Holidays Around The World � azerbaijan flag

Solidarity Day Celebrated in Azerbaijan

Noel — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:00:49 +0000

Solidarity Day: December 31

Solidarity Day is a public holiday in Azerbaijan.

Solidarity Day is a holiday that is celebrated in Azerbaijan to reflect on the country’s struggles with pride.

History of Solidarity Day in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a country in Eurasia, located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. It is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south. Azerbaijan, a nation with a majority Turkic and Shi’ite Muslin population, is a secular and united country, and was the country that was first successful in attempting to establish a democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world.

When the country was under the rule of the Soviet Union, there were many wars (such as the Operation Edelweiss period, and the wars fought during the eras of World War I and World War II) that left a lot of people dead. However, the Soviet Union was dissolved in 1991, and since then, Azerbaijan has worked to restore some of its power and stability.

President Heydar Aliyev was the president of Azerbaijan from 1969-1982, and he became the president again in 1993 after his predecessor, Abulfaz Elcibay, was overthrown. It was under Alliyev’s rule that unemployment decreased for the country, criminal groups were encouraged to cease violence, the economy improved, and stability was brought to the country. The government of the country was still “tainted,” but these improvements were effectively symbolic.

h2>Azerbaijan Solidarity Day Public Traditions, Customs, and Activities

On December 31 of every year, the country celebrates Solidarity Day. This day is celebrated as a day to remember and honor the struggles of the country. The day focuses on respecting the national and moral values of the Azerbaijani nation, and it focuses on the feelings and ideas of the nation as one unit working together for a common goal.

Solidarity Day brings about further unity and compassion in the country every year. On this day, the president addresses the country, communicating the need to observe the day with strength and seriousness.

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Azerbaijan Commemorates National Salvation Day

Noel — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:00:49 +0000

National Salvation Day Date: June 15

National Salvation Day is a public holiday in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is a country near the intersection of Asia and Europe. This country has its borders on the verge of Russia in the north, Armenia in the west, Iran to the South, and the Caspian Sea eastwards. The majority of the people are Shiite Muslims and ethnic Azeri. The country follows secularism as a policy, and its love for peace is demonstrated by the membership in various organizations such as GUAM, Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and the United Nations. It is also a part of the NATO Partnership for Peace program.

One of the most important days in the calendar of this country is National Salvation Day celebrated every year on June 15.

History of National Salvation Day in Azerbaijan

National Salvation Day is celebrated to commemorate both the end of a civil war that went on within the country and the return of democracy to the people. The military coup was conducted by Surat Huseynov’s military on June 4 in Ganja and demanded resignation of Parliament Speaker Isa Gambar and Prime Minister Panah Huseyn. This led Azerbaijan to anarchy. These rebels then seized power in Ganja and moved towards Baku.

To stop this insurgence and to battle against these anarchists, Heydar Aliyev was invited to Baku. He accepted the invitation, and once he arrived, he was elected unanimously as speaker and head of state. He held talks with the revolting group of the army when he reached Baku. The talks went on smoothly, and he reported the turn of events and the demands of the rebellion in the parliament. The members of the rebellion agreed to the demands, and hence the threat of the civil war that hung upon the country was lifted.

To mark this day of lifting the specter of war, every year on June 15, National Salvation Day is celebrated. It is on this day when Heydar Aliyev was elected as the chairman of the parliament and subsequently as the president. This holiday was made official by an act of parliament in 1997.

Azerbaijan’s National Salvation Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The defense wing and the veterans of the military take part in the ceremonial parade that takes place every year. The president presides over this parade accepting the salute from the various wings or parts of his defense force. Like any other important day, this is also a public holiday with the majority of commercial establishments closing.

The president also addresses the nation on this day emphasizing the need for national unity and security. These celebrations are also extended to the television, which broadcasts live the speech of the president to the civilians. There are also celebrations in the form of a fireworks display at night.

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Azerbaijan Celebrates Republic Day

Noel — Fri, 27 May 2011 10:00:24 +0000

Republic Day: May 28

Republic Day is a public holiday in Azerbaijan.

On May 28, 1918, Azerbaijan declared independence from the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, thus forming the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. Azerbaijan became the first democratic parliamentary republic in the Muslim world. This holiday was not celebrated during Soviet times, and it became a public holiday after the collapse of the USSR.

History of Republic Day in Azerbaijan

In 1917, the Russian Caucasus Front collapsed because of the Russian Revolution that deposed Czar Nicholas II of Russia, the last Czar of Russia. The Provisional Government took power, and on March 9, the Special Transcaucasian Committee was formed to govern over the areas occupied on the Caucasian front, Azerbaijan included. The short-lived administration included representatives from Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia.

Azerbaijan wanted independence from Russia, and all over the country local Muslim National Councils were formed. On March 27, delegates from these councils met and elected a central committee. These representatives would become the founding members of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

After the October Bolshevik Revolution, the Soviets created the Transcaucasian Commissariat as the first government of the independent Transcaucasia to strengthen the Georgian-Armenian-Tartar union. On February 24, 1918, the Transcaucasian Commissariat proclaimed Transcaucasia as the independent Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic. This only exposed the fragile union in the region leading to conflicts. On May 26, 1918, after the fall of the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, its bodies were dissolved and the Azerbaijani part of it was renamed the Azerbaijani National Council. On May 28, they proclaimed the foundation of the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic. The first Azerbaijani Republic lasted for only 23 months before being taken again by the Soviet Union. It declared its independence again in 1991 after the collapse of the USSR.

Azerbaijan’s Republic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

On this day in Azerbaijan, people decorate the cities with the national flag, hoping that it will always wave freely in a free and democratic Azerbaijan. The colorful flag is blue for Turkic, red for modernism and progressiveness, and green for Islam. On the streets Azeris enjoy the day as they remember the past and look forward to building Azerbaijan from generations that lived all their lives under the Communist Soviet Union, adapting to a democratic capitalist republic where they can enjoy their own choices in life. In the capital city of Baku, all the official celebrations of Republic Day are held, as the president and government officials raise the national flag at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Azerbaijan in front of a Guard of Honor.

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Victory Day Observed in Azerbaijan

Noel — Sun, 08 May 2011 10:00:10 +0000

Victory Day: May 9

Victory Day is a public holiday in Azerbaijan.

Victory Day is celebrated on May 9 in Azerbaijan, a day to celebrate and remember the victory over the Nazi forces that capitulated on May 8, 1945 during World War II.

History of Victory Day

Azerbaijan participated in World War II as a Republic of the Soviet Union. In 1941, Azerbaijan produced 25.4 million tons of oil to help the war efforts. Thousands of Azeris joined the People’s Voluntary Army and fought alongside the Soviet Army. In the end, 400, 000 Azeris died from the conflict.

World War II started with the German occupation of Poland in September 1939, only to be ended after six years of a worldwide conflict. Azeris were part of the Soviet Red Army and participated in the Eastern Front of the conflict, in what is known as the Great Patriotic War. As the Allied forces entered Milan, Mussolini was caught, and he was eventually executed on April 28. Later on April 30, Hitler committed suicide as the Allies began to close in on Berlin.

German forces started to surrender all over Italy and Germany, culminating with the surrender of Nazi armies throughout Europe. Finally on May 7, General Alfred Jodl, Chief of Staff of the German Armed Forces High Command, signed the unconditional surrender of the German forces to the Allies. News of the surrender spread to the West on May 8, and celebrations began all over Europe.

In the Soviet Union, the end of the war was considered to be on May 9. As it was already May 9 in Moscow time when the surrender took place, the date has since been celebrated as Victory Day in all Soviet Republics. After the end of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan kept the same date for the countrywide celebration of Victory Day, a remembrance of the participation of Azeris and the influence of Azerbaijan’s oil in the Great Patriotic War.

Victory Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Azeris on this day remember those war heroes that died during World War II on the Eastern Front as they fought alongside the Soviet Red Army against the German Nazis. Hundreds of war veterans, wearing their medals, pay tribute to fallen Azeris at a monument dedicated to Azeri soldiers. Official ceremonies also take place at the same spot, and among the participants of the event are Azerbaijan’s top officials and diplomats. The honoring of veterans continues during the day with concerts, which include both professional artists and amateurs.

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International Women’s Day Celebrated Around the World

Noel — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:00:20 +0000

International Women’s Day: March 8

International Women’s Day is a public holiday in several countries worldwide.

Generally observed worldwide, International Women’s Day offers people the opportunity to highlight challenges that women face around the world and signs of hope for the work done to promote women. While some cultures have removed the political nature of it and use it as a day to show love to women, others have retained the strong political themes, promoting human rights for women around the world. The day is typically not considered a public holiday, but is given prominence in many parts of the world.

History of International Women’s Day

March 8, 1857 marks when women in New York protested, demanding better working conditions and better wages. The protesters were dispersed by the police, and two years later, the women created their own labor union. More protests were held in following years on the same date of March 8. In 1910, Copenhagen hosted the first international women’s conference, and an International Women’s Day was instituted, though no date was officially set.

On the eve of World War I, women from all over Europe came together in peaceful protests on March 8, 1913. March 8 entered the calendars as International Women’s Day first in the former USSR as a celebration of heroic and patriotic Soviet women that participated in the communistic construction of the USSR and defense of the Motherland. Since then, the date has found its way in the calendars of countries all over the world.

International Women’s Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

In countries like Albania, Italy, and Russia, yellow mimosas and chocolates are common gifts given to women on International Women’s Day. Many other Eastern European countries also have flower-giving customs. In Poland, feminist demonstrations are held in many major cities. In Benin and many other African countries, the day is used to highlight the public health, human rights, and socioeconomic problems that women have to struggle with. Armenia has combined the day with its own Beauty and Motherhood Day on April 7 to make a month-long celebration of women between the two days.

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Azerbaijan Remembers Its Martyrs

Noel — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:00:23 +0000

Martyr’s Day: January 20

Martyr’s Day is a public holiday in Azerbaijan.

January 20 in Azerbaijan commemorates Black January in 1990, when Soviet troops entered the city of Baku and killed more than 180 civilians. It is celebrated as the rebirth of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is also a remembrance of the victims of the Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1988. This day in Azerbaijan is also known as Qara Yanvar (Day of National Mourning), Day of Shehids, or Remembrance Day.

History of Martyr’s Day in Azerbaijan

Black January was a retaliation of the Soviet Army in the city of Baku against demands of independence from Armenians. A seven day pogrom—a riot against a particular race, religion or nationality—started in Baku, Azerbaijan on January 13, 1990. Up to 66 Armenians were killed by beating or knife wound in focused individual attacks. Most of them were part of the Azerbaijani Popular Front that demanded independence from the Soviet Union. Their houses were set on fire, and the local Soviet authorities did nothing to stop the attacking forces.

Late at night, on January 19, over 26,000 Soviet troops entered Baku with the objective of crushing the Popular Front. They attacked protesters and shot at the crowds for three days. In the end, 93 Azerbaijanis and 29 Russian soldiers were killed. On January 22, the population of Baku came to the streets to bury the dead, and for 40 days they did not work in a protest of mourning.

Citizens also remember the events of the Nagorno-Karabakh War, an armed conflict that took place from February 1988 to May 1994 in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan, between Armenians and Azerbaijanis. The parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh wanted to unite with Azerbaijan, and the majority of Armenians was in favor of independence. Inter-ethnic fighting ensued for years as both sides tried to eliminate each other from Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding mountains. Even today, the situation isn’t completely settled since the cease fire in 1994. Inflammatory accusations from both sides seem to still be triggering small conflicts in the zone.

Martyr’s Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

On Martyrs Day in the Azerbaijan Republic the entire government, from the president and prime minister to members of the cabinet and leaders of the parliament, are joined by church officials to gather at the Azerbaijani Genocide Memorial in Baku. In a solemn procession they place flower wreaths at the memorial to commemorate those who died in 1990 during Black January.

All over the world in Azerbaijani embassies and private communities, the events of Black January and the Nagorno-Karabakh War are recognized. Azerbaijanis regard this day as a day to rekindle their patriotism and celebrate their national history and identity as the country struggles to gain peace and economic stability.

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Azerbaijan Independence Day

Noel — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 16:07:18 +0000

Azerbaijan Independence Day: October 18

Azerbaijan Celebrates Independence Day as a national holiday.

Azerbaijan celebrates October 18 as the Independence Day after regaining it when the USSR fell. Thanks to the collapse of Soviet Union, the Azerbaijan people finally gained their independence for the second time in the 20th century.

Azerbaijan Independence Day History

During the end of the 1980s, other political parties were permitted to operate openly at last. However, the Communist Party authority in Azerbaijan was hesitant to follow this political movement. After the newly formed Popular Front of Azerbaijan (PFA) ordered a countrywide strike in September 1989 did the communist government in Azerbaijan gave them official acknowledgment.

Originally scheduled voting to the Supreme Soviet for February, were deferred for September. The state of emergency at that time restricted the campaigning of opposition groups even though they were the country’s first multiparty elections. The Communist Party nominees secured a greater part of the seats.

In Moscow, staunch supporters of the communist regime tried grab power of the government in August 1991. This prompted wide protests in Azerbaijan clamoring for the nation’s freedom. Moreover, the protestors were calling for the prime minister to resign, the lifting of the state of emergency, and the deferment of presidential polls that was planned for September. However, the voting was held as scheduled, and the administration candidates won as they were the only candidates as the PFA and other groups that opposed the government shunned the elections.

The Azerbaijan Supreme Soviet chose to pursue the path of independence on August 30. The status of Azerbaijan as a free country was made official in October. The Milli Majlis (National Assembly), a new 50-member legislative assembly, then took the place of the Supreme Soviet. The USSR later collapsed in December.

Azerbaijan Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The National Independence Day is celebrated by the Azerbaijani people in October. This is the most opportune time for them to take the day off and visit each other friends and acquaintances to enjoy the day off and exchange visits. Naturally, celebratory lunches and dinners are often planned.

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