October 18 Is Independence Restoration Day

October 18 is celebrated in Azerbaijan as Independence Restoration Day.

According to Yeniavaz.com, on October 18, 1991, the Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan adopted the Constitutional Act on State Independence.

Of the Supreme Soviet's 360 deputies, 231 voted in favor of the act. The remaining deputies either did not attend the session or did not vote against the document.

The Constitutional Act stated that the independent Azerbaijani state was the legal successor to the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which existed from 1918 to 1920. The act consisted of six chapters and 32 articles.

On December 29, 1991, the issue was put to a nationwide referendum. A total of 95% of voters who participated supported the country's independence, sovereignty and freedom.

Following the restoration of independence, laws were also adopted concerning Azerbaijan's national flag, anthem and coat of arms.

October 18 was previously celebrated in Azerbaijan as Independence Day. On October 15, 2021, parliament adopted a new law, which was approved by President Ilham Aliyev on the same day. Under the law, October 18 was renamed Independence Restoration Day, while May 28, previously celebrated as Republic Day, became Independence Day.

Independence Restoration Day is observed annually as an official public holiday, but it remains a working day.