İndependence Day of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, the first Democratic Republic in the east, gained and declared its first independence on May 28, 1918. Unfortunately, on April 28, 1920 the XI Bolshevik Army occupied Azerbaijan and the independence of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic collapsed. But Azerbaijan could regain its independence on October 18, 1991, by adopting the Constitutional Act on “State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan” and the Republic of Azerbaijan was established as the successor of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.  The country had been celebrating May 28 as Republic Day, before Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan approved the law on ”Independence day” on October 15, 2021. This year Azerbaijan celebrated May 28 as Independence Day for the first time and accordingly October 18 is to be marked as the Day of Restoration of Independence.

A solemn reception dedicated to Independence Day organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Czech Republic was held on May 28 in Prague. The number of the guests invited to the official ceremony was over 200, including members of the Czech Parliament, the Chairman and members of the Czech-Azerbaijani Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, Petr Necas, former Czech Prime Minister, representatives of the Foreign Ministry of the Czech Republic and other governmental bodies, political parties, heads and employees of more than 40 diplomatic missions accredited in Czechia, well-known public figures, and compatriots living in the Czech Republic . Zaur Gadirov, Managing Partner of FCHAIN and Teymur Akhundov, Country Manager of the Company were invited to the solemn reception as well.

The official part of the event started with performance of the national anthems of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic.

Making an opening speech, Adish Mammadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Czech Republic, provided detailed information about the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, its collapse, and restoration of the state independence. Mr. Mammadov stated the very valuable fact of giving women the right to take part at the elections in 1918 in Azerbaijan, while women of the most European countries were not entitled to vote.

Speaking about relations between Azerbaijan and Czechia  Mr. Ambassador stated  “Joint Declaration” signed  by Azerbaijan and Czechia to lead to a new level of partnership between these two  states.  Mr. Ambassador expressed gratitude to all guests for sharing joy of Azerbaijan and joining the celebration of the Independence Day of the country.

Then videos reflecting the history of the restoration of state independence of Azerbaijan, liberation of occupied lands and military power of the country, as well as rich culture and sights of Azerbaijan were demonstrated to the quests.

A colourful art programme followed the official part, and the guests enjoyed themselves listening to popular jazz performers from Azerbaijan, and the participants were treated to the Azerbaijani cuisine.