Azerbaijan marks Navy Day, honoring over century of maritime defence

Azerbaijan proudly celebrates Navy Day, commemorating the establishment and development of its naval forces since 1919. This day marks the historical significance of the Azerbaijani Navy and its enduring commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime interests in the Caspian Sea.

The origins of the Azerbaijani Navy trace back to August 1919, following the departure of British forces who had been safeguarding the western shores of the Caspian Sea. Prior to this, English warships had provided maritime protection, and it was only after the British arrival in Baku in November 1918 that vessels of the Caspian Navy were returned to Azerbaijan from Port Petrovsk, Caliber.Az reports.

In the early stages, the newly-formed Azerbaijani Navy faced significant challenges, with only two Azerbaijani officers, Captain Hasan Chilingarzada and Captain 1st rank Gitanchizade, among its high-ranking officials.

Initially overseen by the Ministry of Transport due to the lack of a dedicated naval department within the Ministry of War, the Caspian Navy gradually took shape. By the end of 1919, a special naval department was established under the General Staff, comprising six staff units.

The fleet, though modest, was formidable for its time, featuring two gunboats—"Ardahan" and "Kars"—equipped with 75, 100, and 120-millimeter guns, along with service and auxiliary vessels like "Astrabad," "Goytapa," "Araz," "Nargen," the transport vessel "Eagle," the military steamer "Pushkin," and a number of smaller boats. To ensure the navy's future growth, a Special Naval Aviation School was established, leading to the formation of a naval aviation unit on October 14, 1919.

Despite efforts to bolster its naval capabilities, including appeals to the Paris Peace Conference for submarines and other military assets, the fall of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1920 halted these ambitions. However, with the restoration of independence, the Azerbaijani Parliament passed the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan Act on October 9, 1991, laying the legal groundwork for a robust naval force. Following an agreement with other Caspian littoral states, Azerbaijan inherited naval bases and 25 per cent of the fleet's warships from the former Soviet Union.

The Navy's resurgence began on July 26, 1992, when the tricolor National Flag of independent Azerbaijan was raised on the patrol ship Bakyli. Initially consisting of five divisions of various ships and land units, the Navy restored the activities of observation posts and lighthouses throughout the Caspian Basin.

During the Karabakh conflict, the Navy swiftly formed a Marine Regiment from its personnel, playing a crucial role in halting enemy advances in the Aghdam-Tartar direction in 1994. The regiment's successful mission underscored the Navy's vital contribution to Azerbaijan's defence.

In recognition of its significant role, national leader Heydar Aliyev decreed in 1996 that August 5 would be celebrated annually as the Day of the Azerbaijani Navy.