Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Azerbaijan's Republic Day, the 95th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was the first democratic republic in the Muslim world, was celebrated in Australia on May 26, two days ahead of the historic date.

The event, organized by the Australian-Azerbaijani-Turkish Friendship Unity, brought together representatives of the Azerbaijani and Turkish diaspora as well as students studying in Australia.

The participants were provided with information on the history and achievements of the internationally recognized republic, which was invaded by the Russian Red Army to form the Soviet Union in April 1920.

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established on May 28, 1918, embraced European democratic values and the abundant cultural heritage of the East. All citizens of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic -- regardless of their ethnic and religious affiliation -- were granted the right to vote. Thus, women gained suffrage for the first time in the Islamic world.

It was noted that among the significant accomplishments of the republic was granting suffrage to women, making Azerbaijan one of the first nations in the world to grant women equal political rights with men. On this accomplishment, Azerbaijan preceded the United Kingdom (1918-28), the U.S (1920) and France (1944).

Another important accomplishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was the establishment of Baku State University, which was the first modern-type university founded in Azerbaijan.

Australian-Azerbaijani-Turkish Friendship Unity President Imametdin Kassoumov also informed the participants about the activities and challenges of the local diaspora.

Shami Nejadi, Senior Lecturer at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the University of Technology Sydney, read his Azerbaijani poems to the participants.

National music and dishes of the national cuisine were presented to the attendees as well.