Azerbaijan, Baku, May 9 / Trend /
Years of the World War II in the 20th century was the most difficult and terrible period for all the mankind. Fascism born in Germany and Italy kept under danger not only those countries but also the whole of the world.
In the period of the World War II Azerbaijani people showed courage and heroism not only in front lines but in back front as well. A battalion of 87 plains-destroyers and 1,224 self-protecting groups were established in the country in a very short period of time. More than 600,000 Azerbaijani young fellows and girls were sent to the front in 1941-1945. Divisions from Azerbaijan moved from the Caucasus to Berlin. About 130 of Azerbaijanis deserved the name of the Hero of the Soviet Union, 30 deserved the order of Honour. 170,000 Azerbaijani soldiers and officers were awarded with various orders and medals of the USSR. Hazi Aslanov-twice Hero of the Soviet Union, the Heroes of the Soviet Union- Israfil Mammadov, Ruslan Vazirov, Adil Guliyev, Ziya Bunyadov, Garay Asadov, Malik Maharramov and Mehdi Huseynzadeh, generals Mahmud Abilov, Akim Abbasov, Tarlan Aliyarbeyov and Hajibala Zeynalov and many others brought honor to the history of our people.
Much done with the purpose to direct the activity of the republic economy to the front. Light and food industries started to work for front. In small period of time Baku turned into an important arsenal of fighting army. Despite of all the difficulties, oil workers worked hard and managed to supply the front and the economy with fuel.
Under the leadership of the academician Yusif Mammadaliyev new technology was established that produced aviation petrol. With the hard work of Azerbaijani oil men oil production in Azerbaijan reached its peak in 1941 that made 23.5 million tons. That figure comprised 71.4% of all the oil produced in the USSR. Azerbaijani oil workers gave 75 million tons of oil and 22 million tons of petrol to the country during war years. It is possible to say that Baku oil was one of the main factors in the victory over the fascism. Four of each 5 plains, tanks and motor cars worked with Baku petrol. The II World War was the next prove of heroism and courage of the Azerbaijanis.