The 54th graduation ceremony was held at the Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski, operating under the National Defense University.
“Elchi” reports that the event was attended by the Rector of the National Defense University, Major General Gunduz Abdulov, heads of the main departments of the Ministry of Defense, the leadership and pedagogical staff of the military lyceum, representatives of the public and media, and parents of the cadets.
First, a minute of silence was observed to honor the memory of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for our lands, and the National Anthem was played.
Major General Gunduz Abdulov, Rector of the National Defense University, stated that 55 years ago, the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, seeing the importance of training national military personnel, demonstrated great foresight and founded this educational institution: “This decision, made courageously during the harshest period of the Soviet regime, was one of the most important state-building steps serving the formation of an independent Azerbaijan’s strong army. The name of this school is mentioned alongside the power of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the majesty of our state.”
According to the Rector, the graduates of the Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski have shown great self-sacrifice for the freedom, independence, and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and more than 200 graduates have reached the peak of martyrdom for the sake of the Motherland.
Their heroism has been highly appreciated by our state; among the lyceum’s graduates, 11 have been awarded the title of National Hero, and 19 have been awarded the title of Patriotic War Hero.
“We express our gratitude to the entire leadership of the Ministry of Defense, led by our Supreme Commander-in-Chief, for the special attention and care shown for the development of the Azerbaijan Army’s education system,” the Rector added.
Major General Gunduz Abdulov noted that several generals, including himself, attended the graduation ceremony years ago. Among them are Agamir Sultanov, Commander of the Rocket and Artillery Troops of the Ministry of Defense; Zaur Rustamov, Deputy Commander of the Air Force of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Air Combat Commander; Azer Ibrahimov, Head of the Main Department of Internal Security and Investigation of the Ministry of Defense; Vasif Khalilov, Head of the Main Department of Communications and Information Technologies of the Ministry of Defense; as well as Professor Ibrahim Hatem, representative of the Turkish National Defense University and Dean of the Turkish Land Forces Military Academy, who served with them for nearly a year.
Anar Mirzayev, Head of the Military Lyceum named after Nakhchivanski and Hero of the Patriotic War, congratulated the cadets on their graduation and wished them success in their future activities.
Then, honorary diplomas and gifts were presented to the graduates who finished the military lyceum with distinction, as well as to officers and teachers who excelled in their duties.
Speaking on behalf of the cadets, Teymur Aliyev, the top cadet, promised that they would further develop the knowledge and skills they acquired at the military lyceum in their next educational institutions.
After the commemorative plaque for 2026 was attached to the symbolic log of the military lyceum, the battle flag was handed over to the cadets of the next graduation.
Finally, after the cadets performed marches accompanied by the military orchestra, the personnel marched solemnly in front of the podium.
Conditions were created for parents to meet and congratulate their graduating children.
Later, the graduating cadets and their parents shared their feelings of joy with the media.
Cadet Hamidzada Mahammad stated that he is graduating from the Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski, which was founded in 1971 by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev: “This is both a joyful and a sad feeling. My interest in the military since childhood brought me to this lyceum. Thus, I will continue my military education by being admitted to the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev. I believe that with the education I have received, I will become one of the knowledgeable and professional officers of the Azerbaijan Army in the future.”
Cadet Nihat Habibli noted that every graduating cadet will serve as a professional, dignified, and honorable officer in the ranks of the Azerbaijan Army in the future: “I chose the military profession of my own free will. My family, especially my brother who works in the State Border Service, played a big role in this choice. Since childhood, I have admired his military uniform, service, and responsibility. That is why I set a goal for myself to become a soldier. Today, walking on the military path and serving the Motherland in the future is a great pride and honor for me. I believe that with the knowledge and experience we have gained, we will serve our country worthily. Long live Azerbaijan!”
In his statement to journalists, the head of the military lyceum, Anar Mirzayev, said that the lyceum plays a special role in training personnel for the Azerbaijan Army: “The Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski was founded in 1971 by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev. As Heydar Aliyev said, the Great Leader overcame all difficulties to create the Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski so that Azerbaijan would have its own officers standing in its defense. Today, we proudly hold graduation ceremonies. I state with confidence that the graduates of the Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski stand proudly on guard of Azerbaijan and are growing up as national personnel.”
According to him, more than 14,000 young people have graduated from the Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski to date, and more than 20 officers among the graduates have risen to the high rank of “general”.
At the same time, 60 military personnel serving at the military lyceum participated in combat operations during the Patriotic War; 1 officer among them reached the peak of martyrdom, 3 military personnel were wounded, and dozens of fighters were awarded orders and medals.
“11 of the people awarded the honorary title of ‘National Hero of Azerbaijan’ are graduates of this educational institution, and 19 graduates of the Military Lyceum have been awarded the title of ‘Patriotic War Hero’. For their bravery and courage shown in the Patriotic War, more than 100 graduates of the Military Lyceum have been awarded orders and medals,” Anar Mirzayev added.