advent of Heydar Aliyev to power saved state independence. State sovereignty strengthened under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, who is continuing political way of National leader.

The following people delivered speech in the conference accordingly: docent of Department of Azerbaijan and Eastern European nations’ history Bahram Mammadli – “Historical way leading the Republic of Azerbaijan to state sovereignty and restoration of independence”; docent Elmar Khalilov –“ADR-Musavat Administration and occupation of Azerbaijani lands”; head of Department of Azerbaijan and Eastern European nations’ history Professor Shirkhan Salimov –“Heydar Aliyev and statehood issues in independent Azerbaijan Republic”; docent of Department of Philosophy, sociology and political studies Amina Hasanova –“2003-2018 years is a new stage in strengthening state independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan”; lecturer of the same department Gunel Adigozalova –“Development of science, education and culture in independent Azerbaijan Republic”. The speakers spoke about historical significance of restoration of state sovereignty of Azerbaijan 27 years ago, and also glorious way that Azerbaijan Republic has passed; gained achievements in all fields under the administration of Heydar Aliyev and his political successor President Ilham Aliyev and the works carried out for advancement of the country. They emphasized that after the advent of Great leader to power, eternity and steadfastness of statehood was ensured.

It should be noted that the events, dedicated to Independence Day were organized in all faculties of the university.

                                                                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Translation: Linguistic Center