Azerbaijani president marks Independence Day in social media post

A message marking 28 May – Independence Day has been published on the social media accounts of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

The post was shared ahead of the national holiday, which commemorates the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918.

28 May marks Independence Day in the Republic of Azerbaijan, commemorating the proclamation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918–1920) on May 28, 1918.

28 May - Azərbaycanın Müstəqillik Günü pic.twitter.com/evD36CI0mf

— İlham Əliyev (@azpresident) May 27, 2026

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) became the first parliamentary republic in the Muslim East, introducing key state institutions, national symbols, and modern governance structures. Despite its short existence, lasting only until April 1920, the ADR laid the foundation for Azerbaijan’s modern statehood traditions, including its flag, coat of arms, and national identity framework.

After the collapse of the ADR, Azerbaijan became part of the Soviet Union until it restored its independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the USSR.

Today, Independence Day is one of the country’s most important national holidays, symbolising state sovereignty, historical continuity, and the development of modern Azerbaijani statehood.