News

An event was held at the National Library commemorating the 106th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic - the first democratic, legal, secular, and parliamentary republic in the East.

The event was opened by the director of the National Library, Professor Karim Tahirov, who welcomed the participants and noted that on May 28, 1918, the National Council of Azerbaijan People's Republic declared Azerbaijan's independence to the world by signing the Declaration of Independence, continuing the centuries statehood traditions of our people. Established by Mahammad Amin Rasulzade, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic laid the foundation for the first parliamentary republic and the first democratic, legal, and secular state in the Turkic and Islamic world. Lasting only 23 months, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic had a significant influence on the formation of democratic traditions in the Muslim East and proved that the Azerbaijani people are capable of living independently and restoring their statehood traditions.

After Azerbaijan restored its state independence in 1991, it continued the ideals of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, thus creating a new independent state of Azerbaijan on the basis of this historical legacy.

Recalling the words of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, "The independence of Azerbaijan is eternal, immutable, and unshakeable", Professor Karim Tahirov added that the founder of the independent Azerbaijan state, the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, highly valued the connection between the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which operated for 23 months in the early 20th century, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, which gained independence in 1991. He stated, "When speaking of Azerbaijan's state independence in the Constitution document today, it must be emphasized that this act of independence is the restoration of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic of 1918. We are their successors, we are the continuers of their work - but in new conditions, in a new historical era."

Independence Day was referred to as Republic Day from 1991 to 2021. However, on October 15, 2021, during a plenary session of the Azerbaijani parliament, a new law regarding Independence Day was adopted. On the same day, President Ilham Aliyev approved the law concerning Independence Day. With the enactment of the law, the name of May 28 - Republic Day was changed to Independence Day. Therefore, since the approval of this law, we celebrate May 28 as "Independence Day."

As the political heir to the national leader Heydar Aliyev and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev has further strengthened the foundations of Azerbaijan's independence through his activities. Today, our territorial integrity and sovereignty have been restored. Our tricolor flag flies as a symbol of the strength of our state and the national unity of our people throughout Azerbaijan and at the most influential international organizations, prestigious ceremonies, and highest summits around the world.

At the end, Professor Karim Tahirov extended his congratulations and best wishes to the Azerbaijani people, the state of Azerbaijan, and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E Mr. Ilham Aliyev, on the occasion of "Independence Day" on May 28. He noted that on this day, we must also demonstrate our support for the independent Azerbaijan by fulfilling our responsibilities, promoting literature about the state and independence of Azerbaijan, disseminating literature about the realities of Azerbaijan worldwide, and ensuring that Azerbaijan is recognized globally as a more civil, fully independent, and rightful owner of all its territories.

In addition, a virtual and traditional book exhibition titled "Independence Day" was presented to users by the staff of Mirza Fatali Akhundov National Library of Azerbaijan in connection with May 28 - Independence Day.

In the virtual exhibition, photos, relevant books on the subject, and articles published in periodicals are displayed with their full texts. Those interested in exploring the virtual exhibition can use the link http://anl.az/el/vsb/Cumhuriyyet/index.html.

The traditional exhibition showcases literature in Azerbaijani and various languages about the history and activities of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, its founders, state symbols, the restoration of our independence, and the historical background of the independent, free, and sovereign Azerbaijan state.

The exhibition will continue for one week.