President Aliyev Highlights Eldership Tradition as Pillar of Azerbaijan’s National Heritage

Baku, The Gulf Observer: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has underscored the enduring importance of respect for elders as a cornerstone of the nation’s cultural and moral identity, in a message addressed to participants of the 9th Congress of the Council of Elders of Azerbaijan.

In his address, the Azerbaijani leader described the tradition of eldership—deeply rooted in the country’s ancient moral and ethical values—as one of the most significant pillars of national heritage.

“The tradition of eldership, rooted in the ancient moral and ethical values of the Azerbaijani people, is one of the most important pillars of our national heritage,” President Aliyev stated.

He noted that respect for elders has consistently held a central place in both oral and written Azerbaijani literature, reflecting the nation’s longstanding cultural values.

Highlighting the historical and literary significance of this tradition, the president referred to the Book of Dede Korkut, an epic that embodies the customs and historical legacy of the Azerbaijani people. He emphasized that in the work, reverence for the wisdom and guidance of elders is portrayed as the highest moral virtue.

“It is no coincidence that in the epic Book of Dede Korkut, which reflects the historical past and customs of our people, respect for the advice and words of elders is portrayed as the highest moral quality,” he added.

President Aliyev’s remarks reaffirm the cultural significance of intergenerational respect in Azerbaijan and its continued role in shaping the country’s social values.