The national idea has been a primary element in the complex socio-political, cultural and ethnic system of existence of any people at all times. All ethnic groups strive to know themselves as deeply as possible, understand thoughts of their ancestors, understand the historical processes that led to the current socio-cultural national unification.
Ethnogenesis of Azerbaijanis was the subject of research of both Azerbaijani and foreign scientists. However, touching on the various dimensions of the issue, researchers never set themselves the task of a systematic approach. In this context, the head of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, academician Ramiz Mehdiyev's two volumes became a new study on the origin of the Azerbaijani people, its formation, the formation of the national idea. The author approaches the development of the problem in the historical-philosophical context, explores the formation of the national idea, starting with the foundations of the formation of the Azerbaijani people, points out the historical events that played an important role in this very complicated process. The books were published in Moscow: the first one - by the publishing house 'Stolitsa', the second - by 'The Russian Political Encyclopedia'.
The benefits of understanding history in the formation of national idea
In his first book titled 'The benefits of understanding history in the formation of national idea', Mehdiyev emphasizes that the very fact of the existence of an independent state gives grounds for Azerbaijan's intellectual thought to turn towards the "national idea" as a priority set of ideals, ideological orientations and values, aimed at finding the meaning of the existence of Azerbaijani society, as well as an answer to the question: what kind of idea should it be, what is its essence, what is its purpose, what does it consist of and what is it based on? The author notes that all these questions require a scientific answer. Only then can you decide on the national idea. "The national idea is the essence of society and the state, if there is no meaning neither the society nor the state will have a future, and historically they are doomed to fail," the academician writes.
He does not follow the path of researchers studying the history of formation of the Azerbaijani ethnos and the state of Azerbaijan. He highlights a number of aspects of the ethno-genesis of the Azerbaijani people. Ramiz Mehdiyev applies the anthropological and genetic approaches for the first time to provide a better insight into stages of the formation of the national idea. The scientist believes that it is necessary to study the historical facts comprehensively, otherwise one cannot fully understand the ethnocultural essence of the people: "History is philosophy teaching by examples. One only has to look around to see the everyday impact of the example force. Just look inside to discover why an example has such power. "
Speaking about ethnogenesis, ethnic origin of the people, the academician notes that it is impossible to study them without anthropological material: "Only anthropological data are an important basis for determining those ethnic strata from which an ethnos, and then a nation, are formed." The monograph contains material on the anthropological types of the peoples of the Caucasus, the mental characteristics of various ethnic groups, as well as genetic properties of man. The scientist calls to study anthropology, molecular genetic base, paleoanthropology and ethnopsychology of the Azerbaijani people, the role of the natural and geographical environment, whose data are necessary for scientific conclusions about the ethnogenesis of the Azerbaijani people.
The monograph highlights key stages of the formation of the national idea of the Azerbaijani people. The author thoroughly explores the sources of the formation of the national idea in Azerbaijan during the Soviet era and in the 19th-20th centuries. The academician also pays great attention to the titanic efforts of the national leader Heydar Aliyev to ensure socio-economic, spiritual and cultural progress of Azerbaijan. The author emphasizes that Heydar Aliyev in the conditions of the communist regime solved the problems of society, which led to the future development and flourishing of the nation. "The issues of the Azerbaijani national idea could be dealt with in abstract discussions... The problems of forming the national idea and struggling for its implementation are based on the solution of the daily problems of society, the provision of normal conditions for the socio-economic life of people, on their moral and spiritual readiness to do things in the name of a cherished notion," Mehdiyev writes.
The scientist also touches upon the issue of the ethnogenesis of Armenians, some of whom distort not only their origin, linking their roots to completely alien people, but also spread false information about the ethnogenesis of Azerbaijanis. The historical facts mentioned in the monograph, cited both by the Armenian historians and by foreign researchers, "tear to bits" the pseudo-historical Armenian school. In the book the reader will find information about the start of the Karabakh conflict, it will tell how the Armenian nationalists tried to persuade the Soviet leadership and the scientific community that Nagorno-Karabakh belongs to the so-called "Great Armenia", and how the Soviet leadership encouraged by failing to react.
The Azerbaijani national idea in the age of global transformation
The second book titled "The Azerbaijani national idea in the age of global transformation" features the analysis of the problem of the establishment of an independent Azerbaijani state at the end of the 20th century. The processes taking place in the early years of independence of Azerbaijan are thoroughly analyzed as a continuation of the study of the historical moments of the formation of the national idea, the structural features of state building are also revealed in Mehdiyev's book, he analyzes the essential elements necessary for the formation of national ideas and statehood.
The academician reveals the complexity of state building, preservation of independence, national values, showing that the return of the great leader Heydar Aliyev to power in the early years of Azerbaijan's independence saved the country from destruction and determined its future. "He clearly understood the way in which Azerbaijan should move. Heydar Aliyev proposed a concept that addressed three key issues: first, the establishment of political stability in the country; second, ensuring a multi-vector foreign policy; third, the implementation of the oil strategy, which would form the basis of the socio-economic policy ensuring the country's development and its advanced standing on the international arena," the author says in the book.
The documents cited in the book shed light on many hidden political processes that had geopolitical significance against the background of the interests of powerful regional states. The author highlights key stages of the formation of the national idea of Azerbaijan and describes in detail the political events that influenced the national identity.
The academician expresses his confidence that in the era of global transformations, Azerbaijan should move into a qualitatively new technological society and rely on creative youth: "A state with healthy and creative youth predominates has more chances for dynamic economic growth and development of society's life spheres. The innovation is about creativity, changing the existing model, creating a new one. The process of building the society of the XXI century in Azerbaijan can not but be based on the creative potential of a young innovator."
The academician notes that the year 2003 saw Azerbaijan enter a new stage of development, adding that this policy is continued by the state today in order to ensure comprehensive modernization of the country. Under the leadership of Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has focused on this goal through building a solid human capital, applying the latest scientific achievements, new technologies and new management methods. The outlined ways of forming a national creative elite, the definition of a creative class, whose representatives are innovation-oriented and focused on economic development, draw attention.
The scientist is convinced that Azerbaijan is endowed with the necessary resources to maintain its nationally oriented path of development in the era of globalization. And further strengthening of state power will guarantee the realization of the national idea in modern conditions. According to Mehdiyev, thanks to the statehood talent of President Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani people will continue to move forward along the path of socio-economic development and address the national issues in accordance with the requirements of the 21st century. On this creative path Azerbaijan will move into a new postindustrial society ... And the creation of a postindustrial society is the main goal of the Azerbaijani people's national idea in the 21st century," the author emphasizes.
The two-volume book is targeted at philosophers, historians, sociologists, political scientists, as well as all those who follow the latest development on humanities and interested in theories of social development.
