Azerbaijani Flag Raised in Downtown Chicago to Celebrate Independence Day

Chicago, May 28, 2024 –  the Azerbaijani community in Chicago gathered at the Richard J. Daley Center to celebrate Azerbaijan’s Independence Day with a poignant flag-raising ceremony. This annual event, organized by the Azerbaijan Center of Midwest America (ACMA), marked the 106th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s first declaration of independence in 1918.

The ceremony began with the hoisting of the Azerbaijani tricolor flag against the backdrop of the Chicago skyline, followed by the playing of the Azerbaijani National Anthem. The event drew a diverse crowd of Chicago residents and visitors, all coming together to honor the rich history and cultural heritage of Azerbaijan.

Mr. Farid Mammadov, head of ACMA, expressed his pride and joy at the turnout and the importance of the ceremony. “Our annual flag-raising in Chicago has become a revered tradition,” he said. “It offers us a platform not only to honor Azerbaijan’s significant milestones but also to share these moments with our international community.”

The ceremony is more than a commemoration of a historical date; it represents unity, mutual respect, and the intertwined histories of different nations. Attendees enjoyed a vibrant celebration that included traditional Azerbaijani music, dance performances, and a display of cultural artifacts.

Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, known as “Azərbaycanda Müstəqillik Günü,” commemorates the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) in 1918. The ADR was the first secular parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world, known for its progressive policies, including granting women the right to vote.

History of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR)

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) was proclaimed on May 28, 1918, following the collapse of the Russian Empire. The ADR was notable for being the first secular parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world. It implemented several progressive policies, such as granting women the right to vote—ahead of many Western nations—and establishing a secular government with equal rights for all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion​ (Azerbaijan Society of America)​​ (AzerNews)​.

Under the leadership of Mammad Amin Resulzade, the National Council of Azerbaijan adopted the Declaration of Independence, laying the foundations for a democratic and progressive nation. The ADR sought international recognition and established diplomatic ties with several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. It also focused on education, opening numerous schools and sending students abroad for higher education​ (Azerbaijan Society of America)​​ (AzerNews)​.

Although the ADR existed for only 23 months before being incorporated into the Soviet Union in April 1920, its legacy endured. Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and continues to celebrate the values and achievements of the ADR​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​​ (Azerbaijan Society of America)​.

For more information about Azerbaijan’s Independence Day and its historical significance, you can visit Britannica, the Azerbaijan Society of America, and Azernews.