President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree awarding the III degree 'For Service to the Motherland' order to martyr Tural Shikizada. Tural was from Diyalli village, Ismayilli district. He was martyred during the 44-day Patriotic War.
Tural's brother Turan Shikiyev says the state award brings great pride to the family: 'Seeing my brother's name on the list doesn't ease our pain, but appreciating his heroism is the greatest consolation.'
Tural was a three-time national champion in arm wrestling. When the war started, he went to the front. He fought in Goranboy, Sugovushan, and Aghdara directions. His comrades remember him as a fearless and determined soldier.
Turan recalls their last conversation: 'He didn't tell us he was on the front line. He just said everything would be fine.'
Their father, Atraf, did not attend his son's funeral and has not visited his grave. He explains: 'A son who sacrificed himself for the Motherland is not dead to me. I can't imagine him underground.'
Tural was previously awarded the 'Courageous Warrior', 'For the Motherland', and 'For the Liberation of Sugovushan' medals. His heroism will remain an example for future generations.
