The first republic
1918 · ADR
On 28 May 1918 the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic appeared on the map of the world — the first state of parliamentary democracy in the entire Muslim world.
The first republic
On 28 May 1918 the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic appeared on the map of the world — the first state of parliamentary democracy in the entire Muslim world.
The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) was short-lived, but it became a turning point in the history of the people and a model for future generations.
1918 · ADR
On 28 May 1918 the National Council of Azerbaijan, led by Mammad Amin Rasulzade, adopted the Declaration of Independence. So was born the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
Rasulzade became the symbol of this era. His words, "The flag once raised will never fall," entered history as the motto of Azerbaijani statehood.
1918 · ADR
In its 23 months the republic achieved much: it created a parliament, opened Baku University and granted women the right to vote — among the first in the world, before many European countries.
In April 1920 independence was lost, but the idea of a free Azerbaijan did not vanish — it waited for its hour for seven decades.
About the first republic
The adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Leader of the National Council and symbol of the era.
The first parliamentary republic of the Muslim world.
Women's suffrage — among the first in the world.
Datings and details of the events of 1918–1920 may differ across sources; the most common information is given here.