I vividly recall the images of Heydar Aliyev in these photographs, which seem to me a magical history.   Early years of Azerbaijan’s independence were challenging times when Heydar Aliyev had returned to the political arena in 1993. I remember very well the times I met him and witnessed how frank, well informed, and decisive in action Heydar Aliyev was.On this day when this remarkable man crossed the finish line of his life, I often wonder, what the world might have been like if he hadn’t crossed paths in his life with many twists of fate.When I first came across this video, - https://youtu.be/X5Hz21BSUts?si=2cUVnhSG6gdfaDWU , I was struck by Heydar Aliyev’s emotion that adds an interesting dimension to national leader’s character, reflecting the way of engaging with life. Heydar Aliyev loved his country and its history. He knew history very well and understood that it is not just about the past, but also about the present, and that each new era will be judged by future generations. Heydar Aliyev’s presidency (1993-2003) produced an outstanding era of confidence and trust. For Azerbaijanis he was the greatest leader who had once been one of the most influential leaders of a vast empire, the Soviet Union, which covered one sixth of the world’s landmass. Heydar Aliyev’s wealth of political experience had led Azerbaijanis through the many crises the country faced. The famous speech at the First Congress of World Azerbaijanis on 9th November 2001, made by Heydar Aliyev, was of historic importance for our compatriots abroad. The phrase said by this great man “I have always been proud, and I am proud today that I am an Azerbaijani,” has become a popular quotation for all Azerbaijanis. Whatever your political slant, it is hard to deny the impact that Heydar Aliyev had on the nation and beyond. When Heydar Aliyev passed away, it was as if a curtain had been drawn on a most splendid era in the history of Azerbaijan. Tragically, the belief by many that we were on the brink of entering an unprecedented time of patriotism, good will, and prosperity was dashed to smithereens by this great loss.But the man we remember today gave us a gift that must not be squandered, granting the chance to learn how to face the future when it is darkest and most uncertain, the courage to move forward into the future with optimism and unfailing sense of duty.President Ilham Aliyev embodied these tasks and during 44-day war achieved liberation of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan from Armenian military forces. Azerbaijan won not only on the battlefield, but also at diplomacy, restored its territorial integrity, liberating Karabakh region of the country from occupation. A peace deal has been agreed upon between Armenia and Azerbaijan to establish lasting peace and making it a “win-win” situation for all the parties in the region in line with Heydar Aliyev’s state strategy. Today, we, the people of Azerbaijan, honour the life, legacy and leadership of this great man who called us to think not of our own interests, but our country’s.Guivami RahimliPhD, Professor at Baku State University,Senior Government Affairs Advisor, bp Azerbaijan