Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the meeting with personnel of Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory

Let me warmly salute you. It is a very good day today. The reconstruction of the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory is, one might say, nearing an end. The Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory has a great history. It enjoys a great reputation worldwide, in the academic community. The reconstruction of this observatory and the creation of excellent conditions here are very gratifying indeed. Three years ago, I signed an order on the reconstruction of the observatory, so renovation and construction work will be carried out here. The order is being executed, and office buildings are being wonderfully constructed, practically re-built. Also under construction are homes – today we are commissioning two five-storey buildings for scientists. The buildings constructed earlier had become dilapidated. The construction of new buildings, a kindergarten, a health center, beautiful public places, all the work being carried out shows that Azerbaijan is a strong state. Azerbaijan has always treated science and scientists with great attention.

I am sure that the observatory will serve the people of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani science for many years and decades to come. I would also like this observatory, along with doing research work, to become a popular travel destination. Because everything here is so beautiful! Both Azerbaijani citizens and foreign guests will be coming here with great interest to learn the place and relax.

In general, the tourist potential of this area is very broad. We have succeeded in developing the tourist opportunities of Azerbaijan’s northwest. Beautiful hotels are being built, parks established and recreation centers set up in both Shamakhi and surrounding districts. Today, visiting Shamakhi again, I have been enquiring about the construction of several sites, and I can see that things are going well.

The territory of the Olympic center built earlier is being expanded more than twice, new sports facilities, stadia, swimming pools, gyms are under construction. Restoration and reconstruction of Azerbaijan’s oldest mosque, the Shamakhi Juma mosque, are progressing with great love and taste. I am sure that after the restoration of the mosque we will demonstrate again that the Azerbaijani people and state are attached to their national and religious traditions. After restoration, this beautiful historical and religious monument will again become a unique architectural site on a global scale. We will give the Juma mosque new life.

Today, on the way here, I also attended the opening of a Training Center of the Ministry of Taxes. It meets the most modern standards. The center will encourage people to come and work here, there will be tourists coming here.

In short, the work under way in Shamakhi suggests that all the regions, all the districts of Azerbaijan are experiencing rapid development. Some time ago, we built a modern medical and diagnostic center which meets the highest standards. I am sure that the people of Shamakhi are using the services of the center because they must be free. There is state-of-the-art equipment there. I have the information that other infrastructure projects are being implemented here as well: laying of gas, water and sewer lines. I have signed an order today to allocate additional funds to resolve these issues too. The entire infrastructure, including irrigation, sewage, water and gas supply, must be arranged at a high level. We have to resolve all these issues within the next two years at the latest. There are also projects on the construction of rural roads, and we are dealing with them.

In short, Shamakhi District is ancient Azerbaijani land, while Shamakhi is a city with a very long and ancient history. Shamakhi is present on old maps, it has retained its name. Prominent people of science, culture and arts from Shamakhi have glorified our country. While reviewing the exposition of the local history museum last time, I was further convinced how many prominent figures come from Shamakhi. It is our great asset. Shamakhi should be and is treated with special attention. The reconstruction of this observatory, the renovation of social facilities, the diagnostic center, the Olympic center, the Juma mosque, other buildings, the implementation of infrastructure projects will make Shamakhi the most comfortable and developed city with beautiful scenery. At least this is my wish. I am sure that you are sharing these thoughts.

The work done in Shamakhi in recent years is obvious. The current development of our country suggests that we will do even more in the future. As for the development of Azerbaijani science, I am fully confident that this observatory is now the most beautiful, at least in the CIS. I am sure of that, and you can also confirm this.
In general, we are paying great attention to Azerbaijani science. Some time ago we raised the salaries of the academy members. Work is underway to strengthen the material base of the academy, scientific research institutes are renovated, new equipment is purchased. We should pay great attention to this sphere because scientific potential, education and knowledge are perhaps the key contributors to the future of any country. This beautiful observatory is a great monument of architecture. The research and tourist centers certainly lend further beauty to Shamakhi. My greetings to all of you! As you know, I have repeatedly visited Shamakhi. I have come here both as president and in the previous period. I will be coming here in the future too. There will be many more opening ceremonies here. I wish you good health and success.