What makes you feel proud to be an Azerbaijani citizen when you look back at your country’s History?

By Kamran Azizli,

There are number of historical events that make me feel proud to be an Azerbaijani, when I am looking back to the history of country. The proclaimed the foundation of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was the most memorable movements amongst different historical movements. Being the first democratic republic in the East and the first secular state in Turkic world, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was established on May 28, 1918. The creation of the first national democratic state in our nation’s freedom, independence and democracy was the result of the
national liberation struggle. Today, all Azerbaijanis feel proud and honor when they remember the importance of this historic event.

Citizens, including myself, understand the significance of the event and grasp how challenging it was to take such kind of steps in complicated political conditions after World War I. I conduct a survey with the residents of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan and most of them explained the detailed information about the historic highlights. It revealed citizens are aware of the historical succession thoroughly and one of the respondents stated that “The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was an important milestone in our nation’s rich history and the history of the state.” Of course, there were people who explained the political and cultural aspects of the independence.

Now, I’d like to talk about the great successes achieved in the years of independence (1918 May-1920 April). During 23 months, The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan gained rich experience in the field of foreign policy, state establishment, socio-economic and cultural development, and created progressive traditions. According to the Paris Peace Conference, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was recognized as an independent state. Many countries around the world have established diplomatic relations at the level of embassies and representative offices and signed
bilateral and multilateral treaties, agreements.

During the Republican era, Parliamentary traditions were increasingly strengthened and developed and the modern parliamentary culture was formed. MPs from all political parties and all the nations living in Azerbaijan, representatives of ethnic communities, the right to vote to all citizens without any discrimination in the election determine the civilian government and the secular nature of the legislation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. Azerbaijan was the first country in the East, giving women the right to vote. ADR was the civilized democratic republic, combining Western and Eastern traditions.

Although they operate in a very complex environment, the Republican government and parliament were trying to make a stand for national awakening and keep the focus on the
development of public health, science, education and national enlightenment. While schools, gymnasiums, girl schools, kindergartens, short-term medical courses and libraries were setting up all over the country. The network of hospitals and first aid stations were also created in rural areas , fought against infectious diseases.

In this regard, the parliament adopted a law on the establishment of the Baku State University on September 1, 1919. The establishment of the university is a very important event in the history of
our nation. However, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic collapsed in later period, Baku State University has played an invaluable role in the restoration of independence of our nation and in
the spread of the Republican ideas. Although ADR officially ceased to exist on April 28, 1920, giving way to the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic (Azerbaijan SSR) as its successor state; on October 18, 1991, we regained our independence as the Republic of Azerbaijan. Rich traditions and historical heritage of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established the independent state of Azerbaijan. Today, the historic event is highlighted or the necessity in the development of nation and the people who gained independence to us of are honoured with great respect.

More about Kamran:

Kamran Azizli is a fourth year student at Azerbaijan state university of economics, in Baku. He plans to build his career in the accounting field, but he is also an amateur writer and photographer. Participating in several social events and volunteering programs, he has had great experience about social, cultural and educational topics. One of his favourites is to research actual issues in community and in the world and share it with his friends and followers on social media. You can get more information about him on Facebook and LinkedIn: @KamranAzizly.

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