Celebrating the Republic Day 2020 in Azerbaijan

On May 28th Azerbaijan celebrates the Republic Day. On this day, in 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) was founded by Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh, who then became the first president of the ADR. After the Declaration of Independence following the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917, Azerbaijan was the first secular democracy in a Muslim context.

The first flag of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, 24 July-9 November 1918

 

Independence has been the cornerstone of the prosperity of the country. This special date is considered the greatest achievement by Azeri people.
Azerbaijan has always been a place of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Since 1918 the country has further developed dialogue and understanding through different cultures and beliefs.

One of the most significant achievements of the ADR was the extension of suffrage to women, giving them equal political rights with men. This is an astonishing testimony of the modernity of thoughts the country has been built on.

Flag of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and the Republic of Azerbaijan

 

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic did not last, as the Soviet Union invaded Azerbaijan on April 28th, 1920. The solid ideas of democracy that inspired ADR was reestablished in 1991 as the country became the contemporary Republic of Azerbaijan.

As part of the celebrations of the 102nd Anniversary of the Republic Day, President Ilham Aliyev attended the ceremony held in front of the Republic Monument and laid a wreath.