Historical background to the document "Speech of the President of the Azerbaijani Republic Heydar Aliyev at Youth Square of Baku, in front of the Twin Gates (21 March 1997)"

Heydar Aliyev, who returned to power in 1993 at the persistent request of the people, conducted activities aimed at state-building and at the restoration of national-cultural and historical memory of the people.

The national and religious holidays, traditions and rituals, as well as Novruz once were prohibited, but now they have been returned to the population. Every Novruz Heydar Aliyev addressed to the Azerbaijani people, congratulated them and took part in celebrations held in the capital.