On November 5, 2026, Mingachevir State University (MSU), in collaboration with the Mingachevir City Executive Authority, organized a scientific-practical conference entitled “Sixth Anniversary of the Glorious Victory: Historical Memory, National Statehood, and Future Perspectives,” dedicated to the sixth anniversary of November 8 – Victory Day.
The primary objective of the conference was to examine the historical significance of the Victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War within the context of Azerbaijan’s statehood, promote the values of national unity and patriotism, preserve and transmit the legacy of Victory to younger generations, and discuss the country’s new stage of development, extending from the restoration of sovereignty toward sustainable progress.
As part of the conference program, participants first visited Victory Park in Mingachevir. They laid floral tributes at the memorial dedicated to the martyrs from Mingachevir and paid profound respect to the cherished memory of those who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. A tree-planting ceremony was subsequently held in the park. The initiative carried symbolic significance, reflecting the commitment to honoring the memory of the martyrs, preserving the legacy of Victory, and creating a greener and healthier environment for future generations.
The participants then visited a creative exhibition organized in the courtyard of Mingachevir State University to commemorate Victory Day. The exhibition featured patriotic paintings and handicrafts prepared by university students and pupils of the Mingachevir City Children and Youth Sports and Chess School. Through their creative perspectives, the young participants depicted Azerbaijan’s glorious Victory, traditions of national heroism, state symbols, love for the Motherland, and the cherished memory of the martyrs. The exhibited works attracted considerable interest as expressions of the younger generation’s commitment to historical memory, respect for national and moral values, and creative potential.
The scientific-practical conference, held in the university’s assembly hall, commenced with a minute of silence in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, followed by the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Opening the conference with his introductory address, Ilham Ismayilov, Head of the Mingachevir City Executive Authority, emphasized the exceptional place of the November 8 Victory in the centuries-old history of Azerbaijani statehood. He stated that the historic Victory, achieved under the decisive leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, through the heroism of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and the unwavering unity of the people, had become a triumph of the country’s political, military, and moral strength. His address also highlighted the importance of preserving the cherished memory of the martyrs, providing continued care and support to war veterans, and educating younger generations in the spirit of national statehood and patriotism.
Following the opening address, a commemorative video dedicated to November 8 – Victory Day was screened, reflecting the heroic achievements of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces during the Patriotic War and the profound moral significance of the historic Victory for the Azerbaijani people.
The scientific-practical session continued with presentations addressing the historical, political, moral, and social dimensions of the Victory.
Anar Eminov, Rector of Mingachevir State University, delivered a presentation entitled “The Place and Historical Significance of the November 8 Victory in the History of Azerbaijani Statehood.” His presentation emphasized that the historic Victory had laid the foundation for a new stage in the development of Azerbaijani statehood and that the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty represented one of the most significant milestones in its national history. It was highlighted that the Victory was not merely a military and political achievement but also an important factor in strengthening national self-awareness, social solidarity, and confidence in the future. Particular attention was given to the responsibility of universities in educating younger generations based on historical truths, as well as the role of science and education in preserving the values of national statehood.
Bakhtiyar Mustafayev, Chairman of the Mingachevir City Organization of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), delivered a presentation entitled “The Patriotic War and the Reflection of National and Moral Values in Contemporary Artistic Thought.” He discussed the profound influence of the 44-day Patriotic War on the national and moral consciousness of the Azerbaijani people, as well as the artistic representation of heroism and love for the Motherland in contemporary literature and art. The presentation emphasized the importance of preserving the Victory narrative through artistic expression as a means of safeguarding historical memory and fostering patriotism among young people.
Aygun Guliyeva, Deputy Director for Educational Affairs at Mingachevir Secondary School No. 23 and a member of a martyr’s family, delivered a presentation entitled “A Glorious Chapter in the History of Our Victory: The Phenomenon of National Unity and Social Solidarity.” The presentation highlighted the unwavering unity demonstrated by the Azerbaijani people during the Patriotic War, the importance of preserving the moral legacy of the martyrs and their families, and the need to transmit the values of social solidarity to future generations.
Rovshan Babayev, Head of the Department of Mathematics at Mingachevir State University and a veteran of the Patriotic War, presented a report entitled “From Victory to Sovereignty: A New Stage in Azerbaijan’s Modern Political History.” His presentation addressed the significant political developments that followed the historic Victory, the strategic importance of the full restoration of state sovereignty, and the new development opportunities emerging for Azerbaijan.
Seymur Maharramov, Principal of Mingachevir Secondary School No. 9, delivered a presentation entitled “The Great Return: The Path from Historic Victory to the Revival of Karabakh.” He discussed the extensive restoration and reconstruction activities being implemented in the liberated territories, the establishment of modern residential infrastructure, and the socioeconomic and moral significance of the Great Return. Particular emphasis was placed on the revival of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur as a major historical process contributing to Azerbaijan’s sustainable development and the well-being of future generations.
Throughout the conference, the discussions underscored that the November 8 Victory marked the beginning of a new stage in Azerbaijan’s modern history. Special attention was devoted to the strategic importance of preserving historical memory, strengthening the traditions of national statehood, and nurturing a younger generation guided by patriotic values.
The event served as a significant platform for promoting the scholarly study of the Victory legacy, advancing national and moral values, strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and local government authorities, and encouraging the active participation of young people in Azerbaijan’s future development.