June 15 Marks National Salvation Day in Azerbaijan

Baku, The Gulf Observer: June 15 is celebrated as National Salvation Day in Azerbaijan, commemorating a pivotal moment in the nation’s contemporary history. According to media reports, the day honors the events of June 1993, when Azerbaijan was on the brink of civil war due to a complicated socio-political situation.

In June 1993, the 709th military unit stationed in Ganja defied the orders of the Defense Ministry, prompting the government to dispatch troops to quell the uprising. However, the revolt escalated beyond control, with rebels advancing towards Baku and demanding a change in power. Faced with the imminent threat of civil war, the government, led by the Azerbaijan Popular Front and Musavat parties, sought the assistance of Heydar Aliyev.

Heydar Aliyev, a distinguished public and political figure who was then the speaker of the Nakhchivan Supreme Majlis (parliament), responded to the government’s urgent call for help and arrived in Baku on June 9. Demonstrating remarkable leadership, Aliyev undertook the mission to prevent civil war, traveling to Ganja at great personal risk. Through his negotiations, he successfully averted further civil confrontation.

On June 15, Heydar Aliyev was elected chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Azerbaijan, marking the beginning of a new and prosperous era in the country’s history. This date has since been recognized as National Salvation Day, symbolizing the nation’s triumph over internal conflict and the start of a new chapter under Aliyev’s leadership.

National Salvation Day has been celebrated as a national holiday in Azerbaijan since 1998, honoring the legacy of Heydar Aliyev and the country’s path to stability and growth.