Mingachevir State University (MSU) hosted an event entitled “The Tricolor Flag: An Embodiment of National Independence, State Sovereignty, and the Ideology of Azerbaijanism” on the occasion of November 8 – Victory Day and November 9 – National Flag Day.
The main purpose of the event was to highlight the exceptional significance of the State Flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the history of national statehood, promote its symbolic value as an embodiment of independence and sovereignty, and strengthen the younger generation’s sense of patriotism, national unity, and commitment to the traditions of statehood.
The event began with a minute of silence in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, followed by the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Delivering the opening address, MSU Rector Anar Eminov emphasized that the Azerbaijani Flag is a sacred symbol representing the national identity, state independence, and sovereignty of the Azerbaijani people. The Rector noted that the restoration of the tricolor flag to its rightful place in the history of Azerbaijani statehood is closely associated with the name of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
In particular, the adoption of the tricolor flag as the State Flag of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic during the session of its Supreme Assembly held on November 17, 1990, at the initiative and under the leadership of the National Leader, marked a significant historical step toward the restoration of Azerbaijan’s national statehood. The proposal put forward at the same session to recognize the tricolor flag as Azerbaijan’s official state symbol by referring the matter to the republic’s highest legislative body was also of particular historical importance.
Anar Eminov stated that the traditions of statehood established by the National Leader are being successfully continued by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The Rector highlighted the Presidential Orders dated November 17, 2007, “On the Establishment of the State Flag Square in Baku, the Capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” and November 17, 2009, “On the Establishment of the National Flag Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” as clear manifestations of the highest respect for Azerbaijan’s national symbols and the special importance attached to preserving the values of statehood.
The Rector further emphasized that the historic Victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, along with the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, has further enhanced the symbolic significance of the tricolor flag as an emblem of national pride and heroism.
He noted that the State Flag flying across all sovereign territories of Azerbaijan represents the triumph of the Azerbaijani people’s national will, unity, and strength of statehood. The Rector also underscored the importance of encouraging young people to preserve this historical legacy and develop into patriotic individuals deeply committed to national and moral values.
Following the opening address, presentations were delivered in accordance with the event program.
MSU lecturer Matanat Abbasova delivered a presentation entitled “The History of the Azerbaijani Flag and the Place of the Tricolor Flag in Our Traditions of National Statehood.” She shared her views on the historical stages of the State Flag’s development, its role in shaping the idea of national independence, and the ideological foundations of Azerbaijani statehood.
MSU Associate Professor Ayna Babazade, PhD in Philology, delivered a presentation entitled “The Image of the Flag in Azerbaijani Poetry: National Identity and the Idea of Independence.” In her presentation, she discussed the significance of the tricolor flag in Azerbaijani literature as an artistic expression of freedom, love for the homeland, national pride, and the ideals of independence.
Throughout the event, particular emphasis was placed on the important role of the State Flag in preserving the historical memory of the Azerbaijani people, shaping national consciousness, and transmitting the values of statehood to future generations.
It should be noted that Mingachevir State University attaches particular importance to educational, scientific, and cultural activities aimed at preserving national and moral values, strengthening the spirit of patriotism, and educating young people in a spirit of loyalty to the traditions of Azerbaijani statehood.