Today marks the 10th anniversary of the April Battles, which left a significant mark on Azerbaijan's modern history, where hopes for the liberation of Karabakh were realized for the first time, and the people's faith in victory was further strengthened.
In 2016, we understood that although the path to victory was difficult and full of trials, Azerbaijan was determined to overcome it. That year, we began to recognize our heroes who etched their names in history during the April Battles. One of them is Murad Mirzayev, who was martyred in the battles on April 2.
This time, the Modern.az website dedicates its “Legacy from Martyrs” section to Lieutenant Colonel, Special Forces officer, April Battles martyr, National Hero Murad Mirzayev.
We spoke with our hero's wife, Fizzə Mirzayeva, on Murad Mirzayev's birthday. His birthday is celebrated on March 31, two days before his martyrdom. Murad Mirzayev was awarded the title of National Hero at just 40 years old, following the bravery he displayed during the April Battles. His heroic status, however, began to form during his student years, in his first meetings with his wife Fizzə khanum, in Turkey, and from his very first day on the front line.
Precisely for this reason, one of Murad Mirzayev's most cherished possessions was his military uniform. Fizzə khanum shared her thoughts about that uniform with us:
“This uniform was worn by those participating in military parades. He was wearing this uniform during our first meeting. That's also why it became one of his most precious possessions for me.”
Wearing this uniform was also Murad Mirzayev's first step in serving Azerbaijan, to which he dedicated his life. While in this uniform, he received a symbolic sword and a special ring, which were tokens of the trust placed in the serviceman.
His watch, which showed his precision and which he always wore on his wrist:
“The first gift Murad received when he graduated from the Land Forces Military School in Turkey was a "Casio" watch; it was original, and he always wore it on his wrist. This gift reminds me of his love for his homeland. Because he was awarded with this very watch for the first time. He thought so too. Just as he was loyal to his homeland, he was loyal to that watch, never taking it off his wrist. Murad had been using the watch since the 90s. After he was martyred, the watch stopped working. But I had it repaired so our son could use it; although it worked for a few days, it stopped again afterwards.”
Like everyone who dedicated their life to the military, Murad Mirzayev's most frequently used and carried items were related to this field. For example, a headlamp worn during operations in the dark, as well as a knife. Now, while he is at the highest peak, the items that bring comfort to his family recall Murad Mirzayev's days on the front lines, together with his soldiers:
“Murad had used the headlamp he wore in the dark so much that its straps were breaking; we can still smell his scent from that item. Like every officer, his knife was a special item for him. He even kept that knife in special sheaths on days he wasn't using it. And the goggles he used during mountaineering and skiing remained a memento of the most beautiful days we spent together.”
The only Azerbaijani among the selected servicemen:
“If you look closely at this photo, you will see that it features pictures of exemplary servicemen at the Land Forces Military School in Turkey, where he studied. This photo was hung on the wall where he studied. He was the only Azerbaijani in the photo, and he was very proud of this. He always kept this photo separate from the others.”
Murad Mirzayev was martyred while rendering unparalleled service in the liberation of the Talish height during the Four-Day War. From that day on, all of Azerbaijan began to recognize the hero.
