On May 1, 2026, a Republican Scientific Conference titled “The Phenomenon of Heydar Aliyev: The Architect of Azerbaijan’s Political, Economic and Humanitarian Model of Statehood” commenced at Mingachevir State University, jointly organized with the Mingachevir City Executive Authority. The conference is dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of the birth of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

The event, held in the university’s assembly hall, was attended by Head of the Mingachevir City Executive Authority Ilham Ismayilov, Chairman of the Mingachevir Municipality Anar Ismayilov, Chairman of the Mingachevir City Organization of the New Azerbaijan Party Bakhtiyar Mustafayev, Rector of Mingachevir State University Anar Eminov, as well as academic staff, students, and master’s degree candidates.

Prior to the conference, participants laid flowers at the bust of Heydar Aliyev, honoring his memory with deep respect. They also visited an exhibition of paintings and handicrafts prepared by students in the university courtyard.

The conference was officially opened with a minute of silence in memory of Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, followed by the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In his opening remarks, Ilham Ismayilov emphasized Heydar Aliyev’s exceptional role in strengthening Azerbaijani statehood, ensuring political stability, and laying the foundations for economic development. He noted that thanks to the National Leader’s far-sighted policies, Azerbaijan successfully integrated into the global economic system, ensured its economic security through major energy projects, and entered a phase of sustainable development. He also highlighted that under the leadership of Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has become one of the leading countries in the region, and these achievements represent the successful continuation of Heydar Aliyev’s political course.

Speaking afterwards, Rector Anar Eminov underlined the significance of the conference, stating that Heydar Aliyev’s rich legacy of statehood constitutes the fundamental basis of Azerbaijan’s modern development model and remains highly relevant for academic research. He noted that the strategic development course defined by the National Leader continues to guide the country’s political stability, economic progress, and achievements in the humanitarian sphere.

The Rector emphasized that scientific events held at the university—especially large-scale conferences of this kind—play an important role in promoting national statehood values, fostering patriotism among the younger generation, and enhancing scientific potential. He also highlighted that the modern academic environment established at the university, along with expanding international cooperation and university–industry integration, contributes to improving the quality of research activities.

Concluding his speech, Anar Eminov wished success to the conference and expressed confidence that the presented research papers would contribute to a deeper understanding of Heydar Aliyev’s legacy and introduce new approaches into academic discourse.

Following the opening speeches, a video dedicated to Heydar Aliyev was screened.

The plenary session continued with presentations. Head of the Department of Humanities at Mingachevir State University, Associate Professor Esmira Jafarova, delivered a presentation titled “Heydar Aliyev’s Political Leadership and the Transformation of Azerbaijani Statehood”, while Senior Lecturer of the Department of Economics Gunash Shafagatov presented on “Reforms Driving Modernization in the Development of Azerbaijan’s Economy.”

The conference will continue with sectional sessions scheduled for May 1–2. More than 390 papers and theses are expected to be presented by participants representing over 30 educational institutions.