Azerbaijan Republic Day
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- 1918Azerbaijan Democratic Republic proclaimed — first democratic republic in the Muslim world
- 1920Soviet takeover — independence suppressed for 70 years
- 1991Independence restored after dissolution of the Soviet Union
Why Azerbaijan celebrates 28 May
On 28 May 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was proclaimed in Tiflis (now Tbilisi), making Azerbaijan the first democratic republic in the Muslim world and in the entire former Russian Empire. The republic introduced universal suffrage — including for women — at a time when most European countries still denied women the vote.
The republic survived only 23 months before being occupied by the Soviet Red Army in April 1920. But its memory was preserved through the independence movement of the late Soviet period, and when the USSR collapsed, 28 May was adopted as Republic Day to honour the first republic and affirm the continuity of Azerbaijani statehood.
Republic Day is marked in Baku with a military parade along Neftchilar Avenue, concerts at the Flame Towers plaza and fireworks over the Caspian Sea. The day emphasises Azerbaijan's identity as a modern, secular state with deep historical roots in democratic governance.
- 202628 May 2026 · Thursday
- 202728 May 2027 · Friday
- 202828 May 2028 · Sunday
The Azerbaijani flag has three equal horizontal bands of sky blue, red and green, with a white crescent moon and eight-pointed star in the centre. Blue represents the Turkic heritage, red stands for progress and modernity, and green symbolises Islam. The crescent and star are traditional Islamic symbols.
Azerbaijani cuisine blends Persian, Turkish and Caucasian traditions. Rich with saffron, dried fruit and lamb, it is among the most refined of the South Caucasus kitchens.
What to eat
PlovSaffron rice cooked with lamb, dried fruit, chestnuts and herbs — the king of Azerbaijani cuisine.
DolmaVine leaves stuffed with spiced minced lamb and rice, served with drained yogurt.
KebabLamb kebabs grilled over charcoal — every region has its own variety of tika or lula kebab.
DushbaraTiny lamb dumplings simmered in a clear broth with mint and saffron.
PakhlavaDiamond-shaped baklava layered with walnuts and spiced with cardamom and saffron.
KutabThin filled pancakes stuffed with greens, meat or pumpkin — cooked on a convex iron griddle.What to drink
AyranChilled salted yogurt drink — served with meals throughout Azerbaijan.
Şirvan wineWine from the Şamaxı and Quba regions of northern Azerbaijan.
Black teaAzerbaijanis drink black tea from pear-shaped armudu glasses with jam stirred in — all day long.Azerbaijan culture
Azerbaijan sits at the crossroads of the Silk Road and has absorbed Persian poetry, Turkic epic traditions and Soviet modernity. Its culture is characterised by hospitality, carpet weaving and the mugham musical tradition.
Flame Towers light showBaku's iconic towers display the national flag and fireworks animations on Republic Day.
Mugham musicUNESCO-listed Azerbaijani classical music — improvised and emotionally intense, performed at national events.
Carpet weavingAzerbaijan's carpet tradition is among the world's oldest — regional patterns are still woven in Shirvan and Karabakh.
Old City BakuThe UNESCO-listed walled city of İçərişəhər fills with visitors on national holidays.