ATATURK CENTER IN AZERBAIJAN

HEYDAR ALIYEV ABOUT ATATURK

Translated from Azerbaijan into English by Ilaha Abdullayeva

INTRODUCTION

The founder of the Azerbaijan Republic Heydar Aliyev's opinions about the founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk don't only remain as interesting facts, but also they attract attention as the evaluation of complete political and ideological, experimental systems stood all the difficult tests of history bravely from the point of view of local Azerbaijan and global demands of modern times. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had saved the Turkic people and Turkish statehood. And Heydar Aliyev had saved the Azerbaijan people and statehood. Despite being small due to its volume, but it is rich in content where the opinions of one national saver about another saver had been compiled.

The most famous personalities of the world had expressed their opinions about Ataturk. This book doesn't contain only Heydar Aliyev's opinions about Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, but it is also a very valuable book on the ideas of one Turk about another.

Ataturk Center in Azerbaijan established by the decree of the Azerbaijan President Heydar Aliyev has been existing for several years. During these years this Center had published some books to investigate Ataturkism, such as "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk", "Ataturk Encyclopaedia"(dictionary), "Azerbaijan Turkology (1920-1938). Bibliography", "Turkey is Ataturk's, but Azerbaijan is Heydar Aliyev's work", "The National Self-Understanding and Geostrategy in the period of Globalization", "Azerbaijan and Turkish Relations (1920-1922). The documents and materials". But the aim of the book "Heydar Aliyev about Ataturk" is to investigate and agitate Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's heritage. And we are sure that, Heydar Aliyev's opinions about Ataturk begin the modern stage of Ataturkism and put the ideological and methodological basis of its foundation.

Majesty History had proved more than once that, the activity of one genius is interpreted perfectly in the activity of another genius not only in the academic considerations and schematic technologies.

Prof. Dr. Nizami Jaferov

The director of Ataturk Center in Azerbaijan

AFTER PAYING A VISIT TO THE GRAVE OF THE FOUNDER OF THE TURKISH REPUBLIC, A PROMINENT POLITICAL AND PUBLIC FIGURE MUSTAFA KEMAL ATATURK IN "ANTIKABIR" TOMB IN ANKARA HE WROTE HIS WISHES ON THE MEMORIAL BOOK:

"I bow honorably before the grave and spirit of the peerless person of the Turkic world and the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and express unbounded love and respect of the Azerbaijan people for him.

Unforgettable Ataturk's holy name and unfading face cast light onto the future way of the Turkish and Azerbaijan friendship and brotherhood passing from generation to generation."

Heydar Aliyev

The President of the Azerbaijan Republic

(February 8, 1994)

SPEECH IN THE PARTY ORGANIZED FOR THE HONOUR OF THE AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT IN "CHANKAYA" PALACE IN ANKARA

(February 8, 1994)

The Turkish Republic has a great history. 70 years ago the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk laid down the foundation of today's great and democratic Turkey and established the highly developed country. Treading in Ataturk's steps the next generations have done their best to introduce Turkey to the world as an authoritative and mighty state.

(February 9, 1994)

The Turkish Republic has 70 years history. 70 years ago the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk laid down the foundation of the Grand National Assembly and established the Turkish Republic. The basis and foundations he had laid down were so firm and durable that during 70 years the Turkic people and the Turkish state overcame all the difficulties and it is moving forward successfully now.

Here I want to remember Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's sensible idea, because it expresses the importance of duties of the Turkish Republic and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's prescience. In his speech on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Turkish Republic he said: "Today the Soviet Union is our friend, neighbour and ally. We are in need of this friendship. But nobody is responsible for tomorrow's events. It may not only collapse as the Ottoman Empire, Austria and Hungary, but also may become very small. The nations that the Soviet Union holds in its hands may today run away their neighbours. World may easily transfer to a new balance. At that time Turkey has to know what to do. Under the leadership of our friend we have brothers speaking the same language, sharing the same religion and essence. We must be ready to master them. We must not wait for that day without movement, we have to be ready. I want to put here an important question – How do the nations get ready for these events? Do they keep the moral bridges firm? We are a bridge. Trust is a bridge. We have to return to our roots and come together within our history separating the events. We may not wait for their approach. We are obliged to address them".

60 years ago Mustafa Kemal Ataturk saw these days and made his will. Today that age has come, the countries and nations being Turkey's friends and brothers including Azerbaijan gained their sovereignty.

(October 29, 1994, The Gulustan Palace)

It is not only the holiday of Turkey, but also of Azerbaijan. Celebrating this holiday we remember the great leader of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's services, the founders of this country and those who has been treading in his steps during 71 years.

(November 1, 1994)

The Turkish Republic established by the great leader of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had obviously demonstrated all the efforts of the Turks, the Turkic world and the Turkic nations to the whole world during 71 years.

Struggling for freedom, trying to achieve the national independence and to establish the national statehood the Azerbaijan people had relied upon the support of the Turkic people and made use of the experience of the Turkish Republic treading in Ataturk's steps.

(The Republican Palace, July 11, 1995)

The 1922-23s were the curical times for the establishment of the Turkish Republic. At that time the Turkish Republic was established under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's leadership. The Turkic people have been treading in Ataturk's steps courageously since that time. So today the Turkish Republic as a state with 60 million had occupied a proper place in the international unity.

Today we may say with great pleasure that, the establishment of the Turkish Republic, the loyalty of the political figures to the Turkic people and Ataturk's wills are main reasons of reaching the summit.

I remember Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's words. He said: "If Azerbaijan smiles, we'll smile too. If Azerbaijan grieves we'll also grieve". These words express the friendly attitude of the Turkish Republic to Azerbaijan.

(May 5, 1997)

Notes on the memorial book:

"Paying a visit to this holy place, i.e. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's grave again I bow before his spirit. I express my respect and esteem to his immortal memory and services in the human history. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's memory remains and will remain in hearts of Azerbaijan people.

May God bless his soul".

Heydar Aliyev

(Istanbul, "Chankaya" Palace, May 5, 1997)

I am so happy to win a prize of the Turkish Republic. It is a prize of the country established by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is dear not only to you, but also to the Azerbaijanis. Therefore, the democratic Turkish Republic is our native country.

(Ankara, May 5, 1997)

We are very proud that, The Turkic people move forward by Ataturk's way with confidence. We are sure that, the future of Turkey and the Turkic people is closely connected with this way and it will ensure her future.

We want peace in Azerbaijan, in our country and in the world. The late Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's words concern both Turkey and today's Azerbaijan. Our duty is to free our territories by peace, to restore the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

In my opinion both Azerbaijan people and I have been awarded this prize. It is a prize fixing an invincible struggle of the Azerbaijan people for sovereignty and today's achievements of the Turkish and Azerbaijan friendship.

Long live Turkey! Long live the Turkish Republic established by the great Ataturk!

Glory to the everlasting Turkish and Azerbaijan friendship!

(Ankara, May 6, 1997)

The majority of streets, squares in Azerbaijan are named after the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The names being the symbol of Turkey have spread in Baku, Ganja, Nakhchivan, Sumgait, including other cities of Azerbaijan.

In 1990 I was in my native city Nakhchivan and saw that one of the streets named after the notable person of the Soviet Union was replaced by Ataturk. Firstly, I went there and expressed my respect and esteem for Turkey and Ataturk.

(Ankara, May 6, 1997)

The Republic of Turkey and its great army have been established by the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. It is so nice that, during 77 years the Turkic people, Turkey and its army tread in Ataturk's steps and gain a victory.

It is important to pay attention to Ataturk's words: "Peace in the country, land and in the world". Repeating these words today, we live with such ideas and pursue this policy.

(Ankara, May 6, 1997)

The first ambassador of Azerbaijan to Turkey Ibrahim Abilov was in good terms with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and his close friend. Causing you to remember these moments I note the richness of the Turkish and Azerbaijan diplomatic relations during the century old history of these countries.

SPEECH IN THE CEREMONY DEVOTED TO THE BESTOW OF A TITLE OF "HONOURARY DOCTOR" OF THE UNIVERSITY NAMED AFTER "SEPTEMBER 9" ON THE AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT

(Izmir, May 7, 1997)

It is evident that, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was the founder and the military leader of the War of Independence and victory, as well as the great son of the Turkic people who put an end to this war and got a final victory.

Under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's leadership in Izmir plans had been prepared, operations had held to withdraw the foreign conquerors from the country. The enemies of Turkey had been thrown to the sea and Izmir liberated. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had directly guided this operation and victory.

(Istanbul, May 8, 1997)

We are very happy to know that, Turkey's policy, culture, spirit, education and science developed by fulfilling Ataturk's wills.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is a historical person of all Turkic worlds. He had served for the Turkish Republic to reach to the top and for the Turkic people to gain achievements more than 70 years. His services and ideas had influenced to the processes happening in the Turkic world with the establishment of the Turkish Republic, to the approach of the Turkish Republics and Turkish speaking peoples to each other, to the struggle for the national freedom and sovereignty of the nations having Turkish roots.

(Istanbul, Hotel "Suis", May 8, 1997)

Not only Turkey, but we also often remember the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's words. Once he said that, Turkey's grief and joy belong to us. We are in the same opinion with him. How wise man Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is! He had said these words in the 30s. At that time there were any conflict, war, bloodshed between Azerbaijan and Armenia. But in the 1918-20s Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was aware of the disasters that have been brought upon Azerbaijan people by the Armenian nationalists and invaders. They had tortured us. Namely, thanks to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's will the Caucasian army of Turkey came to Azerbaijan and saved the Azerbaijanis from the Armenian slaughter in Nakhchivan, Garabagh, Ganja and Baku in the 1918-20s. We don't think we'll ever forget it.

(February 13, 1998)

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's will assume the same importance for Turkey and Azerbaijan. Turkey's grief is Azerbaijan's grief, Azerbaijan's grief is Turkey's grief.

(April 16, 1999)

I am proud of being awarded one of the authoritative prizes of the world – Ataturk International Peace Prize. This prize is dear to me, because it is named after one of the notable historical personalities of the 20th century – the founder and the leader of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Sticking to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's principles "Peace in the country and in the world" in its foreign policy, especially in the strategic course in the Caucasus Azerbaijan Republic realizes them.

Being a striking expression of unbreakable Turkish and Azerbaijan friendship and brotherhood Ataturk Prize demands to develop our political, economic and cultural relations. I hope that, in the next century the Turkish and Azerbaijan relations will make a decent present to the economic integrational processes taking place in the world.

I express my gratitude to You, Mr. President and to the members of the committee for appreciating my activity, showing interest and paying attention to the Azerbaijan people with Ataturk Prize.

I have a profound respect for Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's personality, his aims and the Turkish Republic remained to the humanity as a heritage.

(Ankara, October 31 – November 2, 1999)

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is one of the great personalities of the 20th century of human history. Being at the head of the War of Independence, gaining a victory, establishing the Turkish Republic he showed the way for his people. Abiding Ataturk's ideas Turkey has been treading in this way for 76 years and gaining great achievements. The Azerbaijan people approaches Ataturk's personality, his ideas and heritage with feeling of respect and esteem. Ataturk's genius and wisdom are the source of inspiration for us. Today I pay a visit to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's grave with feeling of pride.

I have received the International Peace Prize named after Ataturk. It is an honour for me and for the Independent Azerbaijan Republic and people. I am proud of this. Ataturk's personality and the Turkish Republic established by him are the nice sample for me. I'll always be loyal to it. I am sure that, Ataturk's Turkey will exist till eternity.

The decision about the International Peace Prize named after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and its presentation in Chankaya Palace of Turkey, in the Presidential Palace in the presence of Turkey's heads of government, generals of the army, deputies, public and political figures, scientists and cultural workers is a great historical day for me. I don't think I'll ever forget it.

I was awarded a prize named after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. It is a great honour for me. As we know, at present terrible wars and conflicts take place in this changeable world. From the beginning of 1988 Azerbaijan is under war condition as a result of Armenian aggression. Therefore, I have done much in the field of peace. I think that, with this prize you try to appreciate my efforts and it is valuable for me.

Today first of all I went to pay a visit to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's grave. I have been coming to Turkey since 1992 and whenever I go there my duty is to pay a visit to Ataturk's grave, to bow before this personality and to trust his affairs and perpetualiness of the Turkish Republic.

Today I went there, bowed before this great leader's grave and wrote my wishes on the memorial book. The most important thing is that I brought the Azerbaijani soil and put it on Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's grave.

We know that, people bring soil from all parts and provinces of Turkey and put it to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's grave as a symbol of respect and esteem to him. It is really an important event. It shows the loyalty of people to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, his way, heritage and inheritance once more. Soil was brought for the first time mainly from the outside of Turkey – from Azerbaijan and I put it near soil of other parts of Turkey. It is a historical day for us. At the same time, like other lands, provinces and parts of Turkey Azerbaijan is closely connected with this country and we consider Mustafa Kemal Ataturk our leader, hero and wise person.

Today I am anxious.

Because I have received the International Peace Prize named after the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The President of the Turkish Republic, my dear friend and brother Suleyman DEMIREL presented this prize to me in the presence of the officials of the Turkish Republic. It is natural that you share my feelings and anxiety.

I have received the prizes and orders of other countries. But it is an honor for me to get a prize of the Turkish Republic named after the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, especially the International Peace Prize. I consider that, this prize is more valuable for me than all other prizes that I've been awarded. The presentation of this prize by the organization of Ataturk International Peace Prize is a historical decision. As it is known the Prime Minister is at the head of this organization. Therefore, I am very grateful to all the members of this organization.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is one of the great personalities of the 20th century in the world. From time to time everyone will perceive his greatness.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was a man of great talent and he had displayed his talent when he was young. Till the establishment of the Turkish Republic he had displayed heroism, been at the head of the War of Independence and after the First World War when the Ottoman Empire collapsed he fought against all forces who tried to destroy, break and ruin Turkey and at last he got what he wanted.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's great service is the establishment of the Turkish Republic. Today it may seem to us as an ordinary event, but it is not so. The existence of the Ottoman Empire lasted 700 years and during these years Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's historical service was to draw people's attention to establish the republic and to keep it alive. Times and centuries will pass and the peoples having Turkic roots, the Turkic people and the Turkic world will never forget it.

The Turkish Republic established by the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1923 has been existing for 76 years. Many well-known people have been found out by the human history. They have waged wars, established countries and done much for their nations. But many of them were unsuccessful. Nobody continued their affairs. Perhaps their affairs were not so important for future, therefore people decided not to immortalize them. But Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's great achievement is that, the Turkish Republic established by him has been developing, implementing his wills, showing its loyalty and treading in Ataturk's steps for 60 years after his death.

I consider that, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk has an important heritage for humanity. But the most important of these is the Turkish Republic – Ataturk's Republic, democratic republic, worldly republic established by him.

Treading in Ataturk's steps, fulfilling his wills the Turkic people had gained great achievements during 75 years.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had proved to the whole world that, it was possible to establish a decent republic, to go on with democratic way in the Moslem country under the influence of religion. Taking advantage of human values of the world and combining them with the values of people he had raised his people to the tops.

One of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's great services was that, he had established a powerful army in Turkey. The Turkish army is very powerful. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk has created it. I want to say with feeling of satisfaction that, the Turkish army and soldier had been loyal to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's ideas, will and way.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had taken into consideration not only Turkey, but also the world Turks and the Turkic world.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Azerbaijan gained its independence and restored it. That's Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's prescience is proved by this. At that time he knew that, Azerbaijan and other Turkish speaking peoples – the people of the Middle Asia would never be in bondage, they would gain their independence and freedom. We achieved it.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's life and activity, his heritage are the sample not only for you, but also for Azerbaijan. We don't want to display discrimination.

The decision about the presentation of Ataturk International Peace Prize has a historical meaning for me. I know that, it was not so easy to come to such a decision. Because you had to choose one nominee. Your attitude and voting are very important for me.

I'm so pleased that, the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey have been highly appreciated by the Turkish government in these hard days. It proves the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's words once more. He had said: "Grief of Azerbaijan is our grief, joy of Azerbaijan is our joy". We share Turkey's grief and joy as well. This principle has existed since Ataturk's time and in these hard days it proved itself to the whole world. I'm very pleased with this.

Constantly remembering the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's words, I say Turkey's grief is our grief, Turkey's joy is our joy.

At the same time I congratulate you on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the Turkish Republic from the bottom of my heart. Treading in Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's steps during 76 years the Turkic people has gained great achievements. Without any doubt, the republic existing till nowadays, being powerful, gaining great achievements on a world scale and in the international world will exist and develop. From here we come to such a conclusion that, Turkey is loyal to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's wills and treads in his steps.

President Heydar Aliyev said to Mete Kurt:

- Yesterday I received the International Peace Prize named after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. I am proud of this.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's companions-in-arms were the soldiers. If those soldiers didn't live, the Turkish Republic wouldn't establish and the Turkic people wouldn't be so happy.

There were a lot of martyrs at that time. The majority of martyrs were from Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's group. Today we have also martyrs. All the martyrs and you are the soldiers. On the account of the soldiers like you the heroic Turkish army exists. It is great support for the Turkic world. All of us are proud of with the establishment of Turkey and health of heroes and soldiers.

Coming up to Samin Altinop President Heydar Aliyev said:

- I express my respect, esteem, and love to your services before the Turkish Republic and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and the Turkic people.

Then the head of our country Heydar Aliyev visited Niyami Ozjan and said:

- Being a soldier Mustafa Kemal Ataturk saved Turkey from the foreign enemies and disintegration and made Turkey's way for the development. Therefore to fight and to be killed for Turkey's tomorrow in Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's way is an honour.

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President Heydar Aliyev addressed to Ilhan Turgel undergoing a cure at the Medical Academy:

- There is no doubt that, as a young man and citizen you will render a service for the development of the Turkish Republic in Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's way and be loyal to it.

The head of our republic Heydar Aliyev met with young Muslim Genger and said:

- I congratulate you for your heroism, services before Turkey and being the soldier of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's army. I wish you good health.

The head of our republic Heydar Aliyev said to Ergun Bulut:

- Youth like you have immortalized and will continue to immortalize the countries, especially the Turkish Republic, i.e., Ataturk's Republic. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk has trusted Turkey to the youth. You tread in his steps and serve with loyalty as well. It is an important affair. It is an honour not only for you, but also for the Turkic people. I wish you good health.

(Ankara, November 2, 1999)

My dear friend and brother Suleyman DEMIREL presented me Ataturk Peace Prize of the Turkish Republic. It is the prize given for the Independent Azerbaijan government that has been saving and developing its independence for 8 years. It is the prize given to all Azerbaijani citizens.

The Turkish and Azerbaijani friendship is on the top and it will reach to summit after this as well. This is their and my wish. Therefore, I've received Ataturk International Peace Prize for Azerbaijan, for its independent state, people and for establishing peace.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is one of the great personalities of the 20th century in the world as a statesman, politician and as the head of the state. 60 years after his death the Turkic people tread in his steps. This way is so right that, it is possible to turn neither to the right, nor to the left. It shows Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's genius, wisdom and the result of his services before his people.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's will, intellect, wit, heroism and wisdom offered all the necessary opportunities to establish a modern state in the place of the collapse and ash of the Ottoman Empire. And Mustafa Kemal Ataturk established it.

As you know, at that time other countries wanted to destroy Turkey. Under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's leadership the War of Independence saved the Turkic people from the efforts of these countries directed against Turkey.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's personality is dear, because he could immortalize the republic that he had established for the Turkic people and the Turkic world.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk established the republic, prepared its constituents, raised his people and the republic and then he trusted this republic to the reliable hands.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's greatness is that he has lived under the influence of Islam and established a new state, i.e., a worldly state where Islam was dominant. You call this state decent, but in our language we call it as a worldly state. So, this is Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's one of the greatest achievements while establishing the republic.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk has done much in this field. I consider that, during last 75 years the Turkic people have overcome an important distance in this direction. The Turkic people will go forward with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's way and principles and the Turkish Republic will be developed as a worldly state.

This is Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's genius and he has demonstrated to all Islamic worlds that, without abolishing Islam and considering this religion as moral values of people we may establish a worldly state. That's these don't contradict each other.

In 1922 the late Turgut Ozal and my friend and brother Suleyman DEMIREL invited me to Izmir Economic Congress. Then I was informed that, Ataturk has held the first Economic Congress in 1923 and he has shown the ways for the development of economy. In 1992 the Third Economic Congress was held. Therefore, he has trodden in the right steps in the fields of economy and statehood.

Without any doubt, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk accepted the Latin alphabet to replace the Ararbic alphabet and this was an important achievement for the future and culture of the Turkic people.

We were aware of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's heroism in Azerbaijan.

The Europeans have not to suppose that, the worldliness belongs only to them. Without any doubt, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's affairs have exerted their influence here.

Ataturk's great heritage is the Turkish Republic. As a result of the activities of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's continuers during 60 years the Turkish Republic had developed. Turkey had become a great and powerful state. This is Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's heritage! The mighty and powerful Turkish Republic developed from economic point of view and occupied an important place on a world scale! This is Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's heritage!

(November 28, 1999)

I saw Sparta, met with people and became witness of people's love, loyalty to their state, president, guests and Ataturk's way.

Today I was bestowed a title of honourary doctor. It is really a great honour for me. I've got a lot of prizes and badges in my life. But the presentation of the International Peace Prize named after the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in November 1, in Ankara is an important event for me and I put this badge on with feeling of proud.

It is not accidental that, I've been awarded Ataturk International Peace Prize. After this I can't wage war. But we haven't to allow the Armenians to keep these territories in their hands.

I hope that, the Turkish Republic will perpetually tread in Ataturk's steps. As long as the Turkish Republic treads in his steps, they will gain great achievements.

Long live the great Turkic people!

Long live Ataturk's Turkish Republic!

Long live everlasting and unbreakable Turkish and Azerbaijan friendship!

(March 15, 2001)

The foundation of the center investigating Ataturk's heritage has been laid down with my initiative. This center will be an independent organization. Very talented specialists of the National Academy of Sciences and all the universities of our country will work here. As the president of Azerbaijan I am an honourary chairman of the Center. I hope that, this center will investigate the importance of historical relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey from scientific point of view once more and introduce it to us. It will offer all the necessary opportunities to establish broad unity of actions.

Dear friends as you know I've received a lot of prizes in my life. Here you were informed about my life, anyhow I've done much in my life and come across with a lot of problems. But I've been awarded the prizes of the Soviet Union and other countries. Ataturk International Peace Prize is the most important prize given to me by the Turkish Republic in 1999. It is great honour for me and I'll try to deserve this name till the end of my life.

(August 23, 2002)

You presented to me a prize named after "Ataturk Head Master". It is an important prize. As you know, I'm a laureate of Ataturk International Peace Prize. This prize was presented to me in Ankara. Now you bestow a title of head master on me. I receive it with great pleasure, because I've done much to spread, agitate, bring to the attention of our people and make use of Ataturk's ideas. As a political figure, leader and president these ideas have a special place in my activities. It isn't accidental that, I've laid down the foundation of Ataturk Center in Azerbaijan. As you know, much will be done there.

The founder of the Turkish Republic is such a great person that, we try to speak about him as much as possible. The investigation on Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's life and activity is very important. Ataturk Center in Azerbaijan will fulfill these affairs. It will reveal Ataturk's opinions, affairs and unknown facts on Azerbaijan.

It seems to me that, I've to be a teacher in this field. As a head master my duty is to teach other teachers how to realize Ataturk's ideas. This present is very valuable for me and it doesn't have the material value, but another. Because as a President of Azerbaijan you've portrayed me with Ataturk within a beautiful ornament.

I'm thankful to you. It is evident that, I've never had a picture with Ataturk. Because I've never been in contact with him and therefore I'm not simply able to put our pictures together. But you've done it. I'm grateful to you.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk established the Turkish Republic. Even in the 1920s the Soviet Union was Turkey's close friend. The head of the Soviet Union Lenin was in friendly terms with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. But these relations are rather strained.

At that time I'd such idea that, the Turkish Army created by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk treading in his steps and realizing his wills became powerful.

As I said, the Turkish Army is Turkey's great achievement and its foundation had been laid down by the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. We've informed our people about Ataturk's greatness for the Turkic people.

I'm so pleased that, I received the International Peace Prize named after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk 2 years ago. I'm proud of this. I've a lot of medals and orders. But Ataturk International Peace Prize is very dear and important for me.

I've established an important center in Baku – Ataturk Center in Azerbaijan. Ataturk's life, the history of the Turkish Republic and Army is the theme of important investigations. A lot of books have to be written about this. Because it's very important not only for you, for today's, but also for the future generations.

I consider that, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's services before his people are unexampled. His services are so great that, we are not able to appreciate. But 2 of them are very important:

The establishment of the Turkish Republic.

The establishment of the Turkish Army.

During 4 years I've known my dear friend Huseyn Kivrikoglu as one of the well-known generals of the Turkish Army and a person fulfilling the chief's post at the headquarter.

I hope that, being Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's soldier You (H. Kivrikoglu) will serve in the Armed Forces of Turkey and do your best to develop the Turkish and Azerbaijan joint and friendly relations.

(August 2, 2002)

Ibrahim Abilov was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's close friend and in good terms with him. All his life he tried to develop the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey.

(January 8, 2003)

The Turkish Republic established by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk has traversed a long and glorious path from 1923 till nowadays.

(February 6, 2003)

The development of the Turkish language in Turkey is closely connected with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's name. The creation of today's Turkish language is Ataturk's important service. I've laid down the foundation of Ataturk Center in Azerbaijan. Because Ataturk is loved not only by Anadolu Turks, but also by the Azerbaijan people. I was aware of the difficult condition of the Turkish language. If Ataturk didn't take a decision about language, today the Turks wouldn't have such a beautiful language.

Therefore, the language plays an important role in the development of each nation.