Azerbaijan Armed Forces Day is commemorated on June 26 every year. The Republic of Azerbaijan was a former member of the Soviet Union and had its original armed forces dissolved by soviet authority. In 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the nation found independence and was able to re-establish its armed forces. The people of Azerbaijan joyfully celebrate June 26 to mark the special event. There are parades, fireworks, and official processions in every city and town. The event also honors the brave men and women who perform their duties in keeping Azerbaijan safe.
History of Azerbaijan Armed Forces Day
Azerbaijan, officially the Azerbaijan Republic, is a transcontinental republic bordering Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Historically, Azerbaijan was a wider territory that was a part of Persia. The former Azerbaijan Armed Forces were founded on June 26, 1918, but were quickly disbanded when Azerbaijan was integrated into the Soviet Union in 1920. The country’s name was changed to Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the modern Republic of Azerbaijan proclaimed its independence on 30 August 1991. The Armed Forces began to undergo reformation. They made use of old soviet bases and equipment left behind. On October 9, 1991, the Armed Forces were re-established according to the Law of the new Republic of Azerbaijan.
The Armed Forces consist of three branches — the Azerbaijani Land Forces, the Azerbaijani Air, and Air Defence Force, and the Azerbaijani Navy.
On October 9, 1992, the first military parade in the history of independent Azerbaijan took place in honor of Armed Forces Day on Baku’s Azadliq Square. The parade is one of the biggest in the country to date.
In 1998, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan officially proclaimed June 26 the Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, which was the anniversary of the first declaration in 1918 pre-soviet union. The Azerbaijani people celebrate the event every year with parades, fireworks, and concerts. It is also a public holiday, thereby nobody works or goes to school.
Azerbaijan Armed Forces Day timeline
Azerbaijan, an independent nation, establishes its Armed Forces.
Azerbaijan becomes part of the Soviet Union and dissolves its military.
Azerbaijan reforms its Armed Forces post-independence.
Azerbaijan proclaims June 26 as Azerbaijan Armed Forces Day.
Azerbaijan Armed Forces Day FAQs
How many fighter jets does Azerbaijan have?
The Azerbaijani Air Force Inventory has 11 MiG-21 fighter jets, five of which are currently active.
How long is military service in Azerbaijan?
The length of military service is 18 months, and the compulsory service period is reduced from 18 to 12 months for university graduates.
How many soldiers are in Azerbaijan?
There is 126,400 active army personnel in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan Armed Forces Day Activities
Share on social media
Commemorate Azerbaijan's special holiday online. Share posts with friends and others who are celebrating.
Watch parades online or on T.V.
Find T.V. stations that may broadcast the event and settle down to observe and enjoy the national ceremony in Azerbaijan. You can also watch Azerbaijan parades online.
Honor those who are gone
Take the time to honor fallen soldiers of Azerbaijan who made the ultimate sacrifice for their people. Donate to organizations that support families of fallen Azerbaijan soldiers.
5 Interesting Facts About Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan shares borders with four countries
Azerbaijan shares its borders with Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Iran.
It’s located on two continents}Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country located at the boundary of Eastern Europe and western Asia.
Home to the famous Heydar Aliyev Center
Azerbaijan is home to the famous Heydar Aliyev Center — a modern architectural masterpiece.
350 volcanoes
Azerbaijan has a staggering amount of volcanoes — around 350, in fact.
The most gender-equal Muslim nation
Azerbaijan, being the first Muslim country to grant women the right to vote, is the most gender-equal Muslim nation.
Why We Love Azerbaijan Armed Forces Day
It fosters patriotism
The army serves, the army protects! Celebrating any military force in the world fosters a spirit of patriotism in us all.
It preserves Azerbaijan's history
We get to preserve a part of Azerbaijan's history by commemorating the anniversary day of the first establishment of the Azerbaijan army in 1918.
It celebrates freedom
June 26 also carries the air of celebration of freedom, freedom of a people to be as they desire. We celebrate and embrace the feeling of freedom.
Azerbaijan Armed Forces Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | June 26 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | June 26 | Thursday |
| 2026 | June 26 | Friday |
| 2027 | June 26 | Saturday |
| 2028 | June 26 | Monday |
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