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Azerbaijan marks 34 years since restoring independence

18 October 2025 00:00 (UTC +04:00)

Today marks 34 years since the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence, APA reports.

On October 18, 1991, at a session of the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Constitutional Act “On the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan” was adopted.

The document states that, guided by the Declaration of Independence adopted by the Azerbaijani National Council on May 28, 1918, adhering to the democratic principles and traditions of the Azerbaijan Republic, and based on the Declaration on the Restoration of State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted by the Supreme Soviet on August 30, 1991, the Supreme Soviet adopted this Constitutional Act — establishing the foundations of the state structure and the political and economic system of independent Azerbaijan.

On December 29, 1991, a nationwide referendum was held in Azerbaijan. The ballot contained one question:
“Do you support the Constitutional Act of the Republic of Azerbaijan ‘On the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan,’ adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Azerbaijan?”

The people of Azerbaijan unanimously supported the country’s state independence.

In May 1992, the National Anthem of Azerbaijan (music by Uzeyir Hajibeyov, lyrics by Ahmad Javad) was approved by the Milli Majlis (Parliament). Shortly after, the tricolor flag and the state emblem—an eight-pointed star with a flame in the center—were officially adopted.

Since 1992, October 18 has been celebrated as State Independence Day in Azerbaijan.

Until 2006, October 18 was a non-working public holiday.

In December 2006, after amendments and additions were made to the Labour Code by the Milli Majlis, October 18 (State Independence Day), November 12 (Constitution Day), and November 17 (National Revival Day) remained as holidays but became working days.

According to the Law “On Independence Day” adopted by the Milli Majlis on October 15, 2021, May 28 was designated as Independence Day, and October 18 was designated as the Day of Restoration of Independence. Independence Day (May 28) is a non-working holiday, while the Day of Restoration of Independence (October 18) is a working holiday.

Before this change, May 28 was celebrated as Republic Day, and October 18 as State Independence Day.