Rafik Alydzhanov
Date of Birth: 11.07.1965
Country: Azerbaijan |
Content:
- Birth and Education
- Early Military Career
- Karabakh War and Captivity
- Tragic Death and Legacy
- National Hero of Azerbaijan
Birth and Education
Rafik Alijanov was born on July 11, 1965, in the village of Kemerli, Kazakhstan region, Azerbaijan SSR. After completing his secondary education at Muganli High School, he pursued a military career. In 1988, he graduated with honors from the Kaliningrad Higher Military School, specializing in mechanical engineering.
Early Military Career
Alijanov began his service in Dnipropetrovsk, where he eventually rose to the rank of company commander. When the Karabakh War broke out on August 25, 1992, he volunteered to return to his homeland.
Karabakh War and Captivity
Alijanov participated in battles across Azerbaijan, including in Kazakh, Tovuz, Kelbajar, Goranboy, Aghdam, Fizuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil, and Zangelan. In May 1993, he was promoted to the rank of Captain ahead of schedule.
On October 29, 1993, while carrying out reconnaissance near the village of Kuryakhmadlu in the Fizuli region, Alijanov's unit was ambushed. Two officers, a warrant officer, and two soldiers were killed in the ensuing battle. Alijanov himself was rendered unconscious with severe injuries and taken prisoner.
Tragic Death and Legacy
Captain Alijanov never regained consciousness and passed away in an Armenian field hospital. His body was handed over to his father with the consent of the Armenian side.
Alijanov was married and had a son and a daughter. He only saw his son once, upon his discharge from the hospital.
National Hero of Azerbaijan
By decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Rafik Alijanov Jaffar огlu was posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan. He was buried in the village of Soyugbulag.
A school and a bust in Akstafa's railway station square were named after him as a tribute to his sacrifice and bravery.