A monument to Heydar Aliyev, the national leader of Azerbaijan, is set to be erected in Moscow, underscoring the enduring legacy of the influential figure. The announcement confirms the installation of the monument will take place near the Azerbaijani Embassy, where the ceremonial groundwork occurred on March 4, 2025.
The ceremony attracted numerous dignitaries, including Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, Russian Vice-Premier Vitaly Savelyev, and Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia Rahman Mustafayev, along with veterans from the construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM). This significant event aligns with the 50th anniversary of BAM's construction, one of the Soviet Union's grandest engineering undertakings, which continues to hold importance today.
During the ceremony, Mayor Sobyanin remarked, "Last year, the country celebrated the 50th anniversary of the start of construction of BAM, one of the grandest projects of the Soviet Union, which still plays a huge role in our economy. This year, the BAM builders community requested the erection of the monument to Heydar Aliyev, one of the main organizers of this construction. The government of the Russian Federation, Russian Railways actively supported this request. The Moscow City Duma's commission decided to support this request. I signed the order today for the construction here, near the Azerbaijani embassy, of the monument to Heydar Aliyev."
Aliyev, who served as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers for Construction and Development of BAM, played a pivotal role during its establishment, contributing significantly to the project, which has been recognized as strategically significant. His legacy is reflected deeply within the fabric of this enduring infrastructure.
Vice-Premier Savelyev expanded on this sentiment, stating, "Aliyev inscribed himself in golden letters in the history of the creation of BAM, he not only supervised this construction on behalf of the USSR Council of Ministers, he lived this construction." This strong endorsement highlights Aliyev's commitment and vision for the monumental endeavor.
The design and foundation of the monument were marked by the laying of a memorial plaque at the ceremony. The plaque bears the inscription: "A monument to twice Hero of Socialist Labor, outstanding statesman and political figure, Chairman of the Council of Ministers for Construction and Development of the Baikal-Amur Mainline will be erected here." This plaque signifies not just the physical monument to come, but also the acknowledgment of Aliyev's monumental impact on both Azerbaijan and its ties with Russia.
Ambassador Mustafayev noted the broader significance of the monument, stating, "I believe this monument, which is being laid today, is not only dedicated to Heydar Aliyev, but to the Azerbaijani-Russian friendship as well." This remark encapsulates the unity between the two nations historically strengthened through shared initiatives such as BAM.
The idea to erect this monument arose from veterans of BAM, who worked under Aliyev's leadership and understood the importance of embracing his legacy. The recognition of his contributions to the construction of BAM not only honors his memory but also fortifies the bonds between Azerbaijan and Russia, celebrating shared heritage and collaborative achievements.
The event emphasized the pride felt by those who contributed to BAM as they gathered to commemorate their shared history and Aliyev’s legacy. It serves as both memory and tribute to the leadership and vision of Heydar Aliyev and the enduring camaraderie among the peoples of Azerbaijan and Russia.
This initiative not only cements Aliyev's role as a national leader but also reflects the respect and gratitude from both nations for his work on one of the most significant engineering projects of the 20th century, marking the strength of diplomatic and cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Russia.