Architect of independence: Azerbaijan commemorates Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh’s legacy on his birthday

Today, Azerbaijan commemorates the 141st anniversary of the birth of Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh, a visionary statesman, politician, and publicist — one of the principal architects of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918-1920).

As Caliber.Az recalls, born on January 31, 1884, in Novkhani, Baku, Rasulzadeh's journey from a young intellectual to a national leader was marked by an unwavering dedication to independence, democracy, and national identity.

His father enrolled him in the second "Russian-Muslim" school, where he was taught by the distinguished educator Sultan Majid Ganizadeh. Later, he continued his studies in Russian at the Baku Technical School, equipping himself with the knowledge that would shape his political career.

Rasulzadeh's political activism began early — at just 17 years old, he established the "Muslim Youth Organisation" in 1902, setting the stage for a lifetime of struggle for Azerbaijani sovereignty. By autumn 1917, he had risen to national prominence, being elected as a deputy to the Russian parliament, representing Azerbaijan and Turkestan.

However, the political landscape of the time was shifting rapidly. Following the dissolution of the Transcaucasian Sejm on May 26, 1918, the National Council of Azerbaijan was established the next day, bringing together members of the Muslim faction of the former Sejm. Rasulzadeh was elected Chairman of the National Council, a decisive moment in Azerbaijan’s history.

Then came May 28, 1918 — a historic day when radio stations and newspapers worldwide announced Azerbaijan’s declaration of independence. For the first time, the Azerbaijani people asserted their national identity on the world stage, establishing the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) under the leadership of Fatali Khan Khoyski. This milestone made Azerbaijan the first democratic republic not only among Turkic nations but also in the entire East.

Yet, the republic’s existence was tragically brief. After 23 months, on April 28, 1920, the ADR fell to Soviet Russia’s occupation, forcing Rasulzadeh into exile. But even in foreign lands, his fight for Azerbaijan’s freedom never ceased. He dedicated his remaining years to championing the cause of Azerbaijani independence. His journey came to an end on March 6, 1955, when he passed away in Ankara due to diabetes mellitus.

Rasulzadeh's legacy remains deeply ingrained in Azerbaijan’s national consciousness. Recognizing his immense contributions, on December 29, 1993, President Heydar Aliyev issued a decree to commemorate the 110th anniversary of Rasulzadeh’s birth. Decades later, on December 30, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev continued this tradition by signing a decree marking the 140th anniversary of his birth, reaffirming his place as a towering figure in Azerbaijan’s history.

Today, as Azerbaijan reflects on Mammad Emin Rasulzadeh’s enduring impact, his most famous words echo across generations: “The flag once raised will never fall.”

By Tamilla Hasanova