National Salvation Day

History of National Salvation Day

Heydar Alirza oglu Aliyev was born on May 10, 1923, in the city of Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan He graduated from the U.S.S.R. State Security Committee`s (K.G.B.) Senior Staff Training School in Leningrad, present-day St. Petersburg, in 1950, after which he was appointed Department Head at the State Security Committee of Azerbaijan S.S.R. He rose quickly through the K.G.B. ranks, becoming a Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijani K.G.B. in 1964, Chairman in 1967, and eventually reached the rank of Major General.

Aliyev ran an anti-corruption campaign as the Azerbaijani K.G.B. Head, following which he became the country’s undisputed leader. He was elected First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Azerbaijan Communist Party at its Plenary Session in 1969. Under his leadership, Soviet Azerbaijan experienced increased economic, social and cultural growth. Aliyev became among the most successful republican leaders, raising the profile of the underprivileged republic and constantly promoting Azerbaijanis to senior posts.

In 1987, he was dismissed from his position as First Deputy Premier by former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev on the grounds of health issues. Later, Aliyev reinvented himself as a moderate nationalist and was elected the Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan S.S.R. in October 1990. Under the pressure and criticism from groups connected to his rival, the leader of Soviet Azerbaijan, Ayaz Mutallibov, Aliyev returned to Nakhchivan. However, a crisis in the government and a potential civil war in 1993 led to the people of Azerbaijan demanding Aliyev’s return to power. On June 15, 1993, Heydar Aliyev was elected to be the chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with the day eventually becoming known as the Day of National Salvation. Later in the year, he was elected as President.

National Salvation Day timeline

1923

Heydar Aliyev is Born

Aliyev is born in Nakhchivan on May 10.

1993

Aliyev Returns to Baku

Aliyev goes to Baku after chaos in Azerbaijan leads to people demanding his return.

1998

The First National Salvation Day

National Salvation Day is celebrated for the first time, as per the June 27, 1997 dated decree of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan.

2003

Aliyev Passes Away

Aliyev steps down from the presidency in October and dies at the Cleveland Clinic in the U.S., receiving a large state funeral.

National Salvation Day FAQs

When is National Salvation Day?

National Salvation Day 2026 falls on a Monday, June 15. This annual observance commemorates a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan’s modern history.

What is the historical significance of National Salvation Day?

National Salvation Day marks the return of Heydar Aliyev to Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 15, 1993. His leadership was instrumental in stabilizing the country, which was on the brink of civil war following its independence from the Soviet Union.

How is National Salvation Day celebrated in Azerbaijan?

In Azerbaijan, National Salvation Day is a public holiday marked by official ceremonies, speeches by state officials, and cultural events. Citizens often reflect on the nation’s history and express gratitude for its stability.

Who was Heydar Aliyev?

Heydar Aliyev was a former Soviet-era leader who later became the third President of independent Azerbaijan. His return to power in 1993 is credited with preventing a civil war and setting the country on a path to stability and development.

How to Observe National Salvation Day

Visit Azerbaijan

Visit Azerbaijan to see the wonders it has to offer and marvel at the beautiful sights. Travel to its capital Baku, famed for its medieval walled Inner City, the palace of Shaki Khans, the fortress Galarsan-Gorarsan, and much more!

Explore Azerbaijani heritage and culture

If you can’t visit, then bring Azerbaijan to you! Celebrate the day by immersing yourself in the rich culture Azerbaijan has to offer: cooking traditional foods and learning more about the country all from the comforts of your home.

Learn more about Aliyev

Use this as an opportunity to learn more about the man himself. Aliyev was an important Soviet leader whose actions continue to affect the world we live in today.

5 Facts About Azerbaijan That Will Blow Your Mind

“The Land of Fire”

Azerbaijan is often called “The Land of Fire” as many of the oldest hearths on Earth are found in the region.

It’s progressive

In 1918, Azerbaijan became the first Muslim nation to grant women universal suffrage and is still considered one of the most gender-equal Muslim nations in the world.

It has a lot of volcanoes

Azerbaijan has around 350 mud volcanoes which is the highest amount any one country has in the world.

It has a lot of oil

Azerbaijan has plenty of oil reserves and it supplied more than half of the world’s oil in 1901.

Heydar Aliyev Center is an architectural wonder

This London Design Museum’s Design of the Year 2014 recipient is famous for its unique curves and number of exhibitions and museums.

Why National Salvation Day is Important

Anti-corruption

Aliyev helped bring order to the nation during its post-independence period and ran a successful anti-corruption campaign. Under his leadership, Soviet Azerbaijan experienced increased economic, social, and cultural growth.

Moving away from repressed regime

Aliyev developed a cult-like following in the nation with his supporters crediting him with restoring stability to Azerbaijan and turning it into a major international energy producer. Today, we celebrate the achievements of his regime.

Fraudulent elections should not be a powerful precedent

Aliyev was also said to have run the country like a police state where elections were rigged and dissent was repressed. Shortly before his death, his son, Ilhan Aliyev, was elected to the presidency in a controversial election that has been called fraudulent by many. It is important to remember why and how he continues to lead Azerbaijan even today, among other things, to ensure fraud does not continue to occur in future elections.