The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Ankara hosted a concert program in the capital to celebrate two significant national holidays: May 28, Azerbaijan Independence Day, and June 26, Azerbaijan Republic Armed Forces Day. The event took place at the Beştepe National Congress and Culture Center.
High-Profile Attendance at the Commemoration
The program, hosted by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Ankara, H.E. Reşad Memmedov, saw the participation of high-ranking officials including Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, representatives of diplomatic missions in Ankara, bureaucrats, military officials, and a large number of invited guests.
The event commenced with a moment of silence, the playing of the national anthems of both countries, and a video presentation showcasing Azerbaijan’s rich history and culture.
Ambassador Memmedov Highlights Historical Ties and Regional Importance
In his opening speech, Ambassador Memmedov provided insights into the establishment of Azerbaijan in 1918, emphasizing that Turkey was the first country to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence in 1991.
Highlighting Azerbaijan’s rapid development, Memmedov underscored the importance of the Türkiye-Azerbaijan partnership for the Eurasian region. He noted that Azerbaijan has secured its territorial integrity and that Baku now holds a significant voice in the region.
Ambassador Memmedov stressed that the brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Türkiye is not merely a friendship. He stated, “Our relations are not a temporary closeness built on political interests. It is an eternal brotherhood forged by common history, common memory, common sorrow, and common victories.” Memmedov also recalled that the brotherhood between the two countries was etched in history during the 2nd Karabakh War, which concluded with Azerbaijan’s victory.
A Celebration of Independence and Shared History
The formal proceedings were followed by a concert program, celebrating the deep cultural and historical bonds between the two nations.
Azerbaijan’s Journey to Independence
Azerbaijan, recognized as the first democratic republic in the Muslim East, declared its independence on May 28, 1918, by the Azerbaijan National Council. The Declaration of Independence, adopted under the chairmanship of Mehmet Emin Resulzade, stipulated that the country would be governed by a republican system.
In a short period, Azerbaijan implemented reforms in economy, education, and freedom of religion and conscience, granting equal rights to all citizens, including women’s suffrage.
The Azerbaijan Republic, which maintained its independence for 23 months, came to an end on April 28, 1920, with the occupation of the country by the Soviet army.
Mehmet Emin Resulzade, considered the founder of Azerbaijan, famously said, “A flag once raised will never fall again.” This phrase became a slogan for all Azerbaijanis years later.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan declared its independence once again. The declaration of independence stated that the country was considered the successor of the Azerbaijan Republic, which operated between 1918 and 1920.
