104 years have passed since the establishment of the first parliamentary republic in the Muslim East - the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
The people of Azerbaijan, with its ancient and rich traditions of statehood, were forced to join the great empires in certain periods of history. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic emerged as a logical conclusion of the stage of Azerbaijan's cultural rise in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, at a time when the world's political order was being re-established.
After the fall of tsarism in Russia, the Bolsheviks seized power and created a complicated geopolitical situation in the territory of the former empire. In such a situation, when the interest of the world's leading countries in Baku oil intensified political conflicts, the progressive political elite of Azerbaijan united for the establishment of an independent national statehood.
On May 28, 1918, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring the independence of Azerbaijan. The newly established Azerbaijan Democratic Republic has honorably fulfilled its difficult historical task by working to the best of its ability. The first Parliament and Government of Azerbaijan, the state apparatus were organized, the country's borders were defined, the flag, anthem and coat of arms were created, the mother tongue was declared the state language, and serious measures were taken in the field of state building. The country's territorial integrity and national security have been ensured, high-capacity military units have been established in a short period of time, state bodies have been established in accordance with national requirements and democratic principles, and important steps have been taken to develop education and culture.
However, the first republic did not last long, it collapsed, Azerbaijan was occupied by Bolshevik Russia, and our people lost their freedom.
Azerbaijan was able to restore its independence about 70 years later, in 1991. However, our real independence began in 1993, when our people invited the great leader Heydar Aliyev to power. Now our independence is strong enough, and as a result, Azerbaijan has won a glorious victory in the Second Karabakh War. Our lands, which have been occupied for almost thirty years, have been liberated and our territorial integrity has been restored. This is the greatest victory of our people in the centuries-old history, as well as during independence.
Modern Azerbaijan is a powerful state that the founders of the Democratic Republic dreamed of 104 years ago. Since 2003, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has been developing comprehensively and dynamically, and the international image of our country is constantly strengthening. Azerbaijan, which did not have a signature in the past and is not recognized by many, today has a word and authority in the world. We can proudly say that today Azerbaijan is one of the few countries in the world pursuing an independent policy. In short, thanks to the wise and decisive policy pursued by the Great Leader and President Ilham Aliyev, our independence has become eternal and irreversible.
For the second year in a row, the people of Azerbaijan celebrate May 28 - Independence Day as a victorious nation. This dear holiday is also celebrated in our lands liberated from Armenian occupation. Our tricolor flag is proudly flying in our native Karabakh - Shusha, Agdam, Zangilan. Following the tradition, Muzaffar Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev visited Zangilan on May 27 - on the eve of Independence Day. The first stage of the "Smart Village" project was opened in Agali village of the region. This marked the beginning of a process known as the Great Return. The large-scale restoration and construction work carried out in the liberated territories is the result of our political and economic independence, an indicator of the strength of our state. Indeed, Azerbaijan has never been so strong and powerful in its history.
Today, Independence Day is celebrated with a special mood, great joy and pride. As reported, President of the brotherly country - Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan will arrive in Azerbaijan today and will be with our people on Independence Day. This will add special value to our national holiday and once again demonstrate the Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherhood to the whole world.
Independent Azerbaijan is a source of pride for each of us. Independence is our greatest value and wealth. Our people are determined to protect this eternal wealth at the cost of their lives and will protect it forever.
