“From the great empires that existed in Azerbaijan, which have ancient traditions of statehood, to the small states, each played an important role in the socio-political life of the near and Middle East and left a mark on world history. These states show the antiquity of the Azerbaijani people, the potential to create a state, the culture of unification and development around it. Even in the face of difficult trials, he did not forget about the traditions of statehood and did not give up his desire to live freely and independently. It was from these traditions that our people, in 1918, on May 28, created another state-the Democratic Republic for the first time in the Muslim East, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. When we look at the political picture of the world at that date, we see that totalitarianism and tyranny still reigned in most of our planet, including Europe. By building a republic on democratic principles, our people have left many nations behind. In our Republic, which ensured the power of the people, eliminated racial, national, religious, class inequality, all citizens had the same rights. This once again demonstrates peace, tolerance and loyalty to the values of coexistence in Azerbaijan.”
Chairman of Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (ATUC), MP Sattar Mohbaliyev said in his statement to mass media.
According to him, today the issue of gender equality in the world remains relevant, women in many states suffer from disenfranchisement: “but even during the period of the Republic, this issue was paid attention to in Azerbaijan. By giving women of all walks of life the right to vote for the first time in the East, Azerbaijan even surpassed the United States and France, one of the leading countries in Europe. The Republic fulfilled its obligations with dignity in short and harsh conditions. So, the first parliament and government were formed, our borders were determined, our flag, anthem and coat of arms were created, and the native language was declared the state language. Military units with high combat capabilities were created, national security was ensured. One of the important events of that time was the cleansing of Baku from the invaders and the transfer of the capital here. This shows that we are not a people who accept and reconcile with the occupation. The development of enlightenment and culture was also not ignored. The importance of the establishment of Baku State University is still evident today.
“The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic fell under aggression. But his love for independence, which he placed in the minds and hearts of the Azerbaijani people, never faded away. She was subjected to heavy pressure, faced cruel reprisals, sacrificed her sons and daughters, but did not move away from the desire to live freely, to be independent. Finally, in 1991, on October 18, he fulfilled his dream of independence, which he had kept deep in his heart for 70 years. The first years of our independence were difficult, there was a severe crisis in the socio-political life of our country. On the one hand, treacherous attacks and occupation policy of aggressive Armenia. This time, our wise people made a firm decision and got rid of the difficult situation by bringing his eldest son, prominent and experienced politician Heydar Aliyev to power,” the MP said.
The chairman of ATUC noted that respect, great respect and special care for the history of the Republic in our country is really proud: “by the order of our esteemed President Ilham Aliyev, a monument was erected in honor of the figures of the Republic in Baku, their memory was immortalized, there are streets, avenues and settlements named after them. 2018 was also declared the Year of the Democratic Republic in Azerbaijan, and extensive measures were taken to this end in our country. Also in December last year, President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the birth of one of the founders of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, Mahammad Amin Rasulzadeh. The ministries of Culture, Science and education, the National Academy of Sciences have already prepared and implemented an action plan in this regard.”
“The souls of our ancestors, who inherited rich traditions of statehood, created strong States in history, built endless empires that gave voice to the world, are happy. At present, there is a strong and powerful Azerbaijan on the world map. The exaltation of the Holy tricolor flag raised in Nakhchivan by great leader Heydar Aliyev in November 1918, on May 28, in Khankendi by the architect of the Great Victory Mr. Ilham Aliyev became a great cry for the security of our sovereignty. Azerbaijan, having achieved its historic victory and full restoration of territorial integrity with the successful continuation of the path of great leader Heydar Aliyev, is now confidently moving towards even greater goals. We are confident that with the invincible political will and wise leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, who created the Azerbaijani model of modern development, our country will continue to develop confidently and successfully and will adequately cope with all challenges and tasks,” Sattar Mohbaliyev concluded.