Baku: Today marks the birthday of the national leader of the Azerbaijan people, Heydar Aliyev, APA reports. May 10 signifies the 103rd anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, born in Nakhchivan city, Azerbaijan, in 1923. His early education began at the Nakhchivan Pedagogical School, and he pursued architecture at the Industrial Institute of Azerbaijan, now known as the State Oil Academy of Azerbaijan, though his studies were interrupted by World War II. According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Heydar Aliyev's career began during the war years, from 1941 to 1944, holding key roles within the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic's internal affairs and security organs. Post-war, he advanced in the Soviet security services, becoming a department chair in the Azerbaijan USSR State Security Committee by 1950 after his studies in Leningrad. He later held significant positions within the KGB, culminating in his appointment as Chairman of the State Security Committee of the Azerbaijan SSR in 1967. Heydar Aliyev's political ascent con tinued as he was elected First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan in 1969. His influence extended to the Supreme Soviet of both the Azerbaijan SSR and the USSR, eventually serving as the First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR. His resignation in 1987 marked a protest against Soviet policies under Mikhail Gorbachev. In response to the 1990 tragedy in Baku, Heydar Aliyev demanded accountability from the Soviet leadership. He severed ties with the Communist Party in 1991 due to the handling of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Returning to Azerbaijan, he became a significant political figure in Nakhchivan and later Azerbaijan, founding the New Azerbaijan Party in 1992. Amidst national unrest in 1993, Heydar Aliyev was called back to Baku, subsequently becoming the President of Azerbaijan. He was re-elected in 1998 with significant public support. Health issues led him to withdraw from the 2003 presidential race, endorsing Ilham Aliyev. Heydar Aliyev passed away on December 12, 2 003, and was buried in Baku's Alley of Honor. His legacy includes numerous awards from the USSR and international accolades, cementing his position as a pivotal figure in Azerbaijan's history.