National Revival Day

On 17 November 1988 mass rallies began on what was then Lenin Square and is now Azadlig (Freedom) Square in Baku. Sparked by the deportation of Azerbaijanis from Armenia and unjust policies over Nagorno-Karabakh, the "Meydan movement" lasted for days and brought together hundreds of thousands of people.

The movement marked the beginning of the nation's awakening: for the first time people openly demanded freedom and independence, and the tricolour flew over the square. The national liberation movement later opened the way to the restoration of independence.

Establishing the holiday

In 1992, 17 November was declared National Revival Day. It is celebrated as a festival of national identity, unity and the spirit of freedom, with historical events, exhibitions and concerts across the country.