Dear countrymen!
Let me congratulate you on the Novruz holiday from the bottom of my heart, wish each one you a spring mood, good health and happiness on this holiday.
Novruz as a nationwide holiday has been marked throughout our country by various celebrations and customs for centuries. The preservation of this holiday, which symbolizes an expression of boundless love for the Almighty, world order and mother nature, demonstrates with all the eloquence of ancient traditions the deep respect of the Azerbaijani people for their cultural and historical past and a strong affinity to national and spiritual values.
This year’s arrival of spring in Azerbaijan coincided with preparations for the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the restoration of our state independence. The celebration of Novruz, a festival tested over the course of centuries, at the state level is one of our independence achievements. Our republic, which is seeing its 20th spring in as a sovereign state, is also welcoming followers of the Mugham, khanende and numerous guests who have come to Azerbaijan during Nowruz as part of the International Mugham Festival. The eternal and inimitable masterpiece of our people, the Mugham, sounds in unison with the refreshing spring atmosphere that bolsters people’s faith and the aspiration for creative work.
My greetings on the occasion of Novruz go to all Azerbaijanis of the world. I do hope that they will unite even more closely around the idea of Azerbaijanism. On these holidays people remember the sons and daughters of Azerbaijan who have sacrificed their lives in the name of the independence and protection of the territorial integrity of our motherland. I do hope that the victories Azerbaijan has scored as an independent country will please the spirit of our martyrs.
I wish every household, every family and every citizen of Azerbaijan a holiday mood and joy.
Happy Novruz!
Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku city, 18 March 2011
