Republic Day in Azerbaijan

A name linked to Azerbaijan’s first republic

On May 28, 1918, the National Council of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic signed the Declaration of Independence and proclaimed Azerbaijan’s independence. The date honours the republic’s founding and its place in the history of Azerbaijani statehood.[1]

The republic established a parliament and government and introduced state attributes. Its parliament adopted laws that supported the development of democratic institutions; women were granted the right to vote. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed for 23 months, and the present-day Republic of Azerbaijan identifies itself as its legal successor.[1]

Official name and legal status

Current Azerbaijani official sources call May 28 Independence Day. Republic Day is the older name found in earlier official materials. A 2021 law also designated October 18 as Restoration of Independence Day, distinguishing the 1918 declaration from the restoration of independence in 1991.[2][4]

The Labour Code lists May 28 as a holiday and classifies Independence Day as a day off. The law says employees generally do not work on days off, subject to exceptions in the Code. If a weekly rest day coincides with a non-working holiday, the rest day moves to the next working day; authorities may also adjust adjacent work and rest days to keep them consecutive.[3]

Commemorations and public life

Official reports show commemorations can include public ceremonies and cultural events. For example, a concert marking Independence Day was held in Lachin, while military units have held events featuring the national anthem, speeches, discussions and films about the republic’s history. These are documented examples, not a fixed nationwide programme or a tradition that happens in every town each year.[5][6]

For visitors, the clearest practical effect is the statutory day off: government offices close, while some businesses may change their hours and services covered by legal exceptions can operate. Check opening times with individual offices, banks, shops and transport providers before travelling.[3]

Date and substitute days

Independence Day is observed on May 28. The Labour Code provides for transferring a weekly rest day when it coincides with a non-working holiday, with possible official adjustments to adjacent days.[3]