Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

People across Azerbaijan celebrate Flag Day on November 9 each year to honor the national flag.

The tricolor flag is one of the greatest symbols of Azerbaijan, representing the nation throughout the world.

The holiday commemorates the day in 1918 when the flag was first raised above the newly established Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

However, after the establishment of Soviet power in April 1920 in the country, the ADR fell and all the attributes of independence and statehood were also eliminated... But, as history shows, it was only for a while...

After regaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan's flag once again waved over the Land of Fire.

In accordance with a presidential decree on November 17, 2009, Azerbaijanis celebrate National Flag Day in memory of the ADR.

The citizens of an independent Azerbaijan regard this tricolor banner, symbolizing the independence of Azerbaijan, as a source of pride, freedom, unity and the glory of many generations.

During the event, Azerbaijanis remember their loyalty to the nation, reaffirm their belief in liberty and justice, and observe the nation’s unity.

Many people in the country honor this day by displaying the national flag in homes and public buildings.

The first blue stripe stands for the Turkic origin of Azerbaijani people and its Turkic heritage and is connected with the idea of Turkism. The middle red stripe means building a modern society, developing a democratic and modernized country. The third green stripe expresses affiliation with Islamic civilization and the Islamic religion.

The crescent on the flag is a symbol of the Turkic people. The eight-pointed star has two meanings: One is related to the way of writing the word "Azerbaijan" in the old alphabet, which was written with eight letters. The second meaning is connected to the principles of Mammad Amin Rasulzade, the founder of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic: Turkism, Islamism, modernity, statehood, democracy, Azerbaijanism, equality and culture.

The National Flag Museum, opened in 2010, was built under the flag pillar in the form of an eight-pointed star. The museum features flags, symbols, state emblems and the banknotes of states that existed on Azerbaijan's territory from ancient times until its independence.

Azerbaijanis always place their flag over their heads as a reminder of national martyrs and a symbol of the country’s victories!

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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