Azerbaijan marks Day of Victory over fascism

Today, Azerbaijan marks May 9 - the anniversary of Victory over fascism in World War II.

According to Report, the Azerbaijani people made a significant contribution to the victory in the war.

During the war years, more than 600,000 people from Azerbaijan were sent to the front, and more than half of them lost their lives. Hundreds of Azerbaijanis received high state awards for their courage. Among the most prominent figures in the history of the war were twice Hero of the Soviet Union Hazi Aslanov, as well as Mehdi Huseynzada, Israfil Mammadov, Ziya Bunyadov, and many others.

One of the key factors behind the victory was Baku oil. During the war, the majority of the Soviet Union's oil production came from Azerbaijan. In 1941 alone, the republic produced 23.5 million tons of oil - more than 70 percent of the USSR's total output. Thanks to the work of Azerbaijani oil workers, the front lines received a steady supply of fuel.

During the war, Baku served not only as an industrial and oil center, but also as an important frontline-support city. Wounded soldiers were treated there, while evacuated civilians and enterprises were relocated to the city. Supplies under the Lend-Lease program also passed through Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani scientists also worked to support the war effort. Under the leadership of academician Yusif Mammadaliyev, a technology for producing high-quality aviation fuel was developed.

On May 2, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev signed an order granting one-time financial assistance to World War II veterans and other war-related categories of citizens.

May 9 is an official public holiday in Azerbaijan. World War II remains one of the most tragic chapters in human history, claiming the lives of around 60 million people worldwide.