President Ilham Aliyev Awards Azerbaijan’s Highest State Honour to People’s Artist Farhad Khalilov

Baku, The Gulf Observer: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has presented the country’s prestigious “Istiglal” Order to People’s Artist Farhad Khalilov in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Azerbaijani art, cultural development and the promotion of the country’s national identity internationally.

The award ceremony took place on October 23, ahead of Khalilov’s upcoming jubilee, with President Aliyev congratulating the renowned artist and wishing him good health and continued success.

During the ceremony, Aliyev praised Khalilov for his longstanding artistic achievements, noting that his works have been exhibited in various parts of the world and have introduced international audiences to the beauty and cultural richness of Azerbaijan.

The president highlighted Khalilov’s significant role in presenting Azerbaijan as a modern country with exceptional artistic talent, particularly during the years of independence. He also commended the artist for mentoring young painters and helping nurture a new generation of Azerbaijani artists.

Aliyev further acknowledged Khalilov’s nearly four decades of service as Chairman of the Union of Artists, as well as his active participation in the country’s public life and his principled civic stance.

The president noted that Khalilov had previously received several prestigious state awards, including the “Shohrat” and “Sharaf” Orders and the First Class “Labor” Order. He described the “Istiglal” Order as the country’s highest state honour and personally presented it to the artist.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Khalilov said he had never imagined receiving the distinction when he designed the order himself. He thanked the president and the Azerbaijani state for honouring his contributions, reaffirming his commitment to serving his country.

“Throughout my life, I have strived to remain loyal to our country and to do everything within my power to serve it, and I will continue to do so in the future,” Khalilov said.

The artist also praised Azerbaijan’s achievements on the international stage, saying the country had established itself as a state of significance in a relatively short period. He highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day war and President Aliyev’s international engagements in raising global awareness of the country and its people.

Khalilov also referred to the legacy of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, commending the president for liberating the occupied territories and continuing his predecessor’s policies. He expressed warm wishes for President Aliyev, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva and their family.

The artist additionally praised Leyla Aliyeva’s creative work, expressing admiration for her artwork and her ability to convey themes of love and devotion through artistic expression.

In response, President Ilham Aliyev reflected on the influence of Heydar Aliyev, describing him as a lifelong example and role model. He said he had always sought to ensure that his work would live up to the legacy of the National Leader.

Aliyev also recalled the longstanding relationship between their families, noting that their fathers had worked together for many years in senior leadership positions in Azerbaijan. He described these family ties, mutual respect and shared traditions as a valuable part of their history.

The president emphasised that Azerbaijan’s liberation of its occupied territories represented the fulfilment of a longstanding national aspiration. He praised Khalilov as an outstanding artist, a principled individual and a respected figure who had consistently defended his convictions.

Concluding his remarks, Aliyev wished Khalilov continued health and creative success, expressing hope that the artist would continue enriching Azerbaijani cultural life and bringing pride and joy to the nation through his work.

The presentation of the “Istiglal” Order underscores Azerbaijan’s recognition of Khalilov’s enduring contribution to national art, cultural heritage and the development of future generations of artists.