An event dedicated to May 28 – Independence Day was held at the Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The event was attended by the institute’s administration, scientists and specialists, as well as young researchers.

Opening the event with an introductory speech, Acting Director of the Institute, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor Zaur Imrani emphasized that the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic is one of the most important pages in the history of Azerbaijan’s national statehood. He noted that on May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijani people declared their independence and laid the foundation for the first democratic republic in the East.

Zaur Imrani stated that although the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed for only 23 months, it played a significant role in the formation of statehood traditions, the development of democratic values, and the strengthening of national identity.

Later, Head of the “Geographical Ecology” Laboratory of the Institute, PhD in Geography Anvar Aliyev delivered a report. The report provided detailed information about the history of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, its role in the socio-political life of the country, and the importance of independence ideas in shaping national consciousness.

Anvar Aliyev noted that on May 28, 1918, the National Council of Azerbaijan adopted the Declaration of Independence, thereby establishing the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic — the first parliamentary democratic republic in the Muslim East. In his speech, he also spoke about the complex socio-political conditions in which the republic functioned, the military and political processes taking place in the region at that time, the struggle for the country’s territorial integrity, and the measures taken to preserve statehood.

During the speeches, it was emphasized that the Azerbaijani people have fought for independence throughout history and that these traditions are successfully continued today. It was also noted that modern independent Azerbaijan has become one of the leading states in the region thanks to the political course founded by National Leader Heydar Aliyev and successfully continued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.