A round table entitled "Heydar Aliyev and the Azerbaijani language" was held at Azerbaijan University of Languages on February 20 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev, dedicated to the International Mother Language Day.

The round table was organized by the AUL Turkish Research Center and the "Azerbaijan Studies" Scientific Center.

Director of the Turkish Research Center, Associate Professor Elchin Ibrahimov informed the participants of the event about the history of establishing the International Mother Language Day.

Rector of AUL, academician Kamal Abdulla spoke about the importance of celebrating International Mother Language Day, great leader Heydar Aliyev's love to Azerbaijani language and steps he took in this direction: "While leading Azerbaijan in the Soviet period the Great Leader used to address official events in Azerbaijani language and stressed significance of Azerbaijani language as a spiritual heritage of the state. This was not only a historical event, but also a vivid manifestation of a reverent attitude towards the native language. This step was an indicator of the great leader Heydar Aliyev's love and respect for the Azerbaijani language. We must keep our language clean and protect it from external influences. The Great Leader bequeathed this to us, President Ilham Aliyev recommended this to us, and each of us must treat the future of the Azerbaijani language as a basic vital process. Today's round table is very important. The activity of students and teachers at such round tables deserves high praise. We would like to see this roundtable atmosphere in our classrooms, where we will be conducting research about the Azerbaijani language.

Sayali Sadigova, head of Terminology Department of Nasimi Institute of Linguistics of ANAS, professor, shared her thoughts on the International Native Language Day. It was noted that language is the most important and powerful tool to protect and develop material and spiritual heritage of every nation: "Every person must know his or her native language well and take care of it. Native language plays an important role in enriching a person's spiritual world, expanding his or her worldview, receiving an excellent education, communicating with compatriots.

Associate professor Gulara Amirova, deputy director of the Monitoring Center under the State Language Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan, shared her views on the event. It was informed that as a result of President Ilham Aliyev`s activity towards protection and development of Azerbaijan`s language purity today Azerbaijani language is distinguished for its richness and purity.  Gulara Amirova made a speech entitled "Speech of TV presenters and issues of correct usage of Azerbaijani language".

Prof. Novruz Mammadov, Vice-rector for Science of the AUL, spoke about the importance of the round table and shared his views on the importance of celebrating the International Mother Language Day. It was noted that the elevation of the national language to the status of the state language is a historical event, a golden page in the history of national statehood.

The event continued with discussions.