The event dedicated to the 103^rd anniversary of the birth of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and academician Zarifa Aliyeva was held at the Folklore Institute, jointly organized by the Yasamal district organization of the New Azerbaijan Party. In addition to the employees of the ANAS Institute of Folklore, the event was attended by the chairman of the Yasamal district organization PhD in History Bakhtiyar Nabiyev, the director of the Central Scientific Library of ANAS, Doctor of Technical Sciences Huseyn Huseynov, the chairman of the Free Trade Union of ANAS, Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences Sanan Hasanov and other guests.

The event began with the playing of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and academician Zarifa Aliyeva. Then, the video clip prepared by the Folklore Studio was viewed.

Opening the event with an introductory speech, Director of the Institute of Folklore of ANAS, Doctor of Sciences in Philology Hikmat Guliyev greeted the participants and spoke about the importance of the event. In his speech, he noted the exceptional role of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev in the formation and strengthening of modern Azerbaijani statehood, mentioning that the policy he implemented to protect and develop national and spiritual values remains relevant today.

Hikmat Guliyev said that as a result of the rich political heritage and visionary activities of the Great Leader, Azerbaijan had entered a modern stage of development and significant achievements had been achieved in the fields of science, education and culture. He also noted that this political course had been successfully continued by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and pointed out that the country’s successes were based on this solid foundation.

During his speech, Hikmat Guliyev especially mentioned the exceptional services of academician Zarifa Aliyeva in the development of Azerbaijani medical science. He noted that she left a deep mark on Azerbaijani society not only as an outstanding scientist-ophthalmologist, but also as an intellectual, caring mother and devoted wife distinguished by her high moral qualities.

Then, the chairman of the Yasamal district organization of the NAP, Bakhtiyar Nabiyev, spoke about the special services of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the prosperity of the Azerbaijani state and the protection of national and spiritual values, both during the Soviet era and during the years of independence. In his speech, Bakhtiyar Nabiyev also highlighted the policy implemented by Heydar Aliyev towards the protection of national and spiritual values.

Then, Director of the Central Scientific Library of ANAS, Doctor of Technical Sciences Huseyn Huseynov spoke about the rich life and activities of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, noting the attention and care he paid especially to the field of education, mentioned that expanding the opportunities for young people to study abroad was a clear example of this far-sighted policy.

Chairman of the Free Trade Union of ANAS, Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences Sanan Hasanov noted in his speech that loyalty to the legacy of the Great Leader was one of the main directions of national development. He noted that the political course formulated by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev was far-sighted and practical, that course was enriched with strategic steps applied in real life, along with theoretical knowledge. The scientist touched upon the importance of protecting national-moral values and strengthening ideological unity in society.

Speaking at the event, PhD Irada Sardarova, a teacher at the Azerbaijan University of Languages, PhD Ilhama Gasabova, a leading researcher at the Mythology Department of the Folklore Institute and PhD Sevinj Aliyeva, a leading researcher at the Department of Folklore and Written Literature shared their views on the topic and drew attention to the role of the Great Leader in national identity, culture and folklore policy.

At the end of the event the membership cards were presented to new members of the New Azerbaijan Party. Then Director Hikmat Guliyev presented books published by the Institute of Folklore to Bakhtiyar Nabiyev, chairman of the NAP Yasamal district organization.