100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic is celebrated in Paris with the organizational support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation
An evening of Azerbaijan took place in Paris with the organizational support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s Embassy in France to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
Guests first became familiarized with an exhibition comprised of photo and video materials dedicated to the history of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. The exhibition, reflecting meetings of the first republic’s founders, and the Declaration of Independence, aroused interest in the visitors. They were given information about the materials being displayed here.
Alain Tremolieres opened the dinner-party arranged in the Opera Hall by the poem “Azerbaijan”. French musicians performed the state anthems of Azerbaijan and France.
Speaking at the event, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to France Rahman Mustafayev said Azerbaijanis all over the world celebrate the May 28th as the Day of Republic. He talked about the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and its achievements during its 23-month existence, as well as the reforms and building works carried out in all areas.
Formation of the first parliamentary republic in the Muslim Orient – the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic – on May 28, 1918, establishment of state institutions deemed important for that era, a multi-party system and a pluralist parliament, citizens’ enjoying equal rights regardless of their ethnic relationship, gender, religion and social status were cited by the ambassador. He, talking about the achievements reached in the time of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, said the events taking place towards state building, forming the National Army of Azerbaijan, declaring the Azerbaijani language as the official language, instituting the country’s anthem, flag and emblem opened a new page in the history of Azerbaijan. Women’s being granted a right to vote was emphasized as one of the most significant achievements of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. It was noted that representatives of big states who had been watching the achievements of the first republic endorsed the activities of its heads. In 1919, British supreme commissaire for the Caucasus Oliver Waldrop said that Azerbaijan was the best example for other ethnic groups of Transcaucasia.
The ambassador emphasized that thanks to the policy formed by national leader Heydar Aliyev and successfully pursued by President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has secured its worthy place in the world. He talked about the economic development of the independent Azerbaijan, stability we enjoy, and the balanced foreign policy. He noted that regardless of the aggression by Armenia against our country, Azerbaijan has become the leading state in the region. Baku has hosted big projects linking continents.
The dinner-party dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic continued with a music programme by Honoured Artist Isfar Sarabski and tarzan Shahriyar Imanov.
In the framework of the event, a documentary about Azerbaijan’s culture, nature, economic achievements, and big international events hosted by the country was shown on a big monitor installed in the dinner-party and the exhibition halls.
The guests became familiarized with publications of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation about our country’s history, culture, cuisine, as well as those promoting Baku’s candidacy for “Expo-2025” World Exhibition.
Among the publications, a special edition of the magazine “Le Journal du Parlement” of the French National Assembly dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was also presented.
Attendees of the event were presented publications of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation about the country’s history, culture, and cuisine.
