Because most of the steps the Republic took at the time were a first for the East and these “first steps” breathed a new world into the Old East.

And not only into the East: When Azebaijan granted women the right to vote, most of the women in the West were not even allowed near a ballot.

Building a Democratic Republic meant that the imperial oppression, which lasted over a hundred years, had not been able to crush the dreams of the Azerbaijani people for independence and building their own statehood.

The fact that the state Azerbaijan built in early 20th century was a Democratic Republic was a proof that the ideas of democracy and republicanism were not alien to us, but quite the contrary, we lived through those ideals and were voluntary careers of those values.

The democracy Azerbaijani Republic established a hundred years ago was more progressive and fairer than most administrations in the world now.

Although it was short, the Democratic Republic showed the people of Azerbaijan what a sweet feeling it was to be independent and be masters of their faith. It was such a demonstration, that people did not forget the taste for the next 70 years.

From its very first day to its very last, the Republic faced difficult political, economic, diplomatic and military challenges. Although, it sacrificed a lot in these struggles, we have managed to learn to fight for our Motherland, Lands, Future and Ideals and even bear sacrifices for them should it be necessary. This very experience was the first push for us to shape ourselves as a modern nation.

Our independent Republic was the cry “We are here! We are alive!” of the Azerbaijani nation, who stood up heads high from under the ruins of the empire. It was such a rise and such a cry that no force could overcome them anymore.

Our waving flag is the continuation of that rise and our anthem of that cry, which will never be ceased!

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