Azerbaijan's development path in recent years is characterized by the identification of its political, economic, social, cultural, sports, and moral priorities. Each year is dedicated to a specific area by decree of President Ilham Aliyev. This initiative clearly demonstrates the main goals of state policy to society, increases public attention to that area, and simultaneously aims to unite state and citizen initiatives in that direction.
It should be noted that the foundation of this tradition was laid in 2007. The decrees signed by the head of state not only indicate the strategic direction of the state but also demonstrate the importance given to national and moral values. For example, while the purpose of declaring the "Year of Industry" or the "Year of Volunteers" was to increase attention to the development of these areas, the "Year of Nizami Ganjavi" or the "Year of Heydar Aliyev" was to commemorate the anniversaries of those prominent figures.
The declaration of the "Year of Multiculturalism" aimed to promote Azerbaijan's values of tolerance to the world and further strengthen the image of a country where various religions and nationalities live in peace. The "Year of Nasimi" was remembered as a triumph of science, poetry, and humanism.
As for the "Year of Shusha", it was dedicated to the 270th anniversary of Karabakh's liberated cultural capital.
The declaration of these years is not merely symbolic. After each such decision, relevant state programs, projects, events, and social initiatives are implemented. Based on the decrees of the head of state, the plan of events to be held in connection with the declared year is prepared by the Presidential Administration or the Cabinet of Ministers. Many events are held and postage stamps are issued in the country within the framework of the year.
The tradition of thematic declaration of years has already become a symbol of statehood for Azerbaijan. The name of each new year provides direction to society as a message or a roadmap for Azerbaijan's future.
It should be noted that in 2008, a similar decree was not signed due to the presidential elections in Azerbaijan being a nationwide event.
It is interesting, what year will 2026 be declared? Since it is difficult to predict this in advance, we are obliged to await the decree that the President will sign at the end of December.
List of years declared in Azerbaijan:
2007 - Year of Youth;
2009 - Year of Children;
2010 - Year of Ecology;
2011 - Year of Tourism;
2012 - Year of Sports;
2013 - Year of Information and Communication Technologies;
2014 - Year of Industry;
2015 - Year of Agriculture;
2016 - Year of Multiculturalism;
2017 - Year of Islamic Solidarity;
2018 - Year of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic;
2019 - Year of Nasimi;
2020 - Year of Volunteers;
2021 - Year of Nizami Ganjavi;
2022 - Year of Shusha;
2023 - Year of Heydar Aliyev;
2024 - Year of Solidarity for a Green World;
2025 - Year of Constitution and Sovereignty.
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