Azerbaijan Marks Constitution Day, Celebrates Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan today commemorates Constitution Day, marking the adoption of the country’s current Constitution on November 12, 1995, through a nationwide referendum. This landmark document solidified Azerbaijan’s legal framework as an independent and sovereign state, serving as the first Constitution following the restoration of the nation’s independence.
The Constitution of Azerbaijan, which is the foundation of the modern Republic, was drafted under the leadership of national leader Heydar Aliyev after the country regained independence. Prior to this, Azerbaijan had several constitutional iterations during its time as part of the USSR. The first Constitution of Azerbaijan was adopted on May 19, 1921, and later amended in 1925 and 1978 to align with the legal framework of the Soviet Union. Following independence, the need for a new, independent constitution became paramount. In 1994, a Constitutional Commission was formed, and the proposed draft was presented to the public before being adopted by popular vote on November 12, 1995.
The current Constitution consists of 5 sections, 12 chapters, and 158 articles, laying the groundwork for Azerbaijan’s democratic institutions and its commitment to human rights, economic development, and sovereignty. The Constitution has undergone amendments, including significant changes in 2002, 2009, and 2016, which were approved through referendums.
In a decree issued on February 6, 1996, President Heydar Aliyev officially declared November 12 as Constitution Day, a national holiday celebrating Azerbaijan’s constitutional achievements.
This year’s celebration holds additional significance, as it marks the fourth time Constitution Day is being observed in territories liberated from occupation. These lands, long controlled by adversarial forces, were reclaimed in a series of successful counteroffensive operations that began on September 27, 2020. The most recent actions to restore constitutional order took place in the Karabakh region in September 2023. Local anti-terror measures initiated on September 19, 2023, targeted the disarmament of Armenian forces and the neutralization of their military infrastructure, ensuring the safety of returning civilians and military personnel.
Within 23 hours, precision strikes dismantled key military positions, forcing the adversary to surrender and raising the white flag of capitulation. This decisive operation reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and restored constitutional order across the entirety of its territory.
Today, Azerbaijan celebrates both its Constitution Day and the continued progress in reclaiming its lands, underlining the enduring strength of its legal and constitutional framework.
