102 years have passed since our glorious Independence that left a deep mark on the history. Just 102 years ago, on May 28, 1918, the first parliamentary republic, the first democratic, legal and secular state in the Muslim East – Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was established under the leadership of bright face of the mujahideen of independence Mammad Amin Rasulzade. Despite of existing only 23 months, Azerbaijan Democratic Republic left an indelible mark on the history of our people, it proved that Azerbaijanis are able to live independently, to restore and cherish their traditions of statehood. It is impossible to attain independence without going through very difficult trials and sacrifices.

Way to independence:The First World War begun in 1914 further increased the internal tension in Tsarist Russia and reached the peak of dissatisfaction with the authorities. As a result, the monarchic regime was overthrown in Russia in February 1917. Coming to power, the Provisional Government held elections to the Constituent Assembly. But the Provisional Government couldn’t remain in power for a long time. In October 1917, a coup d'état took place. Therefore, the deputies elected to the Constituent Assembly from the South Caucasus couldn’t go to Russia. They established the supreme governing body of the South Caucasus, the Seim of Transcaucasia-the Parliament of Transcaucasia on February 14, 1918, in Tbilisi. However, on May 25, 1918, the Georgian representatives left the Seim and on May 26 they declared the independence of Georgia. On May 27, 1918, members of the Muslim faction, i.e., the Muslim Council of Transcaucasia (Transcaucasian Muslim Parliament) held a separate meeting and decided to declare the independence of Azerbaijan. To this end, the Muslim Council of Transcaucasiadeclared itself the National Council of Azerbaijan. At that meeting, the presidium and chair person of the National Council of Azerbaijan was elected. M. Rasulzade became the chair person of the National Council. On May 28, the National Council adopted a declaration of Independence consisting of 6 articles. Thus, the foundation of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic state in the Muslim East was laid.

The way to independence passes through great struggles. Since its declaration, serious measures have been taken to preserve our independence. On May 30, the Prime Minister Fatali Khan Khoyski announced the independence of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic through telegraph to all the world. On June 4, a peace and friendship agreement was concluded with the brother Ottoman state and military aid was received. On June 26, the National Army of Azerbaijan was established. The Azerbaijani language was declared the state language. Our tricolor - blue, red and green flag has been created. Women were given the right to vote in our country for the first time in the Turkish-Muslim East. Schools for the literacy of our people, literacy courses for the elder people, Turkish-language courses for non-Turkish peoples were opened. In 1919, the largest higher education institution - Baku State University was opened. Textbooks were written for schools, libraries were openedand dozens of newspapers and magazines were published. Our national museum - "Istiglal" museum was established. Despite of all this, Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed only 23 months. On April 28, 1920, Azerbaijan was occupied by Bolshevik Russia. Despite of existing only 23 months, Azerbaijan Democratic Republic has done a great job, proved that the Azerbaijanis are able to live independently and to establish a civil state based on democratic principles. The idea of ​​independence of our people wasn’t defeated and the slogan of M.A Rasulzade “The flag once raised will never fall!" lived forever in the heart of the emigration government continuing to function after the Democratic Republic and fought to a finish.

The policy of imperialism of Soviet Russia: Soviet Russia unable to reconcile with the independence of Azerbaijan, brought the 11^thArmy to our country on April 27, 1920 and put an end to our independence! After the long war, the restored independence was lost. After the fall of the Democratic Republic, the Soviet empire began 70 years period of captivity..! The Soviet government openly pursued the policy of Russification and armenization in Azerbaijan. This policy was pursued faster in the capital of the country – Bakupromoted as an “international” city. The Russian language oppressed the Azerbaijani language and became the state language. During the years of Soviet rule, the policy of distribution of territory of AzerbaijanRepublic to neighborhood countries was continued purposefully.

Restoration of independence: Even under the Soviet occupation, our people's dream of independence and sovereignty continued to burn and finally this dream came true and in 1991 our state declared its independence for the second time in a century. Everybody knows very well that the national leader Heydar Aliyev is the architect and founder of the independent modern state of Azerbaijan. Our great leader's unparalleled services to our people and state include laying the foundation of successful state-building process. It is of great importance for the development of Azerbaijan as a modern independent state. The worthy successor of the national leader - our president Ilham Aliyevemphasized at the official reception on the occasion of the 100^thanniversary of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic held at Heydar Aliyev Center on May 28 that 1993 year was a turning point in our history: “In fact, our independent history has begun since that year. Because in 1991-1993, independence was formal and conditional. Azerbaijan was almost ruled from abroad. We all know it very well. Therefore, the people of Azerbaijan are right to recognize Heydar Aliyev as the founder of the state independence of Azerbaijan, the founder of the state of Azerbaijan and it is a historical fact”.Let’s note that the date of May 28, 1918 when the Declaration of Independence was announced is now celebrated as the day of restoration of State independence-the Republic Day. I heartily congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on this occasion and wish eternal independence and sovereigntyto our state and persistence and power on this way to our nation. Let our independenceachieved throughmany struggles be eternal! Happy Republic Day!

AydinTagiyev