Azerbaijan Democratic Republic: 100 Years of Independence
In 1918, Azerbaijan made history by becoming the first Democratic Republic in the Muslim world, marking a significant milestone in its national identity and political evolution. On May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) was officially declared by it’s founder Memmed Emin Resulzade, laying the foundation for the establishment of a free and independent Azerbaijani state after centuries of foreign domination.
The ADR represented a bold and progressive vision for Azerbaijan. It introduced a parliamentary republic, granting suffrage to both men and women, a groundbreaking move for its time. The Republic also established crucial state institutions, including the first Azerbaijani army, a national bank, and a legal system, signaling a clear commitment to sovereignty and democratic values.
Though short-lived, lasting only until 1920 due to the Soviet invasion, the legacy of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic has remained a powerful symbol of resilience and the fight for independence. It paved the way for future generations and became a source of inspiration for Azerbaijan’s subsequent struggle for freedom, culminating in its independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
The centenary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 2018 marked a moment of reflection on the nation’s history, its achievements, and its enduring commitment to sovereignty and democratic principles. The ideals of the ADR continue to shape Azerbaijan’s identity, reminding the world of the vision and sacrifices made by its founders and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and self-determination.
As Azerbaijan celebrates its 100 years of independence, it honors the memory of the courageous leaders of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and acknowledges the significant role they played in shaping the modern Azerbaijani state. The spirit of the ADR lives on, not only in the hearts of Azerbaijanis but also in the nation’s continued growth, progress, and commitment to democratic values.
Memmed Emin Resulzade
Memmed Emin Resulzade (1884-1955) was the brightest and most prominent political figure and the ideological leader of the Revolutionary Nationalistic Movement of Azerbaijan. His leadership was pivotal in declaring Azerbaijan’s independence and adopting the Declaration of Independence on May 28th, 1918.
Early Life and Education
Resulzade was born on January 31, 1884, in the town of Novkhani, near Baku, in what was then under the Russian Empire. His early education was in traditional Islamic schools, where he developed a deep understanding of Azerbaijani culture, history, and literature. However, it was his exposure to modern European ideas and revolutionary ideologies that truly shaped his intellectual trajectory. He later pursued higher education in Istanbul, where he was influenced by the ideas of nationalism, socialism, and liberalism, all of which played crucial roles in his political philosophy.
Political Awakening and Ideological Leadership
Resulzade became involved in Azerbaijan’s political landscape during a time of great social and political upheaval. He was a founding member of the Musavat Party, which was at the forefront of Azerbaijan’s fight for independence from the Russian Empire and later from Soviet control. As an advocate for the independence of Azerbaijan and the preservation of its culture, language, and traditions, Resulzade emerged as a leading figure in the nationalist movement. He sought to unify Azerbaijan’s diverse population under a common national identity based on the ideals of freedom, justice, and independence.
Key Role in the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
The most significant chapter of Resulzade’s political career came in 1918, when he played a pivotal role in the declaration of Azerbaijan’s independence. On May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) was established, and Resulzade was at the heart of this historic moment. His efforts were crucial in ensuring that the new republic was based on democratic principles, including universal suffrage, the separation of powers, and the rule of law. Resulzade’s vision for the ADR was that it would be a modern, secular state, where democracy and human rights would be respected.
He served as a key leader of the Musavat Party, which was instrumental in the formation of the ADR, and became one of the most prominent members of the National Council of Azerbaijan, the body responsible for the creation of the Republic. His role in drafting the Declaration of Independence was a crowning achievement of his political career.
Resulzade’s Legacy and Exile
Unfortunately, the success of the ADR was short-lived. In April 1920, Azerbaijan was invaded by Soviet forces, and the newly formed republic was forced to dissolve. Resulzade was forced into exile in Türkiye/ Turkey, where he continued to advocate for Azerbaijan’s independence and sovereignty. He spent much of his later life in exile, writing extensively on Azerbaijani nationalism and political theory, and remained committed to his vision of an independent Azerbaijan.
Resulzade’s contributions were not only political but also intellectual. He was a prolific writer, and his works have had a lasting impact on the intellectual and political development of Azerbaijan. He was an advocate of Turkish unity and pan-Turkism, believing that the Turkic-speaking nations could find strength in solidarity. He also maintained strong ties with other nationalist leaders in the Caucasus and beyond.
A flag once raised will never fall
Memmed Emin Resulzade died in 1955 in Istanbul, but his legacy as a leader of the Azerbaijani independence movement and his role in the creation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic continue to be honored today. Resulzade’s political and ideological contributions are recognized as fundamental to the foundation of the modern Azerbaijani state. In the years following Azerbaijan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Resulzade was posthumously recognized as a national hero, and his work was celebrated as a beacon for those seeking freedom, democracy, and sovereignty.
His motto, “A flag once raised will never fall”, reflects his enduring belief in the strength and resilience of the Azerbaijani people in their struggle for independence, a sentiment that resonates deeply in Azerbaijan today.
A tribute to mark the 100th year of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
In tribute to the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, CAN the cultural bridge building organization was founded in April 2018 in Oslo, Norway. To celebrate this momentous occasion, in collaboration with The Platform of Cooperation on the issue of Diaspora and Public Unions, CAN and NAYO organizations, send heartfelt messages to World Azerbaijanis, reaffirming our shared heritage and unwavering commitment to the spirit of independence.
Video credit: © CAN
Məhəmməd Əmin Rəsulzadə Ən Səmimi Sevgi ilə ( Yüz ilin Sirləri)
M.Ə.Rəsulzadənin nəvəsi Rəis Rəsulzadə böyük şəxsiyyətə və onun ailəsinə göstərilən dərin məhəbbət üçün təşəkkür edib:“Sizin isti münasibətiniz, Rəsulzadə fəaliyyətini, ailəsini ürəkdən qəbul etdiyiniz hər an hiss olunur. Rəsulzadəyə, tariximizə olan böyük məhəbbətiniz üçün təşəkkür edirəm. Filmin yaradıcı heyətinə bu diqqət üçün minnətdaram. Arzu edirəm ki, “Yüz ilin sirləri” olaraq yolunuza davam edib, bundan sonra da tariximizin bilinməyən səhifələrini üzə çıxararsınız”.
Layihənin müəllifi AZTV-də yayımlanan “Yüz ilin sirləri” verilişinin müəllif-aparıcısı Hüseyn Cavadzadədir (Huseyn Javadzadeh)
Video credit: © Caspian Media Group
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A tribute to mark the 100th year of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
CAN 