National Flag Day: Celebrating freedom, values, and ideals Nation united under the tricolour

Today, November 9, Azerbaijan celebrates National Flag Day, a proud occasion to honour the country’s cherished symbol of independence, unity, and national spirit.

The celebration was officially established on November 17, 2009, by President Ilham Aliyev and later approved by the Milli Majlis on December 4 of that year.

Since Azerbaijan’s restoration of state independence, the tricolour flag has stood as a powerful emblem of sovereignty and statehood, inherited from the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR). It represents the nation’s unwavering commitment to freedom, cultural values, and universal ideals.

This iconic flag was first adopted on November 9, 1918, by the ADR government, holding state status until April 1920. Decades later, on November 17, 1990, Heydar Aliyev’s leadership and initiative led to the flag’s recognition as the official symbol of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. On February 5, 1991, it was granted national status by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan, forever enshrining it as a symbol of the independent state.

This year, for the fourth time, National Flag Day is joyously commemorated on lands liberated from occupation. On September 27, 2020, Azerbaijani forces launched a historic counter-offensive that culminated in the liberation of territories long held by enemy forces. Over 44 days, Azerbaijan’s army claimed victory after victory, with the national flag raised triumphantly over each reclaimed settlement.

Further triumph unfolded on September 19, 2023, when Azerbaijan undertook local anti-terror measures to uphold the Trilateral Declaration, prevent provocations in the Karabakh region, and disarm Armenian forces. These operations aimed to ensure the security of civilians returning to their homes and protect workers and soldiers engaged in reconstruction efforts. Within just over 23 hours, high-precision strikes dismantled enemy positions and infrastructure, prompting a swift surrender. Thus, Azerbaijan restored its constitutional order across all its lands.

Today, the tricolour flag waves proudly across the Karabakh region, a vibrant symbol of victory, resilience, and the unbreakable unity of the Azerbaijani people.

By Tamilla Hasanova