On May 14, the event was organized by the Scientific Library and Information Service Center (SLISC) of AUL and dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of the birth of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, under the theme “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.”

At the opening ceremony, the director of SLISC, Cemila Aliyeva, stated that the library plays an important role in students’ cultural life, not only providing access to educational resources but also creating a favorable environment for communication, organizing various events, and developing creative skills.

In her speech, she noted that, following the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 22, 2025, declaring 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture,” AUL, under the leadership of Rector Academician Kamal Abdulla, has been organizing a series of events on this topic since the beginning of the year. She emphasized that round tables under the theme “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” are important initiatives aimed at the development of the urban environment, preservation of modern architectural traditions, and improvement of living spaces.

Cemila Aliyeva also highlighted that the main purpose of holding the event dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of Heydar Aliyev’s birth within the framework of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” was to draw attention to his exceptional services in Azerbaijan’s enlightenment, political and economic development, as well as large-scale construction and urban development projects. She noted that the National Leader consistently emphasized architecture as an important field reflecting a nation’s history, culture, and values.

Guest speaker Gular Amirakhova, founder and director of “Flax.az” and a young architect involved in several projects, spoke about the systematic destruction of the liberated territories during the occupation and the construction of new cities and settlements after liberation. She noted that the application of modern urban planning and architectural principles is one of the key factors behind declaring 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.” She also provided information about ongoing projects in the liberated territories, construction of modern residential complexes, preservation of historical heritage, and strategically important infrastructure supporting regional socio-economic development.

Assistant to the Rector of AUL, Anar Osmanli, stated that events organized within the framework of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” contribute to increasing the creative potential of young architects, developing urban culture, and raising public interest in this field. He noted that this initiative plays an important role in shaping more modern, comfortable, and sustainable cities for future generations.

Dean of the Faculty of Education, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Firuza Rzayeva, and Head of the Department of German Lexicology and Stylistics, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor Khuraman Asgarova also emphasized that events aimed at preserving historical memory and developing modern urban culture are of great importance for educating AUL students.