G azərbaycan respublikasi təHSİl naziRLİYİ azərbaycan texniKİ universiteti M. M. QƏNDİLova e. Q. İsmayilova

The Azerbaijan Republic

The Azerbaijan Republic is the largest of the three Trans Caucasian Republics and an important strategic gateway between Europe and Asia. Its territory is 86.6 thousand square kms. And population is more than 8 million. Now, due to Armenian aggression about 20 per cent of its territory is under occupation.

Azerbaijan borders on Iran, Turkey, Georgia, aggressor Armenia, and Russia. Our country has an old and rich history. Historically Azerbaijan had a vast territory, but it was divided into two parts because of war between Russia and Persia (Iran). I.e. Russia occupied Northern part of Azerbaijan that was, formally, recognized as part of Russian Empire and Southern part-as part of Persia by the Treaty of Gulustan in 1813.

After the collapse of the Russian Empire in war and revolution, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was founded on 28 May 1918 by the Prime Minister Fataly khan Khoysky and based in Ganja. Baku itself was under the control of Bolshevik Baku Commissars directed by terrorist Shaumyan. Although Baku and Azerbaijan were reunited in August 1919, the Red Army occupied Azerbaijan on 28 April 1920 and by summer had crushed the forces of the Democratic Republic. Azerbaijan had become a part of Soviet Empire. Above 70 years Azerbaijan was under Russia’s occupation.

With the disintegration of the Soviet system in 1990’s Azerbaijan became an independent country and has poised to play a significant role in the development of the region on the basis of new relationships with Turk, American, British, Iranian, Japanese, Russian, and many other foreign partners. Its natural resources, scientific and industrial base and location of the crossroads of East and West seem certain to ensure that Azerbaijan will once again be a center of economic and cultural achievements. Thus with the collapse of the Soviet Union the attention of the world turned once again to Azerbaijan and in September 1994 a historic Agreement was signed in Baku; the Agreement for Joint Development and Production of the Azeri, Chirac and Guneshli, Oil Fields in the Azeri Sector of the Caspian Sea. The signatories were the State Oil Company (SOCAR) and a consortium of ten foreign companies including Amoco, British Petroleum, Pennzoil Stat oil and UNOCAL Khazar.

While this project is clearly of enormous importance, Azerbaijan possesses many riches beyond petroleum. In addition to oil production, refining, and its subsidiary industries visitors to Azerbaijan may notice a high level of activity in machine production, electrical engineering, food processing, various light industries and the fabrication of building materials. Azerbaijan’s soil is rich in iron-ore, marble, salt, copper, gold, aluminum, natural gas, etc. Azerbaijan’s rich land and nine varieties of the world’s thirteen climatic zones, make it possible to cultivate cotton, rice, maize, tea, tobacco, shafran (crocus), olive, grape, all types of vegetables, and fruit etc. in this land. The average annual rainfall is between 110 and 250 mm, and falls mainly in the early spring and late autumn. The average annual temperature is 14.5 C. There are many small and big rivers in Azerbaijan as Kure Araz, Alazan, Gar-Gar and others. There are also many old and new cities as Baku, Sum gait, Ganja, Khankendy, Shusha etc. The capital of Azerbaijan Republic is Baku. It first became a political capital of Azerbaijan during the 12^th century when Ahsitan I of the Shirvan-shah dynasty moved his residence to Baku from Shamakhy. Baku has been mentioned in the work of classical historians, philosophers and travelers who wrote in Greek and Latin, while medieval Arab and Persian writers described the city as a port of strategic importance. Due to its position, on the ancient trade (silk) routes, between East and West. Baku played and still plays an important role in political and economic relations between Europe the Near and Middle East, Central Asia, India, and China. There are many historical monuments in Baku like the Palace of Shirvan-shahs (XV-XVI centuries). Ichery Sheher, Qiz Qalasi etc. Baku is a modern city combining the Eastern and Western architectures.

Now Azerbaijan’s main task is to solve Dagliq Karabakh problem peacefully. Dagliq Karabakh is the integral part of Azerbaijan. Armenia has occupied Dagliq Karabakh and neighboring regions with the help of some foreign countries that were the enemies of Azerbaijan people for centuries. Now the truth about Azerbaijan and this war is recognized by all leading countries of Europe and world. Azerbaijan is supported by all countries in different international forums. Our national army is strengthening day by day and we are sure that this war will be over, solved peacefully, otherwise, the National Army will do it.

We believe that the day, when Azerbaijan will be a mighty, sovereign, independent country with happy citizens, and mighty Army forces, to defend the country from any outside aggression, is not far