Polad Hashimov
{{Short description|Azerbaijani military officer (1975–2020)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox military person
| honorific_prefix = National Hero of Azerbaijan
| name = Polad Hashimov
| image = Polad Hashimov.jpg
| image_upright =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| other_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date|1975|01|02}}
| birth_place = Vandam, Gutgashen District, Azerbaijan SSR, Soviet Union
| death_date = {{death date and age|2020|07|14|1975|01|02}}
| death_place = near Tovuz District, Azerbaijan
| placeofburial = Second Alley of Honor
| placeofburial_coordinates =
| allegiance = {{flagcountry|Azerbaijan}}
| branch = {{army|Azerbaijan}}
| serviceyears = 1992–2020
| rank = Major general
| commands = {{Plainlist|
- 1st Army Corps {{Small|(deputy; 2016)}}
- 3rd Army Corps {{Small|(deputy; 2017–2020)}}
}}
| battles =
{{tree list}}
{{tree list/end}}
| awards = Gold Star Medal {{Small|(posthumous)}}
| alma_mater = {{Plainlist|
- Baku Higher Combined Arms Command School
- Azerbaijan Higher Military Academy
- Tuzla Infantry School
}}
| spouse = Ophelia Salmanova
| children = three
| signature =
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}}
Polad Israyil oghlu Hashimov ({{langx|az|Polad İsrayıl oğlu Həşimov}}; 2 January 1975 – 14 July 2020) was an Azerbaijani military officer, National Hero of Azerbaijan and a major general who served as the Deputy Commander and the Chief of Staff of the 3rd Army Corps of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
Hashimov was a popular military figure who took part in the First Nagorno-Karabakh War and the Four-Day War. He was awarded numerous honours during his military career, including jubilee and other medals. He commanded the Azerbaijani forces during the border clashes with Armenia in July 2020 and was killed on the morning of 14 July while fighting on the front-line in the Tovuz District of Azerbaijan. His death sparked violent protests throughout the country calling for war with Armenia, a prelude to the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, which began in September of the same year. He was awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan posthumously in December 2020.
Hashimov is the first and only general of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces to be killed during battle. Before him, Ismat Gayibov, the first Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan, and Mahammad Asadov, a major general in the Azerbaijani Ministry of Internal Affairs, were killed in November 1991 when the Mil Mi-8 helicopter they were in was shot down by Armenian forces.
Early life and education
File:The road to Seki (2425469619).jpg family in Vandam, Soviet Azerbaijan, though he moved to the industrial city of Sumgayit with his family at a very young age.]]
Polad Israyil oglu Hashimov was born on 2 January 1975, in Vandam, Gutgashen District (modern-day Gabala District) of the Azerbaijani SSR, then part of the Soviet Union.{{Cite news |url=https://en.azvision.az/news/137535/-today-marks-birthday-of-late-azerbaijani-national-hero-polad-hashimov-.html |title=Today marks birthday of late Azerbaijani National Hero Polad Hashimov |work=AzVision |date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205082248/https://en.azvision.az/news/137535/-today-marks-birthday-of-late-azerbaijani-national-hero-polad-hashimov-.html |archive-date=5 February 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |url-status=live }} His father, Israyil, was a metallurgist and worked at an aluminum plant in Sumgayit, first as an engineer, then as a shift supervisor and manager.{{Cite news|first=Ayyub |last=Giyas |url=https://edebiyyatqazeti.az/news/muzakire/5987-davud-hesimov-biz-hemise-onun-ucun-darixmisiq |title=Davud Həşimov: "Biz həmişə onun üçün darıxmışıq..." |trans-title=Davud Hashimov: "We have always missed him..." |newspaper=Adabiyyat |date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927001909/http://edebiyyatqazeti.az/news/muzakire/5987-davud-hesimov-biz-hemise-onun-ucun-darixmisiq |archive-date=27 September 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} He died in 2005 after a lengthy illness.{{cite news |first=Rukhsara |last=Suleymanova |url=http://www.anl.az/down/meqale/az_azerbaycan/2020/avqust/714910.htm |title=Mən Vətən üçün doğuldum: General-mayor Polad Həşimov |trans-title=I was born for the Homeland: Major General Polad Hashimov |work=Azadaz.com |via=National Library of Azerbaijan |date=13 August 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210206082944/http://www.anl.az/down/meqale/az_azerbaycan/2020/avqust/714910.htm |archive-date=6 February 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} His mother, Samaya, worked at the same plant. Hashimov's grandfather,{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RDDxJbm2r4 |title=Vətən səni heç vaxt unutmayacaq, Cənab General! |trans-title=The homeland will never forget you, Mister General! |date=17 August 2020 |medium=video |location=Azerbaijan |work=Ictimai TV |publisher=YouTube |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az }} [https://archive.org/details/vtn-sni-hec-vaxt-unutmayacaq-cnab-general Alt URL] Mikayil, a World War II veteran, named him "Polad"—steel in Azerbaijani.{{Cite web |url=https://obastan.com/polad/751778/?l=az |title=Polad |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205084603/https://obastan.com/polad/751778/?l=az |archive-date=5 February 2021 |work=Obastan |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} In July 1976, when Hashimov was one and a half years old, his family moved to Sumgayit and settled in the city's 13th micro-district.{{Cite news |first=Ruhiyya |last=Dashsalahli |url=https://www.muallim.edu.az/news.php?id=13975 |title=Səngərdə böyüyən general |trans-title=The general who grew up in the trenches |newspaper=Azarbaijan Muallimi |date=25 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108105606/https://www.muallim.edu.az/news.php?id=13975 |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}
Hashimov was admitted to secondary school No. 28 in Sumgayit in 1982, and then to Secondary School No. 33 after its construction in 1986. In 1988, another educational institution, Secondary School No. 34, named after Mikayil Mushfig, was built in the area and Hashimov continued his education there graduating in 1992. Hashimov excelled in mathematics during his secondary education.
Despite intending to be a lawyer, Hashimov decided instead to pursue a military career in 1992 during the height of the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. With his father's consent, he submitted his documents and was accepted to the Baku Higher Combined Arms Command School in August of that year. He graduated in 1995 with a degree in motorised infantry. In 1994, he was sent by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence to a three-month training course at the Tuzla Infantry School in Istanbul, Turkey. In July 2014, he entered the Azerbaijan Higher Military Academy named after Heydar Aliyev, and in 2016, received a master's degree in military leadership.{{Cite web |url=http://anl.az/el/emb/MILLI_QEHREMANLAR/qehremanlarimiz/Heshimov_Polad.pdf |title=Azərbaycanın Milli Qəhrəmanı Polad İsrayıl oğlu Həşimovun tərcümeyi-halı |trans-title=Biography of the National Hero of Azerbaijan Polad Israyil oglu Hashimov |work=National Library of Azerbaijan |date=10 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105191316/http://anl.az/el/emb/MILLI_QEHREMANLAR/qehremanlarimiz/Heshimov_Polad.pdf |archive-date=5 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}
Military career
= First Nagorno-Karabakh War =
In November 1992, during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, Hashimov, who was training with the 702nd Motorised Rifle Brigade, fought in the successful defence of the villages of Marzili and Novruzlu in the Aghdam District of Azerbaijan. He participated in Operation Murovdagh in February 1994.{{Cite web |first=Gafar |last=Aghayev |url=https://1news.az/az/news/generalin-esgerleri-onunla-bagli-xatirelerini-bolusdu-polad-gulle-kecirmez-axi |title=Generalın əsgərləri onunla bağlı xatirələrini bölüşdü: Polad güllə keçirməz axı.. |trans-title=The general's soldiers shared their memories of him: But steel is bulletproof.. |work=1news.az |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205140710/https://1news.az/az/news/generalin-esgerleri-onunla-bagli-xatirelerini-bolusdu-polad-gulle-kecirmez-axi |archive-date=5 February 2021 |date=14 July 2020 |language=az |url-status=live }} He was involved in clashes with Armenian forces in the Guzgu, Koroghlu, and Omar military posts in the Murov range.
After the signing of the Bishkek Protocol ending the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, Hashimov served in military units stationed on the front-line of the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and the self-declared Republic of Artsakh. For many years he was the commander of the military units stationed in Barda, Dashkasan, Haji Zeynalabdin, Murov and Shamkir.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/azeri/azerbaijan-53409502 |date=14 July 2020 |title=General-mayor Polad Həşimov kimdir? |trans-title=Who is Major General Polad Hashimov? |work=BBC Azerbaijani Service |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205115456/https://www.bbc.com/azeri/azerbaijan-53409502 |archive-date=5 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} From 1995 to 2017, Hashimov held various positions, from motorised rifle squadron commander to military unit commander. He was promoted to major in 2003, and to lieutenant colonel in 2009.{{Cite web |url=http://e-qanun.az/framework/2078 |title=Azərbaycan Müdafiə Nazirliyinin hərbi qulluqçularının təltif edilməsi haqqında Azərbaycan Prezidenti Heydər Əliyevin 24 iyun 2003-cü il tarixli 887 nömrəli Fərmanı |trans-title=Decree of the President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev No. 887 dated 24 June 2003, on awarding servicemen of the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan |work=Azerbaijani Ministry of Justice |date=24 June 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105104630/http://e-qanun.az/framework/2078 |archive-date=5 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az }}
= Four-Day War =
On 1 April 2016, heavy fighting broke out between the Azerbaijani and Armenian forces along the Nagorno-Karabakh Line of Contact, known as the Four-Day War.{{Cite book |first=Hans-Joachim |last=Schmidt |url=https://ifsh.de/file/publication/OSCE_Yearbook_en/2016/Schmidt-en.pdf |chapter=The Four-Day War Has Diminished the Chances of Peace in Nagorno-Karabakh |title=OSCE Yearbook 2016 |publisher=Baden-Baden |year=2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205120521/https://ifsh.de/file/publication/OSCE_Yearbook_en/2016/Schmidt-en.pdf |archive-date=5 February 2021 |page=111 |access-date=6 February 2021 |url-status=live }} During the clashes, Hashimov served as Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the 1st Army Corps. He commanded the Azerbaijani forces stationed in Tartar District, and during night operations, his forces advanced towards Talish, capturing several strategic locations.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKH___7_Xic |title=General-mayor Polad Həşimov və digər qəhrəmanlarımız |trans-title=Major General Polad Hashimov and our other heroes |date=25 August 2020 |medium=video |location=Azerbaijan |work=Bela Bela Ishlar |publisher=YouTube |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az }} [https://archive.org/details/general-mayor-polad-hsimov-v-digr-qhrmanlarimiz Alt URL] He was wounded during the clashes. One of the military posts Hashimov seized near Talış was later renamed "Polad" in his honour. According to Turkish military expert Abdullah Ağar, the Azerbaijani military command ordered Hashimov to withdraw from the territories he had seized during the hostilities. After a ceasefire was reached on the front-line, Hashimov resigned immediately, but the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, intervened and did not allow him to resign.{{Cite news |url=https://yenigundem.az/polad-hesimovla-bagli-senssasiya-general-bunu-etmediyi-ucun-istefa-veribmis-sok-detallar/ |title=Polad Həşimovla bağlı sensassiya: General bunu etmədiyi üçün istefa veribmiş |trans-title=Sensation about Polad Hashimov: The general resigned because he did not do it |date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205094544/https://yenigundem.az/polad-hesimovla-bagli-senssasiya-general-bunu-etmediyi-ucun-istefa-veribmis-sok-detallar/ |archive-date=5 February 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}
In 2017, Hashimov was appointed Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the 3rd Army Corps. On 24 June 2019, President Aliyev promoted Hashimov to major general, the highest military rank in the Azerbaijani Army.{{Cite news |url=https://azertag.az/xeber/1298650 |title=Azərbaycan Silahlı Qüvvələrinin hərbi qulluqçularına ali hərbi rütbələrin verilməsi haqqında Azərbaycan Prezidenti İlham Əliyevin 24 iyun 2019-cu il tarixli Sərəncamı |trans-title=Decree of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev dated 24 June 2019, on awarding the highest military ranks to the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan |work=Azerbaijan State News Agency |date=24 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106182733/https://azertag.az/xeber/1298650 |archive-date=6 January 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} Hashimov became the first Gabalani general since Ismayil bek Kutkashensky, a 19th-century Azerbaijani military officer in the Imperial Russian Army.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liaB_iWqQ0o |title=Qəbələdə general-mayor Polad Həşimovla vida mərasimi baş tutub |trans-title=A farewell ceremony with Major General Polad Hashimov took place in Gabala |date=14 August 2020 |medium=video |location=Azerbaijan |work=Ictimai TV |publisher=YouTube |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az }} [https://archive.org/details/qbld-general-mayor-polad-hsimovla-vida-mrasimi-kecirilib Alt URL]
= Tovuz clashes =
On 12 July 2020,{{Cite news |url=https://www.azatutyun.am/a/30740108.html |title=Azerbaijan Accused Of Another Cross-Border Attack On Armenia |work=Azatutyun |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=22 July 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200805100859/https://www.azatutyun.am/a/30740108.html |archive-date=5 August 2020 |quote=...the clashes involving artillery fire and drone attacks largely stopped on July 16. |access-date=6 February 2021 |url-status=live }} skirmishes erupted on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan,{{Cite web |url=https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/armenia/news/article/armenia-azerbaijan-border-clashes-between-the-two-countries-15-jul-2020 |title=Armenia/Azerbaijan – Border clashes between the two countries (15 July 2020) |publisher=French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs |access-date=6 February 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=18 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718141942/https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/armenia/news/article/armenia-azerbaijan-border-clashes-between-the-two-countries-15-jul-2020 }} mainly in the Tavush Province of Armenia and the Tovuz District of Azerbaijan.{{Cite news |last1=Harutyunyan |first1=Sargis |last2=Danielyan |first2=Emil |url=https://www.azatutyun.am/a/30728827.html |title=Armenia-Azerbaijan Border 'Calm' After Deadly Clashes |work=Azatutyun |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200805101306/https://www.azatutyun.am/a/30728827.html |archive-date=5 August 2020 |quote=...the border between Armenia’s northern Tavush province and the Tovuz district in Azerbaijan, the scene of the clashes. |access-date=6 February 2021 |url-status=live }}
Hashimov commanded the Azerbaijani forces during the clashes. In the first hours of the hostilities, three Azerbaijani servicemen were killed and four more were wounded.{{Cite news |url=https://mod.gov.az/az/news/itki-veren-dusmen-geri-otuzdurulub-31442.html |title=İtki verən düşmən geri otuzdurulub |trans-title=The losing enemy was repulsed |work=Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence |date=12 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712133556/https://mod.gov.az/az/news/itki-veren-dusmen-geri-otuzdurulub-31442.html |archive-date=12 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://mod.gov.az/az/news/dusmen-hucumunun-qarsisi-alinarken-herbi-qulluqcularimiz-sehid-olub-31445.html |title=Düşmən hücumunun qarşısı alınarkən hərbi qulluqçularımız şəhid olub |trans-title=Our servicemen were killed while preventing the enemy attack |work=Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence |date=12 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712182039/https://mod.gov.az/az/news/dusmen-hucumunun-qarsisi-alinarken-herbi-qulluqcularimiz-sehid-olub-31445.html |archive-date=12 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} These clashes continued the next day using artillery and drone attacks, without infantry.{{Cite web |url=https://www.turan.az/ext/news/2020/7/free/analytics/en/125764.htm |title=Not only between Tovuz and Tavush |publisher=Turan Information Agency |date=15 July 2020 |access-date=19 July 2020 |archive-date=19 July 2020 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719203438/https://www.turan.az/ext/news/2020/7/free/analytics/en/125764.htm |url-status=live }} Azerbaijani authorities claimed their forces had "neutralised" more than 20 Armenian servicemen, and destroyed several Armenian firing positions, battalion headquarters, and other military targets.{{Cite web |url=https://mod.gov.az/az/news/azerbaycan-ordusunun-bolmeleri-dusmenin-dayaq-menteqesine-zerbe-endirib-video-31448.html |title=Azərbaycan Ordusu bölmələri düşmənin dayaq məntəqəsinə zərbə endirib - Video |trans-title=Azerbaijani Army units hit enemy base - Video |work=Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence |date=13 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925003742/https://mod.gov.az/az/news/azerbaycan-ordusunun-bolmeleri-dusmenin-dayaq-menteqesine-zerbe-endirib-video-31448.html |archive-date=25 September 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} Overall, at least 17 military personnel and one civilian were confirmed killed during the skirmishes.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53402476 |title=Azerbaijan general among troops killed in Armenia border clash |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718004331/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53402476 |archive-date=18 July 2020 |date=14 July 2020 |work=BBC News |access-date=6 February 2021 |url-status=live }}
Death
File:Polad Həşimovun məzarı.jpg in Baku.]]
Further skirmishes occurred at night and continued into the morning of 14 July. In the morning, seven Azerbaijani servicemen, six of them officers, were killed.{{Cite web |first=Tapdiq |last=Farhadoglu |url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/ermənistan-azərbaycan-sərhədində-toqquşmalar-davam-edir/5502046.html |title=Ermənistan-Azərbaycan sərhədində toqquşmalar davam edir |trans-title=Clashes continue on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border |date=14 July 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205115506/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/erm%C9%99nistan-az%C9%99rbaycan-s%C9%99rh%C9%99dind%C9%99-toqqu%C5%9Fmalar-davam-edir/5502046.html |archive-date=5 February 2021 |work=Amerikanin Sasi |publisher=Voice of America |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} On the same day, the deputy defence minister of Azerbaijan, Karim Valiyev, announced that Hashimov and Colonel Ilgar Mirzayev were among the fallen Azerbaijani officers.{{Cite web |url=https://www.azadliq.org/a/mudafie-nazirliyi-ermenistan-silahli-quvveleri-tovuz-istiqanmetinde-tekribat-toredib/30722132.html |title=Ermənistan da itkiləri açıqlayır [Video] |trans-title=Armenia also announces losses [Video] |date=14 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205120306/https://www.azadliq.org/a/mudafie-nazirliyi-ermenistan-silahli-quvveleri-tovuz-istiqanmetinde-tekribat-toredib/30722132.html |archive-date=5 February 2021 |work=Azadliq Radiosu |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |language=az }}
Hashimov is the first and only general of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces to be killed during military operations. Before him, Ismat Gayibov, the first Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan, and Mahammad Asadov, major general in the Azerbaijani Ministry of Internal Affairs, were killed in November 1991 when the Mil Mi-8 helicopter they were in was shot down by Armenian forces.{{Cite web |url=https://teleqraf.com/news/gundem/254974.html |first=Ilham |last=Tumas |title="Əsgərinə odun doğrayan, general və şəhid olan..." - Müsahibə |trans-title="A general and a martyr, chopping wood for his soldier..." - Interview |work=Teleqraf.com |date=18 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108124450/https://teleqraf.com/news/gundem/254974.html |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}
= Funeral =
At noon on 14 July, Hashimov's body was taken to Vandam and then to Sumgayit, where he lived.{{Cite news |url=https://www.meydan.tv/en/article/azerbaijani-general-killed-in-border-clash/ |title=Azerbaijani general killed in border clash |work=Meydan TV |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108203042/https://www.meydan.tv/en/article/azerbaijani-general-killed-in-border-clash/ |archive-date=8 January 2021 |date=14 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=en }} He was buried alongside Colonel Mirzayev, on 15 July in the Second Alley of Honor in Baku.{{Cite web |url=https://www.azadliq.org/a/azerbaycan-ermenistan-herbi/30728008.html |title=Ermənistana məxsus daha bir neçə hərbi obyekt vurulub - Müdafiə nazirliyi |trans-title=Several Armenian military facilities were hit - Ministry of Defence |date=15 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205120134/https://www.azadliq.org/a/azerbaycan-ermenistan-herbi/30728008.html |archive-date=5 February 2021 |work=Azadliq Radiosu |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |language=az }} Azerbaijan's minister of defence, Zakir Hasanov, chief of general staff, Najmaddin Sadigov, and, the mayor of Baku, Eldar Azizov, attended the funeral.{{Cite web |url=https://azertag.az/xeber/Sehid_zabitlerimizle_vida_merasimi_kechirilib_VIDEO-1537281 |title=A farewell ceremony was held with our martyred officers VIDEO |date=15 July 2020 |work=Azerbaijan State News Agency |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205124428/https://azertag.az/xeber/Sehid_zabitlerimizle_vida_merasimi_kechirilib_VIDEO-1537281 |archive-date=5 February 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.meydan.tv/en/article/seven-detained-in-rally-against-deadly-border-clash-killed-azerbaijani-general-buried-in-baku/?ref=search |title=Seven detained in overnight rally, and Azerbaijani general buried in Baku |date=15 July 2020 |work=Meydan TV |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205115609/https://www.meydan.tv/en/article/seven-detained-in-rally-against-deadly-border-clash-killed-azerbaijani-general-buried-in-baku/?ref=search |archive-date=5 February 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |url-status=live }} On the same day, President Ilham Aliyev had a telephone conversation with Hashimov's mother, expressing his deep condolences to her.{{Cite news |url=https://1news.az/news/prezident-geroizm-nashih-voennosluzhaschih-pogibshih-za-rodinu-nikogda-ne-budet-zabyt |title=Президент: Героизм наших военнослужащих, погибших за Родину, никогда не будет забыт |trans-title=President: The heroism of our servicemen who died for the Motherland will never be forgotten |work=1news.az |date=15 July 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205124416/https://1news.az/news/prezident-geroizm-nashih-voennosluzhaschih-pogibshih-za-rodinu-nikogda-ne-budet-zabyt |archive-date=5 February 2021 |language=ru |access-date=6 February 2021 |url-status=live }}
= Domestic reactions =
Hashimov's death caused outrage in Azerbaijani society.{{Cite web |first=Chingiz |last=Sultansoy |url=https://www.meydan.tv/ru/article/generalin-olumu-ile-bagli-aciq-qalan-suallar/ |title=Generalın ölümü ilə bağlı açıq qalan suallar |trans-title=Questions left about the general's death |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210207091724/https://www.meydan.tv/ru/article/generalin-olumu-ile-bagli-aciq-qalan-suallar/ |archive-date=7 February 2021 |access-date=7 February 2021 |language=az |work=Meydan TV |date=16 July 2020 |url-status=live }} Many speculated that his exact location was given to the Armenian side by a sleeper agent,{{Cite web |first=A. |last=Gorkhmaz |url=https://modern.az/az/news/248793 |title=General Polad Həşimov necə vurulub? |trans-title=How was General Polad Hashimov shot? |date=18 July 2020 |work=Modern.az |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210207091517/https://modern.az/az/news/248793 |archive-date=7 February 2021 |access-date=7 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} the primary suspect being Najmeddin Sadikov, Azerbaijan's chief of staff and the deputy minister of defence.{{Cite web |url=https://aqreqator.az/az/siyaset/890535 |title=Yüksək rütbəli zabitlərimizin ölümü qəzəb doğurdu - Nəcməddin Sadıqov dərhal kənarlaşdırılsın |trans-title=The death of our high-ranking officers angered - Najmaddin Sadigov should be removed immediately |date=14 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108211404/https://aqreqator.az/az/siyaset/890535 |archive-date=8 January 2021 |work=Aqreqator.az |language=az }}{{Cite web |url=https://baxar.az/xeber/9736-Ncmddin-Sadqovun-knarladrlmas-tlbi-artr-yerin-namizd-d-var |title=Nəcməddin Sadıqovun kənarlaşdırılması tələbi artır, yerinə namizəd də var |trans-title=The demand to remove Najmaddin Sadigov is growing, and there is a candidate to replace him |date=19 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108211346/https://baxar.az/xeber/9736-Ncmddin-Sadqovun-knarladrlmas-tlbi-artr-yerin-namizd-d-var |archive-date=8 January 2021 |work=Baxar.az |language=az |url-status=dead }} This sparked violent protests throughout the country.
When Hashimov's body was taken to his house in Sumgayit,{{Cite news |url=https://www.meydan.tv/en/article/azerbaijani-general-killed-in-border-clash/ |title=Azerbaijani general killed in border clash |work=Meydan TV |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108203042/https://www.meydan.tv/en/article/azerbaijani-general-killed-in-border-clash/ |archive-date=8 January 2021 |date=14 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 }} a crowd of hundreds of people from different parts of the city gathered there chanting pro-army slogans.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/azeri/azerbaijan-53269950 |title=General-mayor Polad Həşimov II Fəxri Xiyabanda dəfn olunub |trans-title=Major General Polad Hashimov was buried in the Second Alley of Honours |work=BBC Azerbaijani Service |date=15 July 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205115503/https://www.bbc.com/azeri/azerbaijan-53269950 |archive-date=5 February 2021 |language=az |access-date=6 February 2021 |url-status=live }} The demonstrations spread to others parts of Baku,{{Cite news |url=https://oxu.az/society/405799 |title=Bakıda cəbhəyə dəstək yürüşü keçirilir – VİDEO |trans-title=Baku holds march in support of the front - VIDEO |date=14 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714193217/https://oxu.az/society/405799 |archive-date=14 July 2020 |work=Oxu.az |language=az }} with about 50,000 demonstrators taking part.{{cite news |first=Elena |last=Pavlovska |url=https://www.neweurope.eu/article/50000-azeri-protestors-gather-in-baku-chanting-pro-war-slogans-demand-military-action-against-armenia/ |title=50,000 Azeri protestors gather in Baku chanting pro-war slogans, demand military action against Armenia |date=16 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108193626/https://www.neweurope.eu/article/50000-azeri-protestors-gather-in-baku-chanting-pro-war-slogans-demand-military-action-against-armenia/ |archive-date=8 January 2021 |newspaper=New Europe |language=en }} They first marched to Freedom Square, then to the Martyrs' Lane but were not allowed to enter it,{{Cite web |url=https://www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/351897/ |title=Бакинцы провели шествие в поддержку азербайджанской армии |trans-title=Bakuvians hold a march in support of the Azerbaijani Army |date=15 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |work=Caucasian Knot |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210109003305/https://www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/351897/ |archive-date=9 January 2021 |language=ru }} or the National Assembly of Azerbaijan. The Baku Police prevented vehicles from entering the area to ensure the crowd's safety.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/azeri/azerbaijan-53400617 |title=DİN: "Parlament binasının qarşısında baş verənlərlə bağlı saxlananlar var" |trans-title=Interior Ministry: "There are detainees in front of the parliament building" |work=BBC Azerbaijani Service |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108194109/https://www.bbc.com/azeri/azerbaijan-53400617 |date=15 July 2020 |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} The demonstrators, waving the Azerbaijani flag, called for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic related quarantine, mobilisation and a war against Armenia to retake the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53415693 |title=Azerbaijan protesters demand war after Armenia clashes |date=15 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |work=OC Media |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200715214217/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53415693 |archive-date=15 July 2020 |language=en }}{{Cite web|date=15 July 2020|title=Thousands of pro-war protesters rally in Azerbaijan|url=https://oc-media.org/thousands-of-pro-war-protesters-rally-in-azerbaijan/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108194519/https://oc-media.org/thousands-of-pro-war-protesters-rally-in-azerbaijan/|archive-date=8 January 2021|access-date=6 February 2021|work=OC Media}} There were smaller rallies in support of the military in other cities around Azerbaijan, usually connected to the burials of fallen soldiers.{{Cite web |url=https://eurasianet.org/pro-war-azerbaijani-protesters-break-into-parliament |title=Pro-war Azerbaijani protesters break into parliament |date=15 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |work=Eurasianet |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200715165554/https://eurasianet.org/pro-war-azerbaijani-protesters-break-into-parliament |archive-date=15 July 2020 }}
After the initial demonstrations, a smaller group reached the front of the National Assembly on the night of 14 and 15 July. Apart from support for the army and calls for war, the demonstrators demanded the resignation of the chief of general staff of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and the deputy minister of defence, Najmeddin Sadikov.{{Cite web |url=https://www.azadliq.org/a/bakıda-yürüş-başlayıb/30726439.html |title=Gecə baş verənlərə görə cinayət işi açılıb |trans-title=A criminal case was launched over the night |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108195644/https://www.azadliq.org/a/bak%C4%B1da-y%C3%BCr%C3%BC%C5%9F-ba%C5%9Flay%C4%B1b/30726439.html |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |work=Azadlıq Radiosu |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |language=az }} At around 01:00, the street lights in front of the parliament building were turned off. However, the demonstrators protested this by turning on their phone lights and whistling. Although a representative from the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence arrived to address the crowd, the demonstrators did not allow him to speak and demanded that President Ilham Aliyev come and speak. At around 04:00, riots broke out, during which police cars were overturned.{{Cite web |url=https://jam-news.net/riots-in-baku-delivered-bodies-of-victims-of-shelling-on-border-with-armenia/ |title=Riots in Baku after bodies of those killed on border with Armenia brought back home |date=15 July 2020 |access-date=12 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717011026/https://jam-news.net/riots-in-baku-delivered-bodies-of-victims-of-shelling-on-border-with-armenia/ |archive-date=17 July 2020 |work=JAM News |language=en }} Several demonstrators breached the National Assembly, protesting the government's inaction.{{Cite web |url=https://intellinews.com/azerbaijani-authorities-crack-down-on-pro-war-demonstration-in-baku-187524/ |title=Azerbaijani authorities crack down on pro-war demonstration in Baku |date=15 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108194925/https://intellinews.com/azerbaijani-authorities-crack-down-on-pro-war-demonstration-in-baku-187524/ |archive-date=8 January 2021 |work=bne IntelliNews |language=en }} They smashed windows and chandeliers inside, but security forces later evicted them. A BBC Azerbaijani Service correspondent at the scene reported that although there were guards inside, they did not interfere with the crowd. According to a report by the Azerbaijani Parliament, the demonstrators damaged a number of items in the building worth 22,150 AZN ($13,000 US) in total.{{Cite news |url=https://strateq.az/gundem/446872/milli-m%C9%99clisin-%C9%99mlakina-v%C9%99-inventarina-22150-manat-ziyan-vurulub.html |title=Milli Məclisin əmlakına və inventarına 22150 manat ziyan vurulub –Açıqlama |trans-title=Damage to the property and inventory of the Milli Majlis amounted to 22,150 manat –Statement |work=Strateq.az |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715151306/https://strateq.az/gundem/446872/milli-m%C9%99clisin-%C9%99mlakina-v%C9%99-inventarina-22150-manat-ziyan-vurulub.html |date=15 July 2020 |archive-date=15 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.meclis.gov.az/?/az/news/view/4783/https://www.meclis.gov.az/?/az/news/view/4783/ |title=Azərbaycan Respublikası Milli Məclis Aparatının məlumatı |trans-title=Information of the Office of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan |publisher=National Assembly of Azerbaijan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715150601/https://www.meclis.gov.az/?%2Faz%2Fnews%2Fview%2F4783%2F |date=15 July 2020 |archive-date=15 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} The Azerbaijani Ministry of Internal Affairs accused the demonstrators of deliberately disobeying the demands of police officers and attacking them with stones and other objects. As a result, seven police officers were injured, two State Traffic Police Department service cars were overturned and rendered useless, fourteen more service cars and the road infrastructure in the area were seriously damaged. Following this, security forces used water cannons, tear gas and batons to disperse those gathered in front of the parliament building.{{Cite web |url=https://www.turan.az/ext/news/2020/7/free/Social/en/125721.htm |title=Unauthorized Procession of Thousands of People through Streets of Baku Lasted All Night. (UPDATED) |work=Turan Information Agency |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108235954/https://www.turan.az/ext/news/2020/7/free/Social/en/125721.htm |date=15 July 2020 |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} Other demonstrators tried to convince the police to join them. The demonstrators moved towards Martyrs' Lane and continued protesting there. They began to disperse in the early morning near Baku Boulevard and Freedom Square. According to Turan, an independent Azerbaijani news agency, several hundred protesters then marched, escorted by police, to the Nariman Narimanov Monument and the building of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Taxes, before dispersing.
In late July, further protests erupted in Hashimov's native Vandam, when local officials removed the Azerbaijani flag hanging from the door of Hashimov's house. Ilham Baghirov, the representative of the Gabala District Executive Power in Vandam, stated that the flag was removed temporarily and was to be hung on a flag pole in front of the house.{{Cite web |url=https://www.meydan.tv/az/article/polad-hesimovun-evinin-qarsisindaki-bayraq-prezidentin-seferine-gore-goturulub/?ref=search |title=Polad Həşimovun evinin qarşısındakı bayraq Prezidentin səfərinə görə götürülüb? |trans-title=Was the flag in front of Polad Hashimov's house taken away during the President's visit? |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205115803/https://www.meydan.tv/az/article/polad-hesimovun-evinin-qarsisindaki-bayraq-prezidentin-seferine-gore-goturulub/?ref=search |archive-date=5 February 2021 |date=29 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |work=Meydan TV |language=az |url-status=live }}
The preliminary investigation over the arrests was completed on 11 September. 37 people were prosecuted, officially charged with intentionally causing minor bodily harm, intentionally destroying or damaging another's property, violating public order, and resisting or using force against a government official.{{Cite web |url=https://d9mc3ts4czbpr.cloudfront.net/ru/article/qarabag-yurusune-gore-istintaq-yekunlasdi/ |title=Qarabağ yürüşünə görə istintaq yekunlaşdı |trans-title=The investigation into the Karabakh March was completed |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108195519/https://d9mc3ts4czbpr.cloudfront.net/ru/article/qarabag-yurusune-gore-istintaq-yekunlasdi/ |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |work=Meydan TV |date=11 September 2020 |language=az }} Despite this, according to other Azerbaijani sources, as many as 120 people were detained after the protests, including members of the NIDA Civic Movement and journalists.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/azerbaijans-president-aims-to-finish-off-the-political-opposition/2020/07/29/db4ca91c-d0f0-11ea-8c55-61e7fa5e82ab_story.html |title=Azerbaijan's president aims to finish off the political opposition |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200730125003/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/azerbaijans-president-aims-to-finish-off-the-political-opposition/2020/07/29/db4ca91c-d0f0-11ea-8c55-61e7fa5e82ab_story.html |archive-date=30 July 2020 |date=29 July 2020 |language=en }}{{Cite web |first=Tapdig |last=Farhadoglu |url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/iyul-aksiyas%C4%B1ndak%C4%B1-insident-%C3%BCzr%C9%99-4-n%C9%99f%C9%99r-h%C9%99bs-edilib-ni%CC%87da-f%C9%99al%C4%B1-s%C9%99rb%C9%99st-burax%C4%B1l%C4%B1b-6-axcp-f%C9%99al%C4%B1-saxlan%C4%B1l%C4%B1b-/5508051.html |title=14 iyul aksiyasındakı insident üzrə 6 nəfər, o cümlədən iki AXCP fəalı həbs edilib, NİDA fəalı sərbəst buraxılıb |trans-title=Six people, including two PFPA activists, were arrested in connection with the July 14 incident, NIDA activist released |date=18 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803115321/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/iyul-aksiyas%C4%B1ndak%C4%B1-insident-%C3%BCzr%C9%99-4-n%C9%99f%C9%99r-h%C9%99bs-edilib-ni%CC%87da-f%C9%99al%C4%B1-s%C9%99rb%C9%99st-burax%C4%B1l%C4%B1b-6-axcp-f%C9%99al%C4%B1-saxlan%C4%B1l%C4%B1b-/5508051.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |work=Amerikanın Səsi |publisher=Voice of America |language=az |url-status=live }}
The protests were a key factor in the escalation of tensions that led to the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War later in September of the same year.{{Cite web |last1=Weise |first1=Zia |last2=Cienski |first2=Jan |last3=Herszenhorn |first3=David M. |date=28 September 2020 |title=The Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict explained |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/the-nagorno-karabakh-conflict-explained-armenia-azerbaijan/ |work=Politico |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200929231443/https://www.politico.eu/article/the-nagorno-karabakh-conflict-explained-armenia-azerbaijan/ |archive-date=29 September 2020 |access-date=5 February 2021 }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/europe-central-asia/caucasus/nagorno-karabakh-conflict/containing-violence-south-caucasus |title=De-escalating the New Nagorno-Karabakh War |date=2 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101011010/https://www.crisisgroup.org/europe-central-asia/caucasus/nagorno-karabakh-conflict/containing-violence-south-caucasus |archive-date=1 November 2020 |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=International Crisis Group }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2020/659267/EPRS_ATA(2020)659267_EN.pdf |title=Armenia and Azerbaijan on brink of war |date=5 October 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210112074637/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2020/659267/EPRS_ATA(2020)659267_EN.pdf |archive-date=12 January 2021 |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=European Parliament }}
Later, in January 2022, Hashimov's mother, Samaya Hashimova, alleged that Karim Valiyev, who was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in July 2021, had her son killed in order to get the position instead of him. She also blamed Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov.{{Cite web|last=Aghayev|first=Ismi|date=2022-01-04|title=Slain general's mother accuses Azerbaijani military officials of ordering his death|url=https://oc-media.org/slain-generals-mother-accuses-azerbaijani-military-officials-of-ordering-his-death/|access-date=2022-01-20|website=OC Media|language=en-US}}
Personal life
Hashimov had three siblings, Arzu,{{Cite web |url=https://www.yeniavaz.com/az/news/index/143413/sehid-general-mayor-polad-hesimovun-bacisi-hamimizin-poladidi-video |title=Şəhid General-mayor Polad Həşimovun bacısı: "Hamımızın Poladıdı" - Video |trans-title=Martyr Major General Polad Hashimov's sister: "He's our Polad" - Video |date=14 July 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210206083555/https://www.yeniavaz.com/az/news/index/143413/sehid-general-mayor-polad-hesimovun-bacisi-hamimizin-poladidi-video |archive-date=6 February 2021 |work=YeniAvaz |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az }} Kamala,{{Cite web |url=https://qaynarinfo.az/az/ox-byuk-arzulari-vardi-kas-ki-yarimciq-qalmazdi-polad-hesimovun-ailesi-ile-shbet/ |title=Çox böyük arzuları vardı, kaş ki yarımçıq qalmazdı" - Polad Həşimovun ailəsi ilə söhbət |trans-title="He had big dreams, I wish he would not be left unfulfilled" - a conversation with Polad Hashimov's family |date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210206083232/https://aqreqator.az/az/siyaset/891581 |archive-date=6 February 2021 |work=Qaynarinfo.az |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az }} and Ilham.{{Cite web |url=https://aqreqator.az/az/siyaset/891581 |title=Çalışaq ki, onun qanını yerdə qoymayaq - Polad Həşimovun qardaşı |trans-title=Let's try not to leave his blood on the ground - Polad Hashimov's brother |date=15 July 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210206083232/https://aqreqator.az/az/siyaset/891581 |archive-date=6 February 2021 |work=Aqreqator.az |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az }} He married Ophelia Salmanova on 5 September 2003. The couple had three children, Davoud, Teimour, and Aybaniz.{{Cite news |first=Fidan |last=Bayramova |url=https://big.az/407568-kamil-zeynalli-polad-hesimovun-ovladlarini-ziyaret-etdi-foto.html |title=Kamil Zeynallı Polad Həşimovun övladlarını zirayət etdi - Foto |trans-title=Kamil Zeynalli visited Polad Hashimov's children - PHOTO |work=Boyuk Azarbaijan |date=9 September 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205084550/https://big.az/407568-kamil-zeynalli-polad-hesimovun-ovladlarini-ziyaret-etdi-foto.html |archive-date=5 February 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}
A popular military figure within the Azerbaijani society, Hashimov was well respected by both soldiers and officers. He was presented with an apartment for his services during the Four-Day War. Although Hashimov lived in a rented apartment, he donated it to the family of a fallen Azerbaijani serviceman.
Legacy
File:Sumqayıt, 28 nömrəli məktəb, Polad Həşimov Muzeyi - 1.jpg]]
After Hashimov's death, "Polad" was the most popular name given to newborn boys, mainly in the Gabala District.{{Cite web |first=Aziza |last=Zeynal |url=https://modern.az/az/news/248816 |title=Azərbaycanda yeni doğulan uşaqlara Polad adı verilir - Generalın şərəfinə... |trans-title=Newborns in Azerbaijan are named Polad - in honour of the General... |work=Modern.az |date=19 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106112533/https://modern.az/az/news/248816 |archive-date=6 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}
In August 2020, two books dedicated to Hashimov were published. Our Steel General ({{langx|az|Polad Generalımız}}) was published by Ganun Nashriyyati.{{Cite web |url=https://ordu.az/az/news/170229 |title=Polad Həşimova həsr edilən "Polad Generalımız" Kitabının təqdimatı olub |trans-title=The presentation of "Our Steel General" dedicated to Polad Hashimov was held |work=Ordu.az |date=23 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108094813/https://ordu.az/az/news/170229 |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=dead }} The second, written by Hadaf Nashrlari and XAN Nashriyyati, General Polad Hashimov in Memories ({{langx|az|General Polad Həşimov xatirələrdə}}), contains the recollections of Hashimov's mother, wife, daughter, as well as his colleagues.{{Cite web |url=https://qaynarinfo.az/az/general-polad-hesimov-xatirelerde-kitabi-nesr-olunub-fotolar/ |title="General Polad Həşimov xatirələrdə" Kitabı nəşr olundu |trans-title=The book "General Polad Hashimov in Memories" was published |work=QaynarInfo.az |date=21 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108201840/https://qaynarinfo.az/az/general-polad-hesimov-xatirelerde-kitabi-nesr-olunub-fotolar/ |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}
After his death, the Azerbaijani singer Chingiz Mustafayev, who represented Azerbaijan in the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest, released a song titled I'm Like My Homeland ({{langx|az|Vətənim Kimiyəm}}), dedicated to Hashimov and the other fallen soldiers of the border clashes.{{Cite web |url=https://aqreqator.az/az/medeniyyet/1028727 |title=Ailəsində yaşanan problemlər onu rəssam edib, amma bu işdən pul qazanmaq istəmir |trans-title=Problems in his family made him an artist, but he does not want to earn money from this work |date=26 September 2020 |work=Aqreqator.az |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210206100612/https://aqreqator.az/az/medeniyyet/1028727 |archive-date=6 February 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} On 22 August 2020, Azerbaijani military singer Shamistan Alizamanli released a song titled My Pasha, Hey! ({{langx|az|Paşam, hey!}}) dedicated to Hashimov.{{Cite web |url=https://apa.az/az/sosial_xeberler/DTX-Polad-Hsimova-hsr-olunmus-layih-hazirlayib-colorredVIDEOcolor-602140 |title=DTX Polad Həşimova həsr olunmuş layihə hazırlayıb - Video |trans-title=SSS developed a project dedicated to Polad Hashimov - Video |date=22 August 2020 |work=Azeri Press Agency |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105211727/https://apa.az/az/sosial_xeberler/DTX-Polad-Hsimova-hsr-olunmus-layih-hazirlayib-colorredVIDEOcolor-602140 |archive-date=5 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} On 24 August, a documentary titled 7 Moments of Polad ({{langx|az|Poladın 7 anı}}) dedicated to the life of Hashimov and directed by Ruslan Hussein was presented on Ictimai TV.{{Cite web |url=https://azertag.az/xeber/Poladin_7_ani_senedli_filmi_teqdim_olunub-1568971 |title="Poladın 7 anı" sənədli filmi təqdim olunub |trans-title=The presentation of the documentary "7 Moments of Polad" was held |date=25 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106181207/https://azertag.az/xeber/Poladin_7_ani_senedli_filmi_teqdim_olunub-1568971 |archive-date=6 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}
In August 2020, a street was named after Hashimov in his native Vandam, in Gabala District,{{Cite web |url=https://azertag.az/xeber/Qebelede_merkezi_kuchelerden_birine_sehid_general_Polad_Hesimovun_adi_verilib-1554201 |title=Qəbələdə şəhid general-mayor Polad Həşimovun adı əbədiləşdirilib |work=Azerbaijan State News Agency |date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204043331/https://azertag.az/xeber/Qebelede_merkezi_kuchelerden_birine_sehid_general_Polad_Hesimovun_adi_verilib-1554201 |archive-date=4 February 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} and in January 2021, in Guba,{{Cite web |url=https://modern.az/az/news/273420/polad-hesimovun-adi-kuceye-verildi-foto |title=Qubada şəhid general-mayor Polad Həşimovun adı əbədiləşdirilib |trans-title=The name of the martyred Major General Polad Hashimov was immortalised in Guba |work=Modern.az |date=13 January 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210129190954/https://modern.az/az/news/273420/polad-hesimovun-adi-kuceye-verildi-foto |archive-date=29 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} and in Keban, Elazığ, Turkey.{{Cite web |url=http://www.yenises.az/w9221.html |title=Bu şəhərdə Polad Həşimovun adı əbədiləşdirilir |trans-title=The name of Polad Hashimov is immortalised in this city |work=Yeni Sas |date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210110152959/http://www.yenises.az/w9221.html |archive-date=10 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} A park bearing his name was opened in the Osmangazi District of Bursa, Turkey, on 28 October.{{Cite web |url=https://aqreqator.az/az/siyaset/1077456 |title=Bursada Polad Həşimov bağı açıldı - Foto |trans-title=Polad Hashimov garden opened in Bursa - Photo |work=Aqreqator.az |date=28 October 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210109114835/https://aqreqator.az/az/siyaset/1077456 |archive-date=9 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |url-status=live }} On May 7, 2021, the street in Baku, originally named after Pavel Nakhimov, was named after Polad Hashimov.{{cite news |title=Bakıda küçələrdən birinə Polad Həşimovun adı verilib - VİDEO |url=https://apa.az/az/xeber/sosial_xeberler/bakida-kucelerden-birine-polad-hesimovun-adi-verilib-642028 |access-date=7 May 2021 |work=apa.az |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507232446/https://apa.az/az/xeber/sosial_xeberler/bakida-kucelerden-birine-polad-hesimovun-adi-verilib-642028 |archive-date=7 May 2021 |language=az}}
Hashimov was declared a National Hero of Azerbaijan in December 2020, along with Ilgar Mirzayev and Ibad Huseynov, by the decree of President Aliyev.{{Cite news |url=https://www.azadliq.org/a/prezidnet-hərbi-qulluqçuları-təltif-edib/30992190.html |title=Bəzi hərbi qulluqçular təltif edildi |trans-title=Some servicemen were awarded |date=9 December 2020 |work=Azadliq Radiosu |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205120001/https://www.azadliq.org/a/prezidnet-h%C9%99rbi-qulluq%C3%A7ular%C4%B1-t%C9%99ltif-edib/30992190.html |archive-date=5 February 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.meydan.tv/az/article/prezident-herbi-qulluqculari-teltif-etdi/?ref=search |title=Prezident hərbi qulluqçuları təltif etdi |trans-title=The President awarded the servicemen |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205115837/https://www.meydan.tv/az/article/prezident-herbi-qulluqculari-teltif-etdi/?ref=search |work=Meydan TV |archive-date=5 February 2021 |date=9 December 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}
Awards
Throughout his military career, Hashimov received numerous promotions and was awarded more than twelve times, including jubilee and other medals.{{Cite web |first=Heydar |last=Aliyev |author-link=Heydar Aliyev |url=http://e-qanun.az/framework/2078 |title=Azərbaycan Müdafiə Nazirliyinin hərbi qulluqçularının təltif edilməsi haqqında Azərbaycan Prezidenti Heydər Əliyevin 24 iyun 2003-cü il tarixli 887 nömrəli Fərmanı |trans-title=Decree of the President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev No. 887 dated 24 June 2003 on awarding servicemen of the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan |work=Ministry of Justice |date=24 June 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105104630/http://e-qanun.az/framework/2078 |archive-date=5 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |first=Ilham |last=Aliyev |author-link=Ilham Aliyev |url=http://e-qanun.az/framework/17918 |title=Azərbaycan Silahlı Qüvvələrinin hərbi qulluqçularının təltif edilməsi haqqında Azərbaycan Prezidenti İlham Əliyevin 25 iyun 2009-cu il tarixli 351 nömrəli Sərəncamı |trans-title=Decree of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev No. 351 dated 25 June 2009 on awarding servicemen of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan |work=Ministry of Justice |date=25 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105104631/http://e-qanun.az/framework/17918 |archive-date=5 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |first=Ilham |last=Aliyev |author-link=Ilham Aliyev |url=http://e-qanun.az/framework/27901 |title=Azərbaycan Silahlı Qüvvələrinin hərbi qulluqçularının təltif edilməsi haqqında Azərbaycan Prezidenti İlham Əliyevin 24 iyun 2014-cü il tarixli 575 nömrəli Sərəncamı |trans-title=Decree of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev No. 575 dated 24 June 2014 on awarding servicemen of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan |work=Ministry of Justice |date=24 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716175618/http://e-qanun.az/framework/27901 |archive-date=16 July 2020 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |first=Ilham |last=Aliyev |author-link=Ilham Aliyev |url=http://e-qanun.az/framework/33693 |title=Azərbaycan Silahlı Qüvvələrinin hərbi qulluqçularının təltif edilməsi haqqında Azərbaycan Prezidenti İlham Əliyevin 19 aprel 2016-cı il tarixli 1967 nömrəli Sərəncamı |trans-title=Decree of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev No. 1967 dated 19 April 2016 on awarding servicemen of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan |work=Ministry of Justice |date=19 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105104634/http://e-qanun.az/framework/33693 |archive-date=5 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |first=Ilham |last=Aliyev |author-link=Ilham Aliyev |url=http://e-qanun.az/framework/46426 |title=Azərbaycan Silahlı Qüvvələrinin hərbi qulluqçularına "Azərbaycanın Milli Qəhrəmanı" adının verilməsi haqqında Azərbaycan Prezidenti İlham Əliyevin 09.12.2020-ci il tarixli 2337 nömrəli Sərəncamı |trans-title=Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev No. 2337 dated 09.12.2020 on naming servicemen of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan "National Hero of Azerbaijan" |work=Ministry of Justice |date=9 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105104635/http://e-qanun.az/framework/46426 |archive-date=5 January 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021 |language=az |url-status=live }} In April 2021, Iranian embassy in Azerbaijan visited Hashimov's family and posthumously awarded Hashimov with the World Sacrifice Award named after Qasem Soleimani.{{Cite web |url=https://iranpress.com/content/37834/iranian-envoy-pays-tribute-azerbaijani-martyr |title=Iranian envoy pays tribute to Azerbaijani martyr |date=29 April 2021 |work=Iran Press |access-date=5 May 2021 |archive-date=5 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505140523/https://iranpress.com/content/37834/iranian-envoy-pays-tribute-azerbaijani-martyr |url-status=live }} Despite this, Hashimov's mother refused to take this award.{{Cite web |first=Talib |last=Atasoy |url=https://www.aznews.tv/mi%CC%87lli%CC%87-q%C9%99hr%C9%99man-polad-h%C9%99si%CC%87movun-anasi-v%C9%99-qardasi-an-t-y%C9%99-danisdi/ |title=Milli qəhrəman Polad Həşimovun anası və qardaşı AN.T-yə danışdı |trans-title=The mother and brother of national hero Polad Hashimov spoke to AN.T. |date=4 May 2021 |access-date=5 May 2021 |work=Aznews TV |language=az |archive-date=5 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505140707/https://www.aznews.tv/mi%CC%87lli%CC%87-q%C9%99hr%C9%99man-polad-h%C9%99si%CC%87movun-anasi-v%C9%99-qardasi-an-t-y%C9%99-danisdi/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://konkret.az/iranin-polad-hiylesi-ve-xankendi-xeyaneti/ |title=İranın Polad hiyləsi və Xankəndi xəyanəti |trans-title=Iran's Polad trick and Khankendi betrayal |date=5 May 2021 |access-date=5 May 2021 |work=Konkret.az |language=az |archive-date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508143122/https://konkret.az/iranin-polad-hiylesi-ve-xankendi-xeyaneti/ |url-status=live }}
- 50px (2001) — Jubilee medal "10th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan".
- 50px (2002) — Medal "For impeccable service" III degree.
- 50px (2003) — For military services medal.
- 50px (2008) — Jubilee medal "90th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan".
- 50px (2004) — Medal "For Distinguished Service" III degree.
- 50px (2006) — Medal "For Distinguished Service" II degree.
- 50px (2007) — Medal "For impeccable service" II degree.
- 50px (2009) — Medal "For the Fatherland".
- 50px (2012) — Medal "For impeccable service" I degree.
- 50px (2013) — Jubilee medal "95th Anniversary of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan".
- 50px (2014) — Order "For service to the Fatherland" III degree.
- 50px (2016) — Order "For service to the Fatherland" II degree.
- 50px (2017) — Medal "Veteran of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan".
- 50px (2018) — Jubilee medal "100th anniversary of the Azerbaijani Army".
- 50px (2020) — National Hero of Azerbaijan (posthumously).
- 50px (2020) — Gold Star Medal (posthumously).
- World Sacrifice Award (posthumously; given by Iranian embassy; refused)
References
{{reflist|2}}
Further reading
- {{Cite book |last=Sadig |first=Shamil |title=General Polad Həşimov xatirələrdə |trans-title=General Polad Hashimov in Memoirs |publisher=Hadaf Nashrlari |year=2020 |location=Baku |language=az }}
{{National Heroes of Azerbaijan}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hashimov, Polad}}
Category:Azerbaijani military personnel killed in action
Category:Deaths by firearm in Azerbaijan
Category:Azerbaijani military personnel of the Nagorno-Karabakh War
Category:2016 Nagorno-Karabakh clashes
Category:2020 Armenian–Azerbaijani skirmishes