On 18 October, the citizens of Azerbaijan celebrate one of the most significant events in the national history every year—the restoration of the independence of Azerbaijan. On this day in 1991, when the Soviet Union was close to collapsing, the Constitutional Act on State Independence was inspired to be adopted by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which once again made Azerbaijan a sovereign country.
It is an important year for the observance as it is the 35th anniversary of that historic decision. It is a day for highlighting and commemorating the sovereignty, freedom and the struggle to restore Azerbaijan’s place among the free nations of the world and the extent of the country’s development since regaining these rights.
The Azerbaijani statehood is rooted in far more depths. On 28 May 1918, Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) was established as the first democratic, secular and parliamentary republic in the Muslim world. The state was an unusually progressive place for the era and its founding principles would define the nation for generations to come.
But the young republic lasted only 23 months and in 1920 Azerbaijan became part of the Soviet Union. It took over 70 years for the country to be a part of the USSR. During that lengthy time the idea of independence was never lost; it continued to remain alive in the hearts of the Azerbaijanis awaiting its day of return.
18 October 1991: Independence Restored
Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union experienced dramatic changes in politics during the late 1980s and early 1990s. During this period when the movements for national independence started gaining ground, Azerbaijan began to strive for the restoration of national sovereignty.
On October 18, 1991, the Supreme Council adopted the Constitutional Act on State Independence, an important document laying the legal base of a new state. The Act was based on the Declaration of Independence of 28 May 1918 and the Supreme Council’s declaration on the restoration of state independence of 30 August 1991.
Importantly, it created the modern Republic of Azerbaijan, as the continuation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. The Act thus united the two milestones of the Azerbaijani statehood in one, and in doing so it did not represent a new beginning, but a legitimate continuation of a process that was initiated in 1918.
The Symbols of a Sovereign Nation.
Independent Azerbaijan began to establish its own institutions, while at the same time speeding up the process of unification of symbols of newly established independence. The nation anthem was adopted by the Milli Majlis in May 1992, words written by the poet Ahmed Javad and music composed by the great composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli. In the same month, parliament approved the state emblem, with an eight-pointed star with a flame at its centre, on the background of the national flag.
These symbols are eloquent enough to be seen as a continuity between the 1918 republic and the independent state of 1991.
This continuity was further clarified in 2021 in a legal sense. The Milli Majlis on 15 October of that year adopted a new law, the Independence Day, the president of which that day was approved. The law designated State Independence Day as the Day of Restoration of Independence, thus indicating that the foundation of the first republic in 1918 and the restoration of statehood in 1991 are separate events, but that they are historically linked. 18 October is now a national holiday (but a working day).
Three Decades of Remarkable Transformation
Azerbaijan has experienced a significant political, economic and social change since gaining independence. Sovereignty restored enabled the country to develop its internal and external policies, consolidate its institutions, establish foreign alliances around the world and adopt a firm modernisation agenda.
Economic development is one of the best things Azerbaijan has achieved in its independence. The nation’s abundant oil and natural gas reserves have helped drive national development and the nation’s infrastructure. Azerbaijan’s strategic location between Europe and Asia has made it an important energy and transport hub, further developing its economy and increasing its regional and international significance.
Azerbaijan has also been able to keep and develop its cultural heritage thanks to Independence. It is internationally well known for its traditions, literature, music, architecture and its rich and well established multicultural values, which are promoted through cultural exchanges, festivals and partnerships with international institutions. Celebrating this identity continues to be at the core of Independence Restoration Day.
Strength and Vision Under President Ilham Aliyev
President Ilham Aliyev has further strengthened Azerbaijan’s image as an active and powerful country on the global scene. He has played a significant role in the progress of the state with his tireless drive to achieve economic development, modernisation of infrastructure, national defence and a policy of independence in foreign relations.
The 44-Day Patriotic War of 2020 was a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan’s modern history, marked by the country’s Armed Forces reclaiming its territory. The triumph was seen as proof of the unity, strength and will of the country under the leadership of the President Aliyev.
Since then, Azerbaijan has made rapid strides in reconstruction and development in the liberated regions and will remain a proponent of regional cooperation, sustainable development and peace. These achievements have strengthened the national pride and Azerbaijan’s image as a sovereign, stable and prospective country.
Respecting History, Inspiring the Future
In Azerbaijan, 18 October is celebrated with patriotic events, educational programs, cultural events, and public gatherings throughout the country. Officials, community leaders, scholars and citizens gather to honor the sacrifices of previous generations who fought to liberate the country. It is the day dedicated to people who laid the foundations of independence and young Azerbaijanis are inspired to continue the principles of sovereignty, unity and progress.
The independence restoration is the greatest success in modern history of Azerbaijan. It is the symbol of a nation that defined its identity during decades of turbulence and came out to be a sovereign nation that is committed to development and international cooperation.
On the occasion of Azerbaijan’s 35th anniversary of regained independence, the country is not only commemorating the achievements of the past, it is also looking towards the future. The spirit that was first declared in 1918 and restored in 1991 is still leading the people on a fresh path, a reminder that freedom and sovereignty are one of those treasures that every people should cherish.
In this happy and glorious day, we congratulate the Government and the brothers of the Republic of Azerbaijan and wish them peace, prosperity and success in the years to come.
Owner of “The Europe Today” and Patron-In-Chief/Owner of “The Gulf Observer”, Chairman “The Gulf Observer Research Forum”, Foreign Affairs Expert, Analyst, International Award Winning Author and Poet.
