President Aliyev attends ceremony on Victory Day in Baku
By Nigar Orujova
Baku hosted a solemn ceremony to mark the 69th anniversary of the Victory over fascism in the World War II on May 9.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attended the ceremony.
Period of the World War II was the most difficult time for all
human beings in the 20th century.
During the war, Azerbaijanis showed courage and heroism not only on
the frontline, but in the back front as well. A battalion of 87 jet
fighters and 1224 self-defense groups were set up in the country in
a short span of time.
Over 600,000 young Azerbaijani boys and girls were sent to the
frontline between 1941 and 1945. Divisions from Azerbaijan went on
foot from the Caucasus to Berlin.
About 130 Azerbaijanis obtained the name of "Hero of the Soviet
Union", 30 more deserved the "Order of Honor". Some 170,000
Azerbaijani soldiers and officers were awarded various USSR orders
and medals.
Twice the Hero of the Soviet Union Major-General Hazi Aslanov,
Heroes of the Soviet Union Israfil Mammadov, Aslan Vezirov, Adil
Guliyev, Ziya Bunyatov, Geray Asadov, Melik Maharramov and Mehdi
Huseynzadeh, generals Mahmud Abilov, Akim Abbasov, Tarlan
Aliyarbeyov and Hajibala Zeynalov and many others brought honor to
the history of the Azerbaijani people.
Much has been done in the country, to direct the economy towards the frontline.
Light and food industries started working for the forces. In a
short period of time Baku turned into a real arsenal of a fighting
army. Despite all the difficulties, Azerbaijani oil workers worked
hard to supply the frontline and the industry with fuel.
It should also be noted that a new aviation petrol-producing
technology was created under the supervision of academician Yusif
Mammadaliyev.
With the hard efforts of oil workers, the oil production in
Azerbaijan reached its peak in 1941 - when 23.5 million tons of oil
was produced, making up 71.4 percent of all the oil produced in the
USSR.
In total, Azerbaijani oil workers produced 75 million tonnes of oil
and 22 million tonnes of petrol, during the years of war.
WW II once again proved the heroism and courage of Azerbaijani
people.