On April 28th an international conference marking the 150th anniversary of Alimardan bay Topchubashov, one of the founders of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), Speaker of the Parliament and Foreign Minister of the ADR, was held at the ADA University.
Opening the conference, Rector of the ADA University, Deputy Foreign Minister Hafiz Pashayev noted it was co-organized by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.
Mr. Pashayev said that President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed an order on celebration of the 150th jubilee of Alimardan bay Topchubashov, describing it as a sign of the President’s commending the services of Alimardan bay Topchubashov.
The ADA University Rector noted that Alimardan bay Topchubashov was one of Azerbaijan`s greatest socio-political figures seeking the country`s integration into the western civilization.
Mr. Pashayev said Alimardan bay Topchubashov was the leader of Muslims not only in Azerbaijan, but in the entire Russian Empire. “His undertaking such a mission in the 20th century was a great historical achievement of the Azerbaijani people.”
He said that studying the life and activities of Alimardan bay Topchubashov and delivering his legacy to the generations to come was “an important duty of us”.
Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Ogtay Asadov hailed the services of Alimardan bay Topchubashov, M.A.Rasulzade, F.Khoyski, N.Yusifbayli, S.Mehmandarov, A.Shikhlinski and others in establishment of the ADR.
The Speaker noted that Alimardan bay Topchubashov was elected the Chairman of the Parliament at the first session of the ADR’s legislative body held in December, 1918.
Mr. Asadov pointed that during Topchubashov’s tenure the Azerbaijani language was made the official state language.
“Members of the Supreme Council of the French Foreign Ministry and other ally states de-facto recognized the ADR, and such a diplomatic achievement of Azerbaijan was the logical result of the forethought activity of Alimardan bay Topchubashov.”
“A monument was erected at the grave of Alimardan bay Topchubashov in Paris on the initiative of Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva,” he said.
Azerbaijani FM Elmar Mammadyarov commended Topchubashov’s “irreplaceable contribution” to ensuring Azerbaijan`s worldwide recognition.
“The discussions with heads of numerous states yielded results thanks to Alimardan bay Topchubashov’s diplomatic abilities, and the Supreme Council of the Paris Conference recognized the independence of Azerbaijan and Georgia.”
FM Mammadyarov also spoke of Azerbaijan`s regaining its independence in 1991. “Turkey, Romania, Pakistan were the first countries that recognized Azerbaijan’s independence.”
He hailed Azerbaijan’s growing international prestige, singling out the country`s election to the United Nations Security Council.
“Azerbaijan’s influence has increased and relations have expanded during the past years.” “Azerbaijan’s election to the UN Security Council as a member and its presidency of the organization is a strong signal of the country`s global influence.”
President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Akif Alizade hailed the Presidential order on marking the 150th anniversary of Alimardan bay Topchubashov as “the high status” accorded to him at the state level.
Following the keynote speeches the conference featured panel sessions.
Moderated by Pro-rector of the ADA University Fariz Ismayilzade, the first session heard a report by Azerbaijani ambassador to Poland Hasan Hasanov.
The ambassador drew the audience`s attention to Topchubashov’s activities as the Chairman of the ADR’s Parliament and the leader of the Muslim faction at the Russian State Duma.
Diplomat Ramiz Abutalibov made a report called “A.M.Topchubashov: documents from his personal archives”.
Head of the Secretariat of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Assistant to the President Dilara Seyidzade made a report titled “Alimardan bay Topchubashov and socio-political processes in Azerbaijan at the beginning of the 20th century”.
Professor at the Massachusetts Amherst (USA) Audrey Altstadt highlighted the activities of Alimardan bay Topchubashov.
The second panel session was moderated by dean at the ADA University Elnur Soltanov.
It was addressed by fellow at the U.S. Princeton University, Associate Professor Michael Reynolds who made a report called “Alimardan bay Topchubashov and His Generation: A view from the Outside”. Reynolds spoke of Topchubashov’s activities as the foreign minister.
Reynolds hailed Alimardan bay Topchubashov’s services in the history of independence movement of not only the Azerbaijani people, but also all Eastern nations.
Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament Musa Gasimli made a report themed “Alimardan bay Topchubashov as a public figure”.
Georgian expert Georgi Mamulia made a report called “A.M. Topchubashov and his relations with the French Government in 1921. Attempts to establish Franco-Turkish-Caucasus anti-Bolshevik alliance”.
Director of the Russian National Library Anton Likhomanov presented a copy of a valuable document about the life of Alimardan bay Topchubashov to Rector of the ADA University Hafiz Pashayev.