One of the most important events of the contemporary history of Azerbaijan is the National Revival Day – the event that sparked the flame of the national spirit, struggle, and fighting until the very last drop of blood.
On 17 November 1988, a historic movement against the anti-Azerbaijani policies of the Soviet leadership on the Karabakh issue and open military aggression of Armenia began in Azadlig Square in Baku. Citizens came out in the streets in thousands to announce their dissent which triggered a resistance that would change the future of Azerbaijan.
Only several days later, 22 November 1988, the Soviet government sent a considerable number of military forces to Baku and impaired a strict curfew. Even under the greater pressure and limitations, the Azerbaijani people were not stampeded. The demonstrations lasted until the evening of 5 December when the Soviet troops savagely stopped the demonstrations all over the country by dispatching their forces and armored vehicles. This sad yet fateful event was the real awakening of the national movement of Azerbaijan, and became part of the history of the country as the National Revival Day.
A Turning Point Towards Independence
The national Revival Day represents one of the fundamental steps to the Azerbaijani people in the struggle towards freedom and self-rule. On 17 November 1990, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) announced in a historic session of the Supreme Council of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic that the tricolor flag of that republic would be restored. This historic ruling was the revival of national consciousness and the start of the process of coming out of the revival to progress. The political wisdom, futuristic vision, and brave leadership of the National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, led independent Azerbaijan to a modern way of statehood and development. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev today is working to keep that vision alive thus maintaining stability, growth and continuity.
Reconstruction, and National Pride
The will of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev has further characterised the contemporary history of Azerbaijan with regard to the leadership and strategy used. Azerbaijan has ultimately recaptured its historical territories through its unwavering political will and determination and its military might which literally reestablished its territorial wholeness.
The National Revival Day is observed with deep pride in the whole country and more so, in the liberated territories, on 17 November each year. It is like the reminder of the sacrifices that have been made, the unity that has been displayed, and the undeterred spirit that took the nation out of oppression and made it sovereign.
Editor-In-Chief of https://thegulfobserver.com
