Azerbaijan's Story Of Independence

Azerbaijan declared independence twice in the 20th-century from the Russian Empire in 1918 and again in 1991 from the Soviet Union. Here’s a breakdown of the events including the successes and tragedies leading to the formation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan

The Russian Empire fell after the 1917 Russian Revolution. Azerbaijan briefly became part of the Transcaucasian Republic along with both Georgia and Armenia. The declaration of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan on May 28 1918 made Azerbaijan the first secular and democratic Islamic nation in the world.

For the modern-day visitor to Baku, the story of Azerbaijan’s independence is essential. For a start, Baku’s central transport hub boasts the name 28 May. Any visitor travelling to Azerbaijan will most likely encounter the date commemorating Azerbaijan’s independence in hotels, bars and shops. Republic Day on May 28 celebrates the formation of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. But, this was short lived lasting just 23 months.

Soviet Azerbaijan and Black January

Azerbaijan’s independence was lost on May 28 1920 as it became part of the Soviet Union for 71 years. Life was harsh. Largescale industrialisation and natural resource exploitation followed. The elegant styles of architecture and former mansions of the Russian elite gave way to bland and monotonous Stalinesque residential blocks.

The Soviets began to lose their tight grip on different republics throughout Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus in the 1980s. As the Azeris fought again for Azerbaijan independence, the nation experienced its most important and tragic event: Black January.

On January 19 and 20 1990 Soviet troops invaded Baku and started to shoot peaceful protestors. Accounts recall the army crushing cars with their tanks, firing at anyone they saw and bayonetting the wounded. According to official figures, 131 people died though the real number may be closer to 300. A memorial commemorates the victims in Martyrs Lane (also called Martyrs Alley) near Baku’s Eternal Flame.

A memorial for those killed by the Soviet army in Black January

Azerbaijan Independence

After seven decades of oppressive Soviet rule, Azerbaijan independence was restored following a parliamentary vote on August 30 1991. The Land of Fire once again was free from external powers and remains so to the present day. Azerbaijan’s economy boomed in what they called the ‘Contract of the Century’. The natural resources transformed the capital, Baku, into a modern 21st-century capital city.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.