Having lived for many years amidst various foreign influences and political processes, Azerbaijani society has now entered a new stage. A look at history clearly shows that the Azerbaijani people were deprived of the opportunity to independently determine their own destiny during those periods. The country, which first lived under the influence of imperial politics and then under 70 years of Soviet rule, was only able to restore its state independence in the late 20th century. However, the first years of independence were not easy either. Political, economic, and military difficulties created serious problems for the country. Foreign centers of influence, in turn, tried to strengthen their interests in Azerbaijan by taking advantage of this situation.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan virtually faced a new political environment. Although the country was independent, it faced the threat of remaining within the sphere of influence of major powers in the region. Azerbaijan, which holds strategic importance particularly due to its energy resources, became an area of interest for various states. Forces seeking to influence Azerbaijan's economic and political processes as an oil-rich country used various means. Various funds, organizations, projects, and institutions served as tools for realizing these interests.
All of this led to the formation of certain stereotypes in society. People were led to believe that anything was possible in this country and that rules and laws would never work. The phrase “This is Azerbaijan, anything is possible here” seemed to have become a part of daily life over the years. The most interesting thing is that those who most frequently used this idea were people who had lived through the Soviet era and were accustomed to its system of governance.
In reality, this phrase is more of a stereotype than a reality, and it is the result of a mindset formed over many years. People think this way because they have long seen that rules do not work and that laws sometimes have a formal character. However, times change, and states change too. Azerbaijan is also one of the changing countries.
Today, a question needs to be asked: Is there corruption in Azerbaijan? Some, upon hearing this question, might automatically answer “yes.” Is there a fact? This question will remain unanswered.
Let's look at specific areas. In education, who can pay money to be admitted to university, or to have an exam written for them? Are there students who pay money to get grades in universities? In hospitals, who can pay a doctor to receive out-of-turn service? Who pays money to get a fake pension? Which executive head paid money to get a position? Which minister paid money to become a minister? Which deputy paid money to obtain a deputy mandate?
The answers to these questions actually explain a lot. There were many who once claimed that such incidents occurred. However, today it is a completely different system. Reforms carried out in public administration, the implementation of electronic services, and increased transparency have seriously prevented such occurrences.
A new era has begun in Azerbaijan. One of the most important turning points of this era was the 44-day Patriotic War. The victory achieved in 2020 was a political and psychological turning point. The restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity marked the beginning of a completely new stage in the country.
This victory increased self-confidence in Azerbaijani society. People saw that the state is strong and capable of protecting national interests. This victory also led to the weakening of some foreign influence mechanisms that had persisted for years. Azerbaijan began to form as a state that makes its decisions more independently.
Today, a new political and social environment is forming in Azerbaijan. National interests are at the forefront of public administration. The elimination of dependence on foreign influences allows for more independent decisions to be made in the country's domestic policy.
Nevertheless, remnants of the old way of thinking still persist within society. The older generation, in particular, sometimes finds it difficult to accept new realities. This is a natural process, as they have lived for years in a different system. The Soviet era's governance model and mindset have been an inseparable part of their lives.
These people did not come from America or other countries. They are our fathers, our grandfathers. It's simply that the environment in which they were formed was different. They became accustomed to one system and continue to think according to the rules of that system.
The new generation, however, thinks completely differently. Today, young people live in a more open world. They connect to the global information space via the internet. New technologies, new ideas, and new approaches are changing the mindset of young people.
Today, everyone knows that it is impossible to get grades without studying at university. Nevertheless, some people are still looking for old ways. They believe that methods such as calling someone, asking someone for a favor, or using some “acquaintance” still work. When such ways are not found, they immediately start complaining. Phrases like “I don't have a connection” or “others do it” are heard again. In reality, these phrases are mostly used to create psychological comfort.
A similar situation is observed in hospitals. Today, a medical insurance system is implemented, and services are carried out based on certain rules. There is a queue system, and everyone must wait their turn. However, some people still try to receive out-of-turn service. If they cannot achieve this, the same phrase is used again: “I don't have a connection.” Yet, the matter is very simple. The system now works differently, and old methods are no longer valid.
This situation is not only evident in the fields of education and healthcare but is also observed in other areas. People sometimes do not want to accept the changing reality. They try to apply the experiences they had in the past to the present day.
Times have changed, and the past remains in the past. Today is not yesterday. Azerbaijan has entered a new stage. Today, a governance model based on national interests is forming in the country. One of the state's main priorities is to increase the welfare of its citizens. Economic development, social projects, and infrastructure programs serve this purpose.
At the same time, new opportunities are being created for the development of young people. International programs in the field of education are expanding. A startup ecosystem is forming. The digital economy is developing.
Azerbaijani youth are active participants in these processes. They are more agile, more proactive, and more creative. Young people achieve success not only within the country but also on an international scale.
For these young people, love for the Motherland holds special significance. The whole world saw this during the 44-day war. Thousands of young people rose to fight for the Motherland and made history.
Today, these young people are building the future of the country. They put forward new ideas, implement new projects, and work to transform Azerbaijan into a stronger state.
Azerbaijan is becoming one of the important political and economic centers of the region. Transport corridors, energy projects, and international cooperation programs further increase the country's strategic importance.
All of this indicates that Azerbaijan is in a new stage. This stage is one of national statehood, where the country's development is measured not only by economic indicators but also by the strengthening of national consciousness.
People must abandon phrases like “This is Azerbaijan, anything is possible here.” Because this idea does not reflect reality. In Azerbaijan, everything is carried out based on rules. Laws work, institutions operate, and public administration is becoming more transparent.
It is important to see and accept these changes. Because development is more dependent on mindset than on physical infrastructure.
Yes, this is Azerbaijan. It is Azerbaijan that has restored its territorial integrity, achieved the most important victory in its history, and preserved its national identity and traditions.
We have entered a new stage; this stage is that of a modern, strong, and independent Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is not lagging behind any country; with its potential, it is becoming one of the leading states in the region.
The youth of Azerbaijan are diligent and responsible young people who love their homeland. They believe in the country's future and work to build it. Azerbaijan is changing and developing. It is the duty of every citizen to see, appreciate, and protect these changes.
Yes, this is Azerbaijan, a completely new Azerbaijan...
Elnur AMIROV
