Dear reader, at this stage I want to make a small digression and talk on another topic. Who am I and what am I doing? What is my life credo? Reading the book, you will get the answer to these questions. You must know your teacher so that you can master your homework well.
Since we first met, dear reader, I want to give information about my homeland. I am an Azerbaijani. I live in the Republic of Azerbaijan, in its capital city of Baku. For a long time, that is, from 1920 to 1991, our republic was part of federation called the Soviet Union, and regained its independence only in 1991. Before we lost our independence, that is, until 1920, we were the first democratic republic in the East and had statehood. I must note that the Safavid empire (XV–XVIII), one of the greatest empires in world history, also belonged to us, Azerbaijanis. This historical Azerbaijani state owned a vast territory of 3,500,000 square kilometers and covered the territories of today's Azerbaijan, Iran, Armenia, Afghanistan, Western Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Eastern Turkey, Northeast India and Uzbekistan, as well as the lands of Arab countries (Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman).
In the history of every nation there are wars with triumph or defeats, falls and rises. In 1813 and 1828, according to the Gulistan and Turkmanchay treaties, the territory of Azerbaijan was divided between the Russian Empire and the Shahdom of Iran. Northern Azerbaijan as part of the Russian Empire is today's independent Azerbaijan in which I live. Currently, about 10 million Azerbaijanis live in it. South Azerbaijan (with Tabriz as its capital), which was given to Iran, does not have statehood until now. Currently, about 25 million Azerbaijanis live there. Many people in the world know only North Azerbaijan, since it is an independent state. Azerbaijan is known as a country with significant oil reserves. Its capital, the city of Baku, which is developing and becoming more beautiful, is called the second Dubai. In Eastern countries, our city is also known as a great place for tourism. In the West, Baku is also known as the city where Formula 1 competitions are held.
Each country has its own «most» and «first». Azerbaijan also has something to be proud of. I mentioned that it was the very first democratic Eastern state, and owned the largest empire in the world. Let’s move ahead. The shores of our country are washed by the Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world. The largest number (over 300) of mud volcanoes on the globe account for our territory. The first and most perfect observatory in the East was created in 1259 by the world famous scientist Nasir al-Din al-Tusi in the Azerbaijani city of Maraga. The first sample of the five «Khamse» poems in world literature was created by the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi (XII century). Oil production from the seabed was first carried out in Azerbaijan in 1846. The first female diplomat in the East was Sarah Khatun, who lived in the Azerbaijani state of Aq Qoyunlu in the 15th century. The first opera in the East was written in 1908 by the famous Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov. The first music academy in the East was created in Azerbaijan in 1920. For the first time, the right of choice to women in the East was granted in Azerbaijan in 1918. The first electric train in the East was launched in Azerbaijan in 1926.
I don’t want to continue this list and put the last point here: Lotf Zadeh, a world-famous scientist, the founder of the theory of fuzzy logic (an attempt to connect mathematics with the intuitive way that people talk, think and interact with the world), a teaching that promotes fundamental changes and breakthroughs in the history of mankind, is also an Azerbaijani!
I think the fact that the greatest world leaders talk about a small country, which declared its independence recently, and write about it on the pages of the most influential world editions, cannot but cause pride among its citizens. We, the Azerbaijanis, are used to being proud of that.
«Baku cannot be compared to any other city. There is a huge seaside boulevard with interesting exhibitions and attractions, as well as the old city, the so-called Icheri Sheher, with its labyrinth streets, convenient cafes and carpet shops. Peerless beaches with golden sands, flickering lights of Absheron, luxurious restaurants and clubs, sparkling palace of Cristall Hall…
The rest of the country is no less fascinating. It’s hard to believe that nine out of eleven climate types fall on the territory of Azerbaijan. „Ancient cave paintings, ski resorts, half of the world's mud volcanoes, salt lakes, burning mountains – all this causes great interest.“»
«You feel comfortable when driving along the wide and beautiful road from the airport to the city. Throughout the way, many beautiful buildings and amazing architectural elements attract your attention. The Heydar Aliyev Center is particularly admirable. Evening Baku is an incomparable experience. The bright lighting of the Seaside National Park, central and nearby buildings, bridges, roads. In different parts of the city you can meet cheerful and carefree young people.
One more detail about Baku: you can play chess with veterans of the Second World War in the Seaside Park if you wish.»
Frankfurter Allgemeine (Germany)
In the end, dear reader, since the homeland begins with the place where you were born, I want to briefly talk about Quba, the region where I was born. This amazing mountain region with beautiful nature, surrounded by green gardens, has lots of inherent features.
Located 168 km north of Baku, on the slopes of Mount Shahdag of the Greater Caucasus, at an altitude of 600 m above sea level, on the banks of the Gudialchay River, Quba is known for its apples. The white apple that grows here is truly unique.
The Quba region is also known for its carpets. In many famous museums of the world, as well as in personal collections, one can find samples of the Quba school of carpet weaving, such as Chichi, Yerf, Gymyl, distinguished by their original drawings.
Another feature of Quba is its unique villages and towns. Here, at an altitude of 2500 meters above sea level, the village of Khinalug is located. Due to its unique language, the population of this village constitutes a separate ethnographic group. It is no coincidence that the Khinalug phenomenon, having a 5000-year history, is considered the most significant ethnographic value in the history of mankind.
The famous Krasnaya Sloboda, home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the world, is also located in Quba. Caucasian Jews settled in this village (named Caucasian Jerusalem) in 1797 under the rule of Fatali Khan. In the territory of Dagestan where they lived, the Jews were subjected to genocide by the order of the local ruler Surkhay Khan, so they were forced to cross the border. They settled in Azerbaijan. Fatali Khan provided them with one of the most picturesque corners of Guba and took them under his protection.
According to some reports, the history of this ancient city, once part of Caucasian Albania, dates back to the 13th century. The defensive towers of the 11th – 12th centuries, the burial places of Sudab and Agbil (16th – 19th centuries), the Arched bridge, the mosques of Haji Jafar and Juma (Friday mosque), the Alemu Tower, the Temple of Fire Worshipers are considered valuable architectural monuments located on the territory of this district. The local bathhouse Chukhur Hamam is especially famous, as its creation dates back to 17–19 centuries. This monument (considered the pearl of oriental architecture) was glorified in Alexander Dumas travel notes. Having bathed here during his trip to the Caucasus, the writer was apparently pleased.
I also want to talk about the picturesque nature of Guba. This is one of the favorite places for tourists visiting our country. Many places are included in the constant tourist routes. The guests of our region are happy to visit the Qechresh forest, with its wonderful springs, apples, pears, walnuts, hazelnuts, loquats, dogwoods and healing herbs: hawthorn, rosehip, where gazelles, foxes, wild boars, wolves, bears and other animals live. Tourists come to see the powerful river Gudialchay, with tasty bream fish and a 60-meter waterfall that arose from the Jurassic limestone on the slope of the canyon-shaped gorge. I should also note the Tengealti Valley rich in healing, oxygen-saturated air.
The following expression is no accident: «Those who visited Guba once, will certainly come back again.» The great Azerbaijani poet Mammad Araz wrote: «If you haven’t seen Guba, don’t say that you’ve seen Azerbaijan!»
The formula for success is at the same time specific and general. That is, the qualities necessary for achieving it may be acceptable for one nation, but not for another. In Azerbaijan, for example (and in the East in general), those who rely on mental values and national principles achieve success. In this case, great importance is given to a strong, full-fledged family, where exemplary education, attachment to one's national roots, and religious affiliation predominate. Only these factors allow achieving success.
Based on my personal experience and observations, I can put forward the following parameters:
Getting an education in an exemplary family with intelligent, progressive-minded parents who are considered role models in society is, in my opinion, the most necessary condition and incentive for life. At the next stage, an important role is given to the education received in kindergarten and high school, or from mentors. The knowledge received from teachers and leaders contribute to the formation of a full-fledged personality with a strong character, which is the main criterion in moving towards the intended goal.
A person eventually becomes a man with exemplary manners and education. This type of people, in turn, undertakes to instill the culture of good manners, and contribute to the upbringing and formation of the future generation.
I will give you one simple example. Being well-mannered does not mean spilling food on the tablecloth. Being well-mannered means to see a person next to you in a similar situation, but pretend that you didn’t notice so as not to put him in an awkward position.
Another important condition for young people striving for a goal is a strong healthy family. They should know how to concede in their own house. Families like this has faith and trust in relations between members, they are hassle-free, far from troubles and all kinds of strife. Such a family can mobilize you to direct all your potential to the intended goal and serve as an incentive.
Relations between spouses are also of great importance in this matter. Nothing can be more beautiful than the life of a married couple, whose dreams and aspirations coincide. The basis of a strong family lies in the ability of the head of the family to conduct a thoughtful policy (family is often called a small state). Creating a family, young people must make the right choice. A married couple should be consistent with each other. People say: try to find a wife of the same height. If she is taller than you, you may end up under her heel.
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