Habib Bey Salimov

Habib bey Haji Yusif oglu Salimov (; February 8, 1881 – December 30, 1920) was the first Chief of General Staff of Azerbaijani Armed Forces of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

Early life Salimov was born and completed school in Erivan (Yerevan) where his father worked as a judge of the Erivan Governorate. On August 12, 1900 he volunteered to serve in the 39th division of the 156th Elisabethpol regiment of the Russian Imperial Army's Caucasus corps. After completing his studies at a military school in Tiflis, Salimov served in the 3rd Caucasus battalion in Julfa and was a part of a reconnaissance mission in Tehran. As a second lieutenant of the 5th Caucasus battalion, he was conferred with the Order of St. Vladimir of 4th degree and on August 9, 1912 he was promoted to Stabskapitän. In the midst of World War I, Salimov was conferred with Order of Saint Stanislaus of the 3rd degree for "excellence in the activities against the enemy".

Service in Azerbaijani Army He graduated from Imperial Nicholas Military Academy of the Russian Empire on March 4, 1918. he marched towards Baku. For his service in the liberation of Baku on September 15, 1918 Habib Bey Salimov was promoted to General Major on February 23, 1919 by Minister of Defense Samad bey Mehmandarov according to Order No. 30.

After occupation of Azerbaijan by Bolsheviks, Salimov was appointed Military Commissar to Nakhchivan. However, Salimov refused to work with Bolsheviks and was arrested on September 1, 1920. On December 30, 1920 he was executed by firing squad.