The Tovuz battles are one of the important pages in the heroic history of the Azerbaijani Army. In July 2020, the provocations committed by Armenian armed units on the state border were resolutely prevented. Those battles once again proved that the Azerbaijani Army is capable of responding promptly and adequately to any military challenge.
The Tovuz battles also became an important link and a spark on the path leading to the Great Victory.
The Modern.az website is launching the section "The Last Photo Remaining from the Martyr" to commemorate the dear memory of our heroes who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland and left us a legacy.
We dedicate the first presentation of our section precisely to the legendary General Polad Həşimov, who was martyred in the Tovuz battles.
June 21, 2020, Şəmkir
According to Ofelya Salmanova, Polad Həşimov's wife, this photo is Polad Həşimov's last picture taken with his children:
“He said there's a big lake, and I know a very beautiful place by its side. The food is excellent, and so is the air. Let's go get some fresh air.
Along the way, he pointed out meadows and green-grey hills, engaging in interesting conversations. He pointed his finger at a large cloud and said, “Look how interesting it looks.” At the dinner table, he spoke incessantly about the children's future. He often spoke about the entrance exam our only daughter, whom he called "Aybəniz xanım," would take a year later, and about her becoming a doctor. He gave his children fatherly advice more valuable than all the treasures of the world.
At one point, he moved to the edge of the lake and gazed into the distance for a long time. He fell into deep thought…
It turned out that both that cloud and his eyes fixed on the distance were harbingers that Polad had already embarked on a new path, one without them.
He was martyred twenty-three days later.”
Major General Polad Həşimov ascended to the peak of martyrdom on July 14, 2020, while repelling an attack by the Armenian Armed Forces during fierce battles in the Tovuz direction.
In 2003, P. Həşimov was awarded the "For Military Services" medal by decree of President Heydar Aliyev, holding the rank of major. Six years later, in 2009, as a lieutenant colonel, he was awarded the "For the Motherland" medal by decree of President Ilham Aliyev. In 2014, he was awarded the 3rd degree "For Service to the Motherland" order, and in 2016, for his bravery shown in the April battles, the 2nd degree "For Service to the Motherland" order.
Polad Həşimov served as the Chief of Staff of the 1st Army Corps, which conducted the battles for Talış settlement during the clashes along the front line on April 2-4, 2016, and was wounded during the battle. On June 25, 2019, Polad Həşimov was awarded the supreme military rank of Major General. He was later appointed Chief of Staff of the 3rd Army Corps of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
In 2020, the street where the Alley of Martyrs is located in Qəbələ city was named after Polad Həşimov. Furthermore, the general's name has also been immortalized in fraternal Turkey. Thus, a new park named after Polad Həşimov has been established in the Demirtaş region of Osmanqazi district.
On December 9, 2020, by decree of President Ilham Aliyev, Polad Həşimov was awarded the title of National Hero of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
