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Alif GajiyevHead of the Khojaly Airport Department, National Hero of Azerbaijan
Date of Birth: 24.06.1953
Country:  Azerbaijan |
Content:
- Aliaf Hajiyev: National Hero of Azerbaijan
- Imprisonment and Acquittal
- Return to Khojaly Airport
- Preventing the Transfer of Weapons
- Defense of Khojaly (February 25, 1992)
- Self-Sacrifice
- National Hero of Azerbaijan
- Controversy
Aliaf Hajiyev: National Hero of Azerbaijan
Early Life and Military ServiceAliaf Hajiyev was born on June 24, 1953, in the city of Khojaly. After graduating from high school in 1970, he served in the military from 1971 to 1973. Subsequently, Hajiyev held various positions within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Byelorussian SSR and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region (NKAO) from 1974 to 1984.
Imprisonment and Acquittal
In 1984, Hajiyev was wrongly convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison. However, in 1989, his case was reviewed, and the sentence was overturned.
Return to Khojaly Airport
Upon his release, Hajiyev returned to NKAO and rejoined the police force on December 21, 1990, as the head of the Khojaly Airport department. He concurrently served as the military commandant of the airport, attaining the rank of major in December 1991.
Preventing the Transfer of Weapons
Through Hajiyev's efforts, the Armenians were unable to transport weapons through Khojaly to Stepanakert.
Defense of Khojaly (February 25, 1992)
On February 25, 1992, Khojaly's residents prepared for battle after ignoring Armenian warnings to evacuate. At around 10:00 PM, the 366th Regiment of the Soviet Army encircled Khojaly from three sides. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Hajiyev and his team fought against the Armenian militants until 5:00 AM.
Self-Sacrifice
To prevent vital documents from falling into enemy hands, Hajiyev detonated the airport control tower before returning to the battleground. He successfully rescued a group of Khojaly residents and escorted them to safety in Aghdam before sacrificing his own life on February 26, 1992, while protecting civilians.
National Hero of Azerbaijan
By decree of the President of Azerbaijan on June 5, 1992, Aliaf Hajiyev was posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan. He was laid to rest in the Alley of Martyrs in Baku.
Controversy
Czech journalist and human rights activist Jaromír Štětina raised concerns about Hajiyev's alleged involvement in human rights violations during the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. However, these allegations have not been substantiated and remain highly disputed.
