The Azerbaijani people, who have ancient and rich traditions of statehood, were at certain stages of history forced to be part of large empires.
The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan emerged precisely during the period of the reorganization of the political world order as a logical result of the cultural and political rise experienced by Azerbaijan at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries.
With the Bolsheviks seizing power after the fall of tsarism in Russia, a complex geopolitical situation arose within the empire. Amid even greater political strife among the leading world powers, driven by interest in Baku oil, the progressive political elite of Azerbaijan united in the name of creating an independent national statehood.
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On May 28, 1918, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, proclaiming the independence of Azerbaijan. The young Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, working at the limit of its capabilities, honorably fulfilled its complex and important mission. The first parliament and government were formed, the country’s borders established, and its flag, anthem, and emblem adopted. The Azerbaijani language was declared the state language, serious steps were taken in state building, and measures were implemented to ensure the country’s territorial integrity and national security. High combat capability military units were created in a short time, state organs were formed in accordance with national characteristics and democratic principles, and important decisions were made in the fields of education and cultural development.
From its earliest days, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, founded on the principles of democracy, eliminated racial, national, religious, and class inequality, granting equal rights to all citizens of the country.
However, the first republic could only exist for 23 months: on April 28, 1920, it lost its independence and fell under the occupation of Bolshevik Russia.
Azerbaijan was able to restore its state independence almost 70 years later – in 1991. But true independence was achieved in 1993, when the people called the great leader Heydar Aliyev to power. The Azerbaijani state declared itself the political and spiritual successor of the Democratic Republic.
Taking on the salvific mission, the great leader successfully led the republic out of severe trials, preserving and strengthening the independence of the state. Azerbaijan, now experiencing the most powerful period in its centuries-old history, has turned dreams into reality by achieving a glorious victory in the Second Karabakh War and fully restoring its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Another memorable event in our history was that the head of the Azerbaijani state, the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, in the year of the 20th anniversary of his leadership, raised the state flag of Azerbaijan in the cities of Khankendi, Khojaly, Aghdara, Khojavend, and the settlement of Askeran. Currently, the Great Return program to the liberated territories is being successfully implemented.
Today, modern Azerbaijan is a strong, authoritative state in the world, dreamed of by the founders of the Democratic Republic 106 years ago. Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the country is developing comprehensively and dynamically. It can be proudly noted that Azerbaijan is currently one of the few countries in the world pursuing an independent policy.
Today, the Azerbaijani people celebrate May 28 – Independence Day – with special enthusiasm, great joy, and pride. Our tricolor flag majestically waves over the lands liberated from occupation.
Independent Azerbaijan is a source of pride for each of us. Independence is our greatest value and wealth. The Azerbaijani people are determined to preserve and will continue to protect this wealth, acquired at the cost of blood.
