Heydar Aliyev's Rise to Leadership

• Political Experience:
  • Heydar Aliyev was the leader of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan during the Soviet era, then served as a member of the Politburo and deputy prime minister of the USSR in 1982. This experience increased the leadership potential for independent Azerbaijan.
• The Ganja Revolt and the People's Call:
  • After the uprising in Ganja, the Elchibey government was forced to resign. The people and the parliament called on Aliyev, the leader of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, to take power.
• Presidential Position:
  • Heydar Aliyev became the interim leader of Azerbaijan in June 1993. In the elections held in October 1993, he was elected president with great popular support.

Characteristics of the New Political Era

a) Ensuring Political Stability

• Suppression of Coups and Rebellions:
  • Heydar Aliyev strengthened the central authority by effectively suppressing various uprisings and coup attempts in Azerbaijan.
• Strong Management: With his strong leadership, Aliyev restructured the state mechanisms and won the trust of the people.

b) Economic Reforms and Oil Policies

• Oil Agreements:
  • In 1994, with the "Contract of the Century" signed, international oil companies invested in the energy sector of Azerbaijan. This was a turning point for the growth of the Azerbaijani economy.
  • Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) Oil Pipeline: This project, which brought Azerbaijan's energy resources to Western markets, increased the country's international strategic importance.
• Economic Recovery: Aliyev's reforms have ensured stability and growth in the Azerbaijani economy.

c) Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

• Ceasefire Agreement (1994):
  • Heydar Aliyev reached a ceasefire as a result of negotiations with Armenia. This ensured the end of the active war in Karabakh, but territorial losses continued.
• Efforts for a Diplomatic Solution:
  • Aliyev effectively used international diplomatic channels to resolve the Karabakh conflict.

d) International Relations

• Independent Foreign Policy:
  • Heydar Aliyev ensured that Azerbaijan pursues a balanced foreign policy with Russia, Turkey, Iran and Western countries.
  • Cooperation with the Turkic World: While relations with Turkey were strengthened, Azerbaijan increased its integration with the Turkic world.
• Relations with UN and European Institutions:
  • Aliyev strengthened Azerbaijan's role in international organizations such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe.

Heydar Aliyev's Legacy

• Long-Term Stability:
  • Aliyev's leadership ushered in a period of stability in Azerbaijan that would last for years. During this period, the country consolidated its independence and achieved economic development.
• Change of Duties in 2003:
  • Due to health problems, he handed over his post to his son Ilham Aliyev in 2003. This ensured the continuation of the influence of the Aliyev family in Azerbaijani politics.
• National Leader: Heydar Aliyev is known as the "National Leader" in Azerbaijan and is considered the founder of the modern Azerbaijani state.

Result

Heydar Aliyev took over leadership during a complex and challenging post-independence period of Azerbaijan, bringing political stability and economic development to the country. With his oil policies, diplomacy and strong leadership, he made Azerbaijan a regional power. This period was an important turning point in the modernization process of Azerbaijan.

Lesson Summary

Heydar Aliyev rose to leadership through a series of political experiences:

• Leader of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan during the Soviet era.
• Member of the Politburo and deputy prime minister of the USSR in 1982.

After the Ganja Revolt, the people and parliament called on Aliyev to lead, leading to his becoming the interim leader of Azerbaijan in June 1993, and later elected as president in October 1993.

During his leadership, Heydar Aliyev brought about several characteristics of a new political era:

• Ensured political stability through suppression of coups and rebellions.
• Implemented economic reforms and oil policies that led to significant growth in the Azerbaijani economy.
• Made efforts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through diplomatic solutions.
• Established independent foreign policies and strengthened relations with various countries.

Heydar Aliyev's legacy includes long-term stability in Azerbaijan and significant economic development during his leadership. His influence continued as he handed over power to his son, Ilham Aliyev, in 2003.

Ultimately, Heydar Aliyev's leadership brought political stability, economic development, and regional power status to Azerbaijan, marking an important modernization period for the country.