Independence Day

On 28 May 1918 the Azerbaijani National Council in Tiflis adopted the Declaration of Independence and proclaimed the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic republic in the East and the Muslim world. Mammad Amin Rasulzade chaired the National Council.

Although the republic lasted only 23 months, it achieved a great deal: it adopted the tricolour flag, coat of arms and anthem, opened Baku State University and founded a national army. In 1919 women were given the vote — earlier than in many European countries. The republic fell to the Bolshevik invasion in April 1920.

Today

When independence was restored in 1991, the Republic of Azerbaijan was declared the successor of the Democratic Republic. Under a law adopted in 2021, 28 May is celebrated as Independence Day and is a public holiday; the country's leaders visit the Republic monument in Baku and celebrations are held nationwide.