On May 28, 1918, Azerbaijan made history by establishing the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) — the first secular democratic republic in the Muslim world.
Emerging after the fall of the Russian Empire, the ADR introduced a multiparty parliament, universal suffrage (including women), and equal rights for all citizens, setting an inspiring example for Muslim-majority countries.
Though short-lived due to the Soviet occupation in 1920, the values of democracy, independence, and national pride remain deeply rooted in Azerbaijani identity.
From Heritage to Modernity
Long before 1918, the territory of modern Azerbaijan sat at the crossroads of civilizations—from the Zoroastrian fire temples of Caucasian Albania to the Silk Road caravanserais that dotted the rolling plains.
Under successive Persian and Ottoman dominion, then Russian rule in the 19th century, the Azerbaijani people preserved a rich tapestry of language, music, and art.
Mugham, a complex modal music tradition, and carpet weaving—where each region’s rugs bear distinct patterns and color palettes—reflect Azerbaijan’s vibrant cultural mosaic.
The ancient walled city of Baku’s Icherisheher (Old City), with its medieval Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah’s Palace, stands today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reminding visitors of a heritage that bridges East and West.
The bold experiment of the ADR set the stage for Azerbaijan’s eventual reassertion of sovereignty in 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Modern Azerbaijan draws inspiration from its short-lived democratic forerunner: it maintains a multiparty system, invests in education and the arts, and commemorates May 28 as Republic Day; a national holiday marked by ceremonies, concerts, and public lectures on democratic values.
Azerbaijan Today
Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan is focusing on post-conflict reconstruction, particularly in areas regained during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The government is investing in rebuilding roads, schools, hospitals, and cities to welcome displaced families back home.
Efforts are being made to diversify the economy beyond oil — focusing on agriculture, tourism, logistics, and IT.
Azerbaijan also plays a strategic role in European energy supply through the Southern Gas Corridor, transporting Caspian energy/gas to Europe.
Its skyline is punctuated by futuristic Flame Towers and contemporary museums, while its hinterlands continue to produce silk, saffron, and pomegranates—fruit that have fed local celebrations for generations.
Annual events like the Baku Jazz Festival and Novruz Bayram (Persian New Year) bring together music, family feasts, and ancient rituals, showcasing the resilience and creativity of a nation born in hope on one momentous spring day of 1918.
Pakistan–Azerbaijan Relations
Since Pakistan’s recognition of Azerbaijan’s independence in December 1991, the two countries have enjoyed unwavering friendship and cooperation.
Their relationship is rooted in shared cultural affinities, mutual support in international forums, and collaboration across energy, defense, and education sectors.
Pakistan was among the first Muslim-majority nations to establish diplomatic ties with Azerbaijan, and neither country recognized the unilateral “independence” of the Nagorno-Karabakh region—underscoring their mutual respect for territorial integrity.
Today, exchange programs send Azerbaijani students to Pakistani universities in Islamabad and Lahore, while Pakistani businesses explore opportunities in Baku’s burgeoning oil and gas industries.
Nearly a century after the ADR’s birth, Azerbaijan stands as a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.
As it has stepped into the second century of statehood, the spirit of its founding republic lives on—in its government institutions, commitment to cultural heritage, and in the enduring bonds it forges with friendly countries.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
