Azerbaijan marks Constitution Day

Today, Azerbaijan celebrates Constitution Day.

The modern Constitution of Azerbaijan, the fundamental law of an independent sovereign state, was adopted through a nationwide referendum on November 12, 1995.

This Constitution was the first after Azerbaijan regained its independence.

Azerbaijan's first Constitution was adopted on May 19, 1921, at the First All-Azerbaijani Soviet Congress.

The first version of the Azerbaijani SSR Constitution adapted to the Soviet Constitution of 1921, was adopted on March 14, 1925, at the Fourth All-Azerbaijani Soviet Congress. Adopted on April 21, 1978, the final version of the Constitution of the Azerbaijani SSR was adapted to the Soviet Constitution but had certain peculiarities.

After Azerbaijan restored its independence, serious work began on a new draft constitution. In 1994 the Constitutional Commission chaired by national leader Heydar Aliyev started its activity. In 1995 the draft was put to the national discussion and the first Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan was adopted on November 12, 1995, by the national vote.

The new Constitution of Azerbaijan consists of 5 sections, 12 chapters, and 158 articles.

The 1995 Constitution laid the foundation of the state system of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The first additions and amendments to the Constitution were made on August 24, 2002. Additions and revisions were also made to the country's primary law after referendums on March 18, 2009, and September 26, 2016.

On February 6, 1996, November 12 was declared Constitution Day by order of President Heydar Aliyev.