UNEC hosts commemorative ceremony dedicated to the 5th anniversary of Remembrance Day
The Azerbaijan State University of Economics held a solemn ceremony dedicated to the 5th anniversary of September 27 – Remembrance Day.
At the outset, participants visited the Memorial Complex erected in honor of UNEC’s martyred students and alumni, where they laid floral tributes to their memory.
The official program commenced with the performance of the National anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a minute of silence in tribute to the martyrs.
Delivering the opening address, People’s artist of Azerbaijan Nuraddin Mehdikhanli emphasized that September 27 embodies the spirit of freedom and pride for the Azerbaijani nation:“Today we honor our martyrs – each of them represents our national identity, independence, and future. They not only sacrificed their lives but also reminded us of who we are. They proved that sacrifice for the Motherland leaves an eternal legacy.”
Mr. Mehdikhanli further noted that 48 UNEC students and alumni attained martyrdom in the struggle for the freedom and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, while hundreds of others became veterans and participants of the Patriotic war.
A video presentation entitled “UNEC Martyrs” was then screened.
Addressing the audience, UNEC rector, professor Adalat Muradov, underscored that Remembrance Day is both a day of commemoration and a day of bearing witness to heroism: “Our martyrs demonstrated the strength of the Azerbaijani state to the entire world. They proved that our state is capable of overcoming any challenge. At the same time, this day attests to the fact that Azerbaijani mothers raised such valiant sons. We take immense pride in them. Our martyred students and alumni are a source of honor for our nation, our state, and our university. As long as Azerbaijan exists, their memory will forever remain exalted. As a university, we must redouble our efforts to contribute to the revival, development, and prosperity of the liberated lands for which they gave their lives. Today, our weapons are knowledge, education, and technology. I am confident that Azerbaijan will ascend to even greater heights.”
Subsequently, Major General Zaur Javanshir of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan addressed the gathering, stressing the unity and resolve of the Azerbaijani people during the Second Karabakh War: “Our people, rallying around the Supreme Commander-in-Chief as an ‘Iron fist,’ demonstrated their invincibility to the world. Our victory was not merely a military success but also a manifestation of the strength of our state and the determination of our nation. Every martyr and veteran embodies this might, and their heroism must always be remembered. Their sacrifice serves as an example for the younger generation. It is our duty to follow their path and safeguard our homeland as a stronger and more developed state.”
The mother of UNEC student and martyr of the Patriotic war, Agil Mirzaliyev, Ms. Aynura Mirzaliyeva, also delivered remarks. She recalled her son’s devotion to his country and people, noting his heroic deeds on the battlefield and his posthumous decoration with numerous orders and medals. She further emphasized that the strength of the “Iron fist” derived not only from the courage of martyrs and veterans but also from the political will of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Ilham Aliyev, and the unity of the Azerbaijani people.
UNEC student and veteran of the 44-day Patriotic war, Mail Asgarov, shared his personal wartime recollections, expressing his pride at having been part of the “Iron fist.”
The event concluded with a cultural program prepared by the UNEC Creativity Center. Students recited poems, performed musical pieces, and staged the touching performance “A soldier’s letter,” which evoked deep emotion and pride among participants.
As part of the commemoration, an exhibition of paintings dedicated to the Patriotic war, created by students of the UNEC School of Design, was also presented.