The President of Azerbaijan Visits Shirvan

Last week on Thursday, Azerbaijan’s President, Ilham Aliyev, visited Shirvan. The purpose of the trip was to dedicate the Heydar Aliyev Center, and open a factory in Shirvan. The official news was that he toured the factory and offered his insights into the factory which will hire 70 people. His day began with a memorial wreath laid at the monument of his father, Heydar.

My day began trying to get to work at the Library. The police stopped me and said my way was closed. I tried an alternate way, and it was closed by the police also. A man came up to me and said no work today. I returned home, and spent the day working on future conversation club sessions.

Now the few days before the President’s arrival, street lines, curbs, and light poles were painted, flags were put up all along the park area, flowers were planted, grass trimmed, and you get the picture easily – everything was to look in top shape for the President’s route around the city.

I have not met anyone who personally saw the President in Shirvan. It was covered by television media, and the only people around the President were local political leaders.

My observations: It was so disappointing that the President is sheltered from the people. It was very important for the local government to look as if they were doing many things for the people. We had as good a quality of water that day as we have ever had, and natural gas pressure. Since he left – not so much. Last week I posted a picture of the construction site of the new Olympic Center. The picture above is now that site – the open field. The fencing is gone, the signs of construction are gone, and nothing is happening there. If one were cynical it would look like the local governing authorities care much more about appearance than actually improving the lives of its citizens.

On a positive note since we have been here in Azerbaijan there have been major highway improvements in some areas. Our electricity has become reliable. And, the number of products available in the markets has increased.

On Friday my program manager, Tarana, came to visit me at site. She had visited before, but this was the first time she could observe me working. It was a joy to see the Conversation Club respond. She asked if we would consider extending our service. If a Peace Corps Volunteer extends their service they receive a 30 leave and other benefits. I appreciated her encouragement, but insisted that we missed our family and friends and would not be extending. We love our work and people of Azerbaijan, and we know we will miss them from the moment we begin our journey home, but we miss our sons, immediate family, and scores of friends now.

I will not post another blog until April 24. Next Friday we will be traveling to Barda to visit our dear friends and fellow Volunteers, Bill and Dorothy.