Embassy of the Republic of

PRESS-RELEASE

May 26, 2017 No. 4

May 28 – 99th Anniversary of the Azerbaijan Republic

The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan extends its congratulations, with great pleasure, to all of the members of the Azerbaijani community residing in Canada and abroad, on occasion of the 99th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

The Republic Day, that is the 28th of May, is the most important date in our entire history; the date Azerbaijani people across the world, including those in Canada, hold so dear to their hearts. It is the date when the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the First Republic in our history, was born. This occurred in 1918 and today we celebrate the 99th anniversary of the establishment of the First Republic.

The importance of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic as a historical precedence goes well beyond Azerbaijan itself. This was the first secular parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world. Not only a true multi-party republican form of government was created, but it also extended the suffrage to all persons, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or gender, becoming the first country in the Muslim world to give voting rights to women. By establishing democratic institutions and state symbols, the first Republic restored Azerbaijan’s statehood traditions and set the stage for the development of today’s modern and independent Azerbaijan.

We commemorate all those public figures who, with their intellectual potential, courage, wisdom and vision, led processes within Azerbaijan at the beginning of the 20th century and established the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. Our nation remembers and will always remember the founding fathers - Mammad Amin Rasulzade, Fatali Khan Khoyski, Alimardan bey Topchubashev, Nasib bey Yusifbeyli, Hasan bey Agayev, as well as other members of the National Council with tremendous gratitude.

Azerbaijani communities all over the world celebrate this momentous occasion each year. Additionally, 2017 attaches a special touch for the bilateral relations between Canada and Azerbaijan, as we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. This occasion gives Azerbaijanis living in Canada another cause for celebration.

Long live the Azerbaijani people!

Long live the strong, eternal and independent Azerbaijan!

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