Azerbaijan is celebrating Independence Day on May 28, commemorating the founding of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) in 1918.

Established on this day 108 years ago, the ADR became the first democratic and parliamentary republic in the entire East, marking a historic milestone for the region, The Caspian Post reports.

The republic adopted key state symbols, including the national flag, coat of arms and anthem. Its iconic tricolor flag symbolized the unity of Turkic heritage, Islamic values and European ideals.

Despite its historic achievements, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed for only 23 months. On April 28, 1920, the 11th Red Army of Soviet Russia occupied Baku, leading to the fall of the republic.

Since 1990, Azerbaijan had marked May 28 annually as Republic Day. In October 2021, the Milli Majlis (parliament) proposed officially commemorating May 28 as Independence Day, while October 18 became known as the Day of Restoration of Independence.