New York marks World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day with informative action

An information action dedicated to December 31 - World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day – has been held in the famous Times Square in New York.

The project was organized by the Azerbaijani-American Youth Federation (AAYF) with the support of Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with the Diaspora, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

One of the central LED screens in the square broadcasted videos showing the history of Azerbaijan, its national traditions, a map showing its territorial integrity, the national flag, as well as national costumes and dances.

AAYF members, who are Azerbaijani students studying in the United States, informed tourists and locals visiting the square about the event. The event will take place throughout the day.

Notably, World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day, observed annually on December 31, celebrates the unity and solidarity of Azerbaijanis worldwide. The holiday's origins trace back to late December 1989, when residents in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic dismantled border fences between Soviet Azerbaijan and Iran, symbolically reuniting Azerbaijanis separated for decades.

Recognizing the significance of this event, on December 16, 1991, Heydar Aliyev, then Chairman of the Supreme Assembly of Nakhchivan, declared December 31 as the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis. This initiative was later adopted nationwide, and since 1992, the day has been celebrated as a public holiday in Azerbaijan.

The main idea of this holiday is the unity and solidarity of Azerbaijanis worldwide, respect for national and spiritual values, and a sense of belonging to the historical Motherland. Today, over 30 million Azerbaijanis reside in Iran, with significant communities in Türkiye, Russia, the United States, and various European countries.

By Khagan Isayev