On November 6, 2025, within the framework of the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty,” a literary and artistic event titled “Karabakh is Azerbaijan – The Echo of Victory” was held at Mingachevir State University to mark the 5th anniversary of the Victory achieved in the Patriotic War.

The event, held in the university’s assembly hall, was attended by the Head of the Mingachevir City Executive Authority Ilham Ismayilov, the brother of National Hero Natig Gasimov, Nofal Gasimov, members of martyr families, war veterans, several city officials, as well as the academic and administrative staff, students, and master’s degree candidates of the university.

Before the event, flowers were laid in front of the bust of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in deep respect and remembrance. Afterwards, participants visited an exhibition of paintings created by students and dedicated to Victory Day in the university courtyard.

The event began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a one-minute silence in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland.

A video dedicated to Victory Day was then presented.

Delivering the opening speech, Head of the Mingachevir City Executive Authority Ilham Ismayilov spoke about the significance of November 8 – Victory Day as one of the most glorious pages in the heroic history of the Azerbaijani people. He emphasized that the foundation of this Victory had been laid through the state-building policy determined by Heydar Aliyev, national solidarity, and his farsighted efforts to strengthen the independent Azerbaijani state. He noted that the wise ideas of the National Leader and the important steps he took in establishing a strong national army formed the basis of the country’s military and political power in later years.

He further stressed that the Great Victory achieved under the leadership of Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev is the logical outcome of the ideas and development path defined by Heydar Aliyev. According to him, this Victory represents the triumph of the unity of the Azerbaijani people, the strength of the state, and the heroism of the national army. In conclusion, Ilham Ismayilov highlighted that the care and support provided to martyr families and veterans constitute one of the important directions of the humanitarian and compassionate policy pursued by President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva.

Afterwards, Rector Anar Eminov stated in his speech that Victory Day is commemorated as an eternal day of pride and honor in the history of Azerbaijani statehood. The rector emphasized that the heroism of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the Patriotic War, the bravery of the Azerbaijani Army, and the unbreakable unity of the people made this Victory and the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity possible. He also noted that the MDU family is always proud of its martyr graduates and staff members who participated in the war, and that their memory is deeply honored at the university.

During the event, Nofal Gasimov, brother of National Hero Natig Gasimov, Azada Abdullayeva, mother of martyr graduate Kenan Abdullayev, and Ilaha Huseynova, sister of martyr graduate Azami Huseynov, delivered speeches, stating that the sacred memory of the martyrs will always live in the hearts of the Azerbaijani people and that their sacrifice serves as a true example of patriotism for the younger generation.

The event also featured the presentation of the book “The Last Lesson: Homeland!”, dedicated to the martyr graduates, staff members, and students of MDU who participated in the war. The authors of the book are university lecturers Aygun Gadirova and Saadat Agakishiyeva, along with students Afghan Mammadov and Banu Abdullayeva. Copies of the book were presented to Ilham Ismayilov, Nofal Gasimov, and members of martyr families.

In the artistic part of the event, students recited patriotic poems and performed musical and dance compositions.

It should be noted that various events are being organized at Mingachevir State University within the framework of the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty.”