Today, 25 years have passed since the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
On October 8 of 1991, Azerbaijan held extraordinary discussions in a session of the Supreme Soviet which was held over the course of four days. Finally, on October 18, the Supreme Soviet session produced a historical document, and the Constitutional Act of State Independence was adopted.
At that time, 258 out of 360 members of the Supreme Council voted in favor of the Act. 92 MPs did not attend the session. According to the Constitutional Act, the independent state of Azerbaijan is a legal successor of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic which existed from 1918-1920. The Constitutional Act is composed of six chapters and 32 items.
On December 29, 1991, more than 95% of the population voted in a popular referendum in favor of the country’s independence, sovereignty and freedom.
In May 1992, the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan (music by Uzeyir Hajibeyov and lyrics by Ahmed Javad) was chosen by the National Assembly. Later, the tricolor national flag, eight-pointed star and coat of arms with the image of the flame were approved.
October 18 was proclaimed a holiday in 1992. However, several years ago, it was proclaimed a working day.
