It is Independence Day in Azerbaijan

Today, May 28 – Independence Day is celebrated in Azerbaijan.

106 years ago today, the first democratic republic was established in the East.

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) was declared by the Azerbaijan National Council on 28 May, 1918 in Tbilisi, in the building of the Caucasian Viceroyalty.

The Declaration of Independence adopted by the National Council stated:

"As of today, the people of Azerbaijan have power, and Azerbaijan, which covers South-Eastern Transcaucasia, is a full-fledged independent state;

The form of government of the independent state of Azerbaijan is the Democratic Republic;

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic is determined to found friendly relations with all nations, especially neighboring nations and states."

Since Baku was under the control of the Bolshevik-Dashnak units under the leadership of Stepan Shaumyan when the ADR was announced, the Azerbaijani government temporarily operated in the city of Ganja. On 15 September, 1918, after heavy fighting, the units of the ADR national army and the Caucasus Islamic Army led by Nuru Pasha liberated Baku from the Bolshevik-Dashnak and British military units. After that, the government of Azerbaijan moved to Baku.

ADR achieved great achievements in its short life. The republic, which granted women the right to vote for the first time and ensured equality between men and women, built a national army, ensured the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, carried out economic reforms, and did great things in other areas.

Crucial steps have been taken in the direction of democratization of the national government, establishment of international relations, official recognition of Azerbaijan's independence.

Unfortunately, the ADR, which lived for only 23 months, was overthrown on 28 April, 1920 as a result of the Bolshevik invasion.  

According to the Law "On Independence Day" approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on 15 October, 2021, May 28 was declared Independence Day.

This year, Independence Day is celebrated for the first time in the entire territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the legal successor of the ADR. From September 2023, the tricolor flag of Azerbaijan waves in Khankendi, Khojaly, Aghdara, Askaran and Khojavand.

Happy Independence Day!