When is Independence Day of Azerbaijan?

Independence Day of Azerbaijan is celebrated on 28 May each year. This date marks the proclamation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918, which was the first secular democratic state in the Muslim East.

Is Independence Day of Azerbaijan a public holiday?

Yes, Independence Day on 28 May is a public holiday in Azerbaijan. It is celebrated nationwide with various events, festivities, and official ceremonies.

History of independence Day of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s history of independence is marked by significant events beginning with the overthrow of the Russian Empire during the February Revolution of 1917. A national movement arose among people oppressed by tyranny, eventually leading to the proclamation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on 28 May 1918. This republic, which lasted from 1918 to 1920, was the first secular democratic state in the Muslim East. It was founded by Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh and became the first parliamentary republic in the Turkic and Islamic world. One of its major accomplishments was granting suffrage to women, making Azerbaijan one of the earliest majority-Muslim nations to provide equal political rights to women and men. The Ottoman Empire officially recognized the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on 4 June 1918, marking a historic moment. On 9 November 1918, the republic adopted a three-color flag, replacing the earlier red flag. Although the republic only operated for 23 months amid a tense and complicated socio-political environment, its idea of independence persisted. In 1920, the Soviet Union invaded Azerbaijan on 28 April, but independence was never truly defeated. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan declared its independence once again. This long journey is often celebrated with a festive counter and countdown during national holidays, reminding citizens of their resilient spirit and historic achievements.

Capital of Azerbaijan

Baku, the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, is located on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, by the Caspian Sea. It stands out as the lowest lying national capital in the world, sitting 28 meters below sea level. The city, with an urban population of around two million as of 2009, serves as the primate city and the sole metropolis in the country, with about 25% of Azerbaijan’s inhabitants living in its metropolitan area. Administratively, Baku is divided into twelve raions and 48 townships, including areas on the islands of the Baku Archipelago. An important industrial settlement, Neft Daşları, lies 60 kilometers away on oil rigs in the Caspian Sea. The Old City of Baku, home to landmarks like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. As the scientific, cultural, and industrial center of Azerbaijan, Baku hosts numerous Azerbaijani institutions and has been a venue for major international events since the 2010s. These events include the 57th Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, the 2015 European Games, the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games, the European Grand Prix in 2016, and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix since 2017. It also hosted the final of the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League, UEFA Euro 2020, and the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference. The Baku International Sea Trade Port handles millions of tonnes of cargo each year. Known for its harsh winds, Baku is often called the “City of Winds.” This rich history and dynamic city life come alive in every festive countdown and counter that marks Azerbaijan’s national celebrations and cultural events, inspiring pride and unity across the nation.