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June 26 1918· Holiday
Armed Forces Day
On 26 June 1918 the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic created its first national military unit, the Separate Azerbaijani Corps.
On 26 June 1918 the government of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic turned the Muslim Corps into the Separate Azerbaijani Corps — the first national army formation of independent Azerbaijan. The date is regarded as the founding day of the Armed Forces.
In 1918 the national corps took part, together with the Caucasus Islamic Army, in the liberation of Baku. After independence was restored the army was rebuilt, and in 1998 a decree by Heydar Aliyev declared 26 June Armed Forces Day.
How it is celebrated
Military parades have been held on this day on Baku's Azadlig Square, including the grand 2018 parade marking the army's centenary. Celebrations and military band concerts take place in army units and across the country, and distinguished servicemen receive awards.
Video
Photos
Military parade for the Armed Forces' centenary, 2018 · Official web-site of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0 
Military parade in Baku, 2018 · Sefer azeri / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 
Military parade on Azadlig Square · Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0 
Military parade · Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0 
Military parade · Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0 
Armed Forces Day, 2018 · Official web-site of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0 
Parade of the Azerbaijani army in Baku, 1919 · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Azerbaijan: other days
- January 1New Year's Day
- January 2020 January, Day of National Mourning
- February 26Khojaly Genocide Day
- March 8International Women's Day
- March 21Nowruz
- March 31Day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis
- May 9Victory Day
- May 28Independence Day
- June 15National Salvation Day
- July 22National Press Day
- August 1Day of the Azerbaijani Alphabet and Language
- September 18National Music Day
- September 27Remembrance Day
- October 3Founding of the Organization of Turkic States
- October 18Independence Restoration Day
- November 8Victory Day
- November 9National Flag Day
- November 12Constitution Day
- November 17National Revival Day
- December 31World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day
- 10 Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar — the feast of the Hajj pilgrimage; moves about 11 days earlier each yearEid al-Adha
- 1 Shawwal in the Islamic calendar — the end of the Ramadan fast; moves about 11 days earlier each yearEid al-Fitr