International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis in Azerbaijan
International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis is observed in Azerbaijan on 31 December. It recognizes ties between Azerbaijanis in the country and communities abroad, and is a statutory non-working holiday under the Labour Code.[1][2]
A holiday rooted in Azerbaijan
The holiday’s meaning centres on connection among Azerbaijanis across national borders and on preserving national values and traditions.[3]
The holiday’s history is associated with Nakhchivan and the late Soviet period. Border posts between the USSR and Iran were dismantled in late December 1989, and on 16 December 1991 Heydar Aliyev proposed celebrating 31 December as a day of solidarity and unity.[3]
How the date became official
On 25 December 1991, Azerbaijan’s Supreme Soviet adopted a law declaring 31 December the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day. The Labour Code lists the day among the country’s holidays and classifies it as a non-working day.[1][2]
A 1993 presidential decree announced 31 December as World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day. These legal steps formalised the holiday, which had already been named as a non-working holiday by law.[1][2][4]
How it is marked
The day is an occasion to strengthen links between people in Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis abroad, and to support the preservation of national values and traditions. Check local guidance for information about ceremonies, food or household customs.[3]
The Institute of the History of Science of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences held an event dedicated to the holiday, focused on solidarity and unity among Azerbaijanis. This is one documented institutional observance; it does not establish a nationwide annual programme.[5]
Work and services
Because the Labour Code classifies 31 December as non-working, employees are generally not called to work on the holiday. It allows exceptions for specified circumstances and for continuous-production, trade, catering, communications, transport and other service enterprises.[2]
Check directly with each bank, shop or transport operator before travelling. If a weekly rest day coincides with a non-working holiday, the Code moves that rest day to the next working day.[2]
Frequently asked questions
When is International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis?
It is observed every year on 31 December, as specified in Azerbaijan’s Labour Code.[2]
Is it a day off in Azerbaijan?
Yes. The Labour Code lists it as a non-working holiday. It also provides exceptions for certain work and service operations.[2]
Does the day off move if 31 December falls on a weekend?
When a weekly rest day coincides with a non-working holiday, the Labour Code transfers that rest day to the next working day.[2]
Are banks, shops and public transport open?
Check with the bank, shop or public transport operator before travelling, as schedules can vary.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis in Azerbaijan:
- Azərbaycan Respublikasının bayramları haqqında- E-Qanun, State Register of Legal Acts of the Republic of Azerbaijan
- Azərbaycan Respublikası Prezidentinin Fərmanı- E-Qanun, State Register of Legal Acts of the Republic of Azerbaijan
- World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day- Presidential Library of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
- Holidays- Official website of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
- ANAS marked Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis- Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences