Victory over Fascism Day in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan commemorates Victory over Fascism Day on 9 May, remembering the Second World War and the country’s contribution on the front and at home. It is a statutory day off, and official ceremonies in Baku have included tributes to veterans and fallen soldiers.[1][2][3]
Meaning and history
The day recalls the end of the war in Europe: the German Instrument of Surrender was signed in Berlin in the early hours of 9 May 1945. Azerbaijan observes the date as Victory over Fascism Day at state level.[2]
Azerbaijan’s wartime story includes both military service and work behind the front. The President’s official account says about 700,000 Azerbaijanis went to the front and more than 300,000 died in battle. It also credits Azerbaijani oil workers with supplying 75 million tons of oil and 22 million tons of gasoline and other petroleum products during the war.[2]
How the day is observed
At a documented state ceremony in Baku, officials met war veterans and relatives of Hazi Aslanov, laid a wreath at his statue, and held a guard of honour with a military march.[3]
A public day off
Article 105 of Azerbaijan’s Labour Code lists 9 May as a holiday and includes Victory over Fascism Day among days off. It says employees are not to work on days off except in circumstances provided for by the Code.[1]
The Code also provides for a day off to transfer to the next working day when it coincides with a holiday. For planning around a weekend, check the relevant official calendar for the year, since authorities may also adjust the sequence of workdays and days off.[1]
Planning your day
The law establishes the day-off status but does not give one opening schedule for every office, bank, shop or transport service. Check with the specific organisation or operator before making plans; the Labour Code allows work in certain exceptions.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is it a day off?
Yes. Azerbaijan’s Labour Code lists the date as a holiday and designates it as a day off, subject to exceptions specified in the Code.[1]
What happens if 9 May coincides with a day off?
The Labour Code says the day off transfers to the next working day when it coincides with a holiday. Check the official calendar for the year for any working-day adjustments.[1]
Are offices, banks, shops and transport open?
The law establishes a day off but does not set one schedule for all services. Check with the particular office, business or transport operator before visiting.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Day of Victory over Fascism in Azerbaijan:
- HOLIDAYS — EXCERPT FROM THE LABOR CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN- Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan
- Holidays » AZERBAIJAN- Official web-site of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
- Ilham Aliyev attended ceremony to mark May 9 - Victory Day in Baku- Official web-site of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan