Under the Leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev: The Legal Pillar of Our Independent Statehood

The modern stage of Azerbaijan’s statehood is directly linked to the farsighted policy, profound intellect, and national will-based leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. It was thanks to this great statesman that Azerbaijan, during the most challenging years following the restoration of independence, overcame political chaos and economic crisis, embarking on the path of stability and development.

As a result of the reforms implemented by Heydar Aliyev, profound institutional transformations were carried out in the country, aimed at building a legal, democratic, and secular state. The most significant milestone in this process was the adoption of the first national Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan on November 12, 1995.

In the early years of independence, the country faced political instability, economic hardship, and threats of separatism. During this critical time, under Heydar Aliyev’s decisive leadership, state governance was restored, national unity was strengthened, and the foundation for building a legal state was laid. One of the most important steps in this direction was the drafting of a new Constitution for the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In May 1995, a Constitutional Commission was established under the chairmanship of Heydar Aliyev. The draft prepared by the Commission was based on democratic principles, the protection of human rights and freedoms, the separation of powers, and the election of representative bodies.

In the words of Heydar Aliyev:

“We must prepare such a draft and, ultimately, adopt such a Constitution that ensures the stable and long-term democratic development of the independent Republic of Azerbaijan as its Fundamental Law and historic document.”

Following broad public discussions, on November 12, 1995, a referendum was held in which 91.9 percent of voters supported the new Constitution. For the first time in the history of independent Azerbaijan, the people directly adopted the country’s Fundamental Law through a popular vote.

The Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan entered into force on November 27, 1995, marking the establishment of the legal basis for democratic, legal, and secular state-building in the country.

The new Constitution was not only a legal document but also a political manifesto reflecting the ideological foundations of national statehood, the free will of the people, and the unity of the nation. It ensured the separation and balance of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.

Furthermore, the Constitution enshrined fundamental principles such as the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms, inviolability of property, freedom of speech and conscience, equality between men and women, and the rights of minorities.

Since 1996, the day of its adoption, November 12, has been celebrated as Constitution Day in the Republic of Azerbaijan — not only as a commemoration of a legal document but also as a symbol of the nation’s devotion to freedom, justice, and the rule of law.

The policy of building a legal state initiated by National Leader Heydar Aliyev is today being successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev. In modern times, the Constitution remains a living document guiding governance, socio-economic reforms, human rights protection, and democratic development.

Upon the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, a referendum held on September 26, 2016, introduced 41 amendments and additions to 29 articles of the Constitution. These reforms were aimed at:

improving the functioning of supreme state institutions,

increasing the efficiency of the judicial system,

strengthening the protection of human rights and freedoms,

and enhancing the accountability of local self-government bodies.

Through these reforms, the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan was adapted to the requirements of a new era and became the legal foundation for the nation’s modern stage of development.

In the words of President Ilham Aliyev:

“The Constitution, prepared under the direct leadership of our National Leader and founder of modern Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, established a solid foundation for democratic, legal, and secular state-building based on the civilizational values and legislative experience of the modern world, our people’s centuries-old traditions of statehood, and both national and universal principles.”

The Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan serves as a guide of rights for every citizen. Its essence lies in safeguarding the will of the people, the sovereignty of the state, and the values of a free society.

In Heydar Aliyev’s legacy, the Constitution is not only a legal document but also a moral pillar of the state and a symbol of national unity.

Thanks to this historic document, Azerbaijan continues to advance confidently in the directions of legal stability, political balance, and economic progress. The Constitution, defining the state’s responsibility toward its citizens, places the human factor at the core of state policy.

In this sense, the Constitution of Azerbaijan is not merely a book of law — it is the bearer of the Azerbaijanism idea, the guarantor of national sovereignty, and the foundational document of a free and just state model for future generations.

November 12 – Constitution Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan –Constitution Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan – embodies one of the most glorious legacies left by National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the history of Azerbaijani statehood. This day is also a vivid testament to how his farsighted ideas are being successfully realized under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

The Constitution of Azerbaijan is a sacred document symbolizing our nation’s independence, unity, and faith in the future. It stands as the legal guarantee of stability, justice, and progress.

“Our Constitution, based on universal values and progressive national traditions, reflects the realities of today and the prospects for the development of the state and society.”— Heydar Aliyev

Bayram Khudayarov

Researcher at the Physics Institute of the Ministry of Science and Education

Founder and Admin of the Facebook group “Followers of the Heydar Aliyev School”, Active member of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP)