Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

October 18 sees the 25th anniversary of its Independence Act, the day which is recognized as the most glorious day in the nation's modern history.

Twenty five years ago Azerbaijan declared itself an independent and sovereign state and raised its banner of independence for the second time in the last century.

This was the second brilliant victory in the political history of the Azerbaijani people of the 20th century. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established in 1918, was only allowed to exist for 23 months. It collapsed due to outside interference and general political instability.

The newly independent country announced itself a legal heir of the ADR and adopted its state symbols -- flag, emblem and anthem.

1991 was a time of people's pain, anger and expectations, as the internal political situation deteriorated in the country. The growing influence of the democratic forces, the difficult economic situation, the tragedy of January 20 [Bloody January], and growing conflict with Armenia led to a new blowing in the country. People were tired of seventy-year-old Soviet dictatorship and demanded decisive action from the country's leadership.

On these emotional days for all Azerbaijanis, the people filled the streets, impatiently waiting for the approval of the Act of Independence.

The human excitement in the squares reached its climax. By feeling liberty, people were willing to do anything to bring it closer. It was the nation, “seasoned” in lengthy meetings in the square, remembering the horrors of January 1990 -- “Bloody January”, when 26,000 hostile and aggressive-minded Soviet special forces called "Alfa" entered Baku to commit atrocities against the Azerbaijani people, storming and murdering hundreds of civilians without declaring a state of emergency.

Now, the imperial tanks were no longer able to block the path to freedom. Azerbaijan, which lost hundreds of its sons and daughters in the struggle for independence, was persistently advancing towards a new life, a new reality.

Finally, the long-awaited day has come! In the fall of 1991, after much debate on the adoption of the Constitutional Act on Independence, a new era has started in the history of Azerbaijan.

To prove the world that this is an act of democratic character and is supported by the entire population, a nationwide vote was held on December 29, 1991.

The ballot of the referendum included only one question: “Do you support the Constitutional Act on the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan?” Over 95 percent of those eligible to vote took part in the referendum and Azerbaijan voted unanimously for independence.

Young Azerbaijan gained its independence in a complex political environment. The country needed international recognition of its sovereignty.

And the first step was made by the brotherly country Turkey, which recognized the independence on November 9, 1991. A total of 50 countries recognized the independence of Azerbaijan by January 1992.

In accordance with the presidential decree, the 25th anniversary of restoration of Azerbaijani Independence is being solemnly celebrated in the country at the state level.

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz