BY Günel ABBAS

[Azerbaijani journalist]

The 104th Anniversary of the Republic, which was declared on 28 May 1918, is celebrated both in our country and abroad. May 28, 1918, which is engraved with golden letters in the history of our people's struggle for freedom and independence, is a day of national pride for every Azerbaijani citizen. It was announced to the world that an independent republic based on free, democratic and secular values was established for the first time in the East.

On May 28, 1918, our people were liberated from the colonial slavery of Tsarist Russia, which lasted more than a century, and laid the foundations of the first democratic republic of the East. On the same day, the Declaration of Independence was accepted at the meeting of the Azerbaijan National Council.

The establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was a new stage in the life of our people in the twentieth century , a historical event. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic republic of the Muslim East , emerged as a logical result of the century - old socio - economic, socio - political and cultural development of our country and the national awakening and resurrection processes of our people.

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was an indicator of the level of political consciousness, intellectual and cultural potential, high talent and ability of our people. On May 28, 1918, Alimerdan bey Topchubashov, Muhammedemin Resulzade, Fatali khan Khoyski, Hasan bey Agayev, Nasib bey Yusifbeyli, Samad bey Mehmandarov and others had great services. The names of these important statesmen, patriotic intellectuals and professional soldiers are forever engraved in the memory of our people.

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was an example of a new state and society that organically combined the democratic values of Europe with the peculiarities of Eastern culture. The measures taken during the First Republic period were important in terms of laying the foundations of our independent state and determining the future development path.

Establishment of democratic rights and freedoms , recognition of the equal rights of all citizens regardless of their ethnic and religious affiliation , giving women the right to vote even before many European countries , declaring the Azerbaijani language the state language, giving special importance to the development of education and training. The establishment of security structures and other activities clearly characterize the scale , substance and meaning of the policy pursued by the government of the People's Republic .

The newly established Azerbaijan Democratic Republic honorably fulfilled its difficult historical task. The first Parliament and Government of Azerbaijan, the state apparatus was organized, the borders of the country were determined, its flag, anthem and coat of arms were created, the mother tongue was declared the state language and serious measures were taken in the field of army formation.

Special attention was paid to education and culture. The first university of Azerbaijan was established, education was nationalized, and in the following years, extremely important studies were carried out in terms of public history, and the ground was prepared for the cultural development of the people. Azerbaijan regained its independence at the end of the 20th century and managed to maintain its sovereignty. Returning to power, the national leader Heydar Aliyev took decisive measures to protect the state of Azerbaijan and ensured permanent socio-political stability in the country.

Thus, the modern independent state of Azerbaijan, a masterpiece of Heydar Aliyev, was established and embarked on a rapid development path. Our great leader has repeatedly stated that if we establish and raise a democratic Azerbaijani state today, we owe it to the People's Republic. Highly appreciated the place and role of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in our history, Heydar Aliyev said "We loved the day the First Democratic Republic was founded and we declared it as the Independence Day of Azerbaijan - Republic Day and this is our history - National holiday".

President Ilham Aliyev, national continues this policy of the leader successfully. By the order of our President, 2018 was declared the "Year of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic" in our country and the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was celebrated with a ceremony. Our people celebrate May 28, the founding day of the Republic, as a national holiday this year as well.

On the occasion of May 28, we sincerely congratulate all Azerbaijani people who celebrated their independence on their lands that were liberated from the occupation, and wish each of them good health and success in their work. Long live independent Azerbaijan!