OFFICIAL NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF AZERBAIJAN ON HOLY GURBAN BAYRAM
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on the occasion of the Holy Gurban Bayram.
This holy day on which the Almighty completed the Islam as a religion, that as a symbol of divine sense calls the people to cleanness, fraternity and high moral is being celebrated by the Moslems of the entire world. The Moslem world along centuries in the light of this sense has made valuable contributions to the world civilization. This Holiday that embodies all the high principles of Islam, bears deep sense, instills in the hearts of people strong confidence and trust, aspires to every sacrifice for high goals, imparts the sense of rightness and moral purity.
Solemn celebration of the Holy Gurban Bayram in our Country shows faith and adherence of the people of Azerbaijan to its national-spiritual values, its religious traditions. In these holy days, our country fellows becoming closer and closer, rejoice of the fulfillment of their holy debts before the religion, pray and express thanks to the Most Gracious for delightful goods He donated to the people. I am confident that your prays and intends for development of our country, for the welfare of our people, all your wishes will come true, and the Holy Gurban Bayram will herald the happier coming days. In these holy days, with a deep respect I revere memory of the sons of Motherland, who fell for the fair cause of Azerbaijan, wish patience to the close and natives of the late.
The Gurban Bayram is a bright mediator that deepens the sense of sincerity and strengthens the links of fraternity among the people. I would like to express my confidence that this Holy Gurban Bayram will raise mutual care and attention of the entire people of Azerbaijan, each Azerbaijani residing beyond the borders of our Country, make contribution to strengthening of solidarity in the society.
On this holy day, I wish each of you happiness and health, success in your works for future development of the independent Azerbaijan.
Happy Gurban Bayram!
Ilham Aliyev,
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
31 January 2004