18 October, Restoration of Independence Day: Azerbaijan marks 35 years since restoring its independence

Azerbaijan today marks Restoration of Independence Day. Thirty-five years ago, on 18 October 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted the Constitutional Act on the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The act declared Azerbaijan the successor of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic of 1918–1920, and in a nationwide referendum that December the people gave overwhelming support to independence.

Under a law adopted in 2021, 28 May is celebrated as Independence Day and 18 October as Restoration of Independence Day, and both are public holidays. Türkiye was the first country to recognise Azerbaijan's independence after 18 October 1991, doing so on 9 November 1991.

First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva marked the day with a social-media post wishing that Azerbaijan's state independence and sovereignty, and peace and stability in the country, last forever. On the holiday the Flame Towers and other landmark buildings in Baku are lit up in the colours of the tricolour flag.