Edited by Anna Popper
12 November 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is no coincidence that President Ilham Aliyev, by decree of 28 December 2024, declared 2025 the “Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty” in Azerbaijan. This significant milestone represents an important stage in the development of modern Azerbaijani statehood and holds particular importance in strengthening the values of legal governance and national sovereignty.
The 30th anniversary provides an opportunity for deeper reflection on the Constitution’s role in state governance and for reinforcing its place in the public consciousness. As the Fundamental Law of the state, the Constitution defines the basic principles of the state structure, determines the scope and limits of state authority, and outlines the general directions of national policy. For these reasons, constitutions occupy a special place in the political and social life of every nation.
Although several constitutions were adopted throughout Azerbaijan’s history, the earlier versions were created when Azerbaijan was a union republic within a totalitarian system. Consequently, those documents did not reflect the true will of the people, their national interests, or the principles of modern international human rights.
Following the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the Constitutional Act “On the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” adopted on 18 October of that year, provided for the preparation of a new Constitution. However, the socio-political instability of the early independence period delayed its realization. The newly independent state faced severe challenges – a deep political crisis, economic decline, and the consequences of Armenia’s military aggression. Internal instability and a governance crisis posed serious threats to Azerbaijan’s independence and sovereignty.
The return of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to power in 1993 became a decisive turning point in preserving Azerbaijan’s independence and shaping it as a sovereign state. Thanks to the political course initiated and implemented by Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan strengthened its international standing, achieved political stability, and carried out profound legal and economic reforms. One of the most important milestones in building a democratic and lawful state was the adoption of the first Constitution of independent Azerbaijan.
Heydar Aliyev played an exceptional role in initiating, preparing, and ensuring the adoption of this Constitution. On 2 May 1995, by decision of the Milli Majlis (the National Assembly), the composition of the commission tasked with drafting the new Constitution was approved. The commission, chaired by Heydar Aliyev himself, included distinguished public and political figures, scholars, and legal experts. Emphasizing the importance of creating a truly enduring and progressive document, Heydar Aliyev stated: “We must prepare such a draft and finally adopt such a Constitution that will be the Fundamental Law – a historical document ensuring the long-term and stable existence of the independent Republic of Azerbaijan on the basis of democratic principles.”
The commission conducted a comprehensive study of the constitutional models of developed democratic states and, within a short period, prepared the draft Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This draft was presented for public discussion on 15 October 1995, and less than a month later, on 12 November 1995, the first national Constitution of independent Azerbaijan was adopted in a nationwide referendum, receiving the support of 94.5 percent of voters.
This marked the adoption of the first independent Constitution of Azerbaijan – the supreme law ensuring the country’s existence as a democratic, legal, and secular state. As the foundation of the nation’s legal system, the Constitution enshrines the principles of the rule of law, human and civil rights and freedoms, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It laid the groundwork for the establishment of a modern legal framework and continues to guide the country’s development in accordance with international law.
Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has achieved historic victories – notably in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020 and the local counter-terror operation of 19-20 September 2023. Thanks to the courage and heroism of Azerbaijani soldiers and officers, the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty were fully restored, reaffirming the Constitution across all liberated territories.
Today, the Republic of Azerbaijan continues to pursue an independent and principled foreign policy guided by national interests, the Constitution, and sovereign rights. Under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, the nation is confidently advancing toward its long-term strategic goals amid new geopolitical realities.
As a result of the agreements on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, reached during the 8 August 2025 meeting of the leaders of the United States, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, signed at the White House in Washington, D.C., the South Caucasus – leaving behind decades of conflict – stands on the threshold of becoming a region of cooperation and shared development. This vision has been made possible by the steadfast leadership and constitutional foundations of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Victory Day of Azerbaijan Celebrated in Hungary
On the 7th November 2025, the 5th anniversary of Victory Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan (8 November) was celebrated in the Hungarian capital with a solemn and spirited event honouring one of the most significant milestones in Azerbaijan’s modern history.
Jointly organised by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Budapest and the Azerbaijani House in Budapest, with support from the Fund for Support to Azerbaijani Diaspora, the gathering brought together Azerbaijanis living and studying in Hungary, representatives of Hungarian government institutions, parliament, academia, and the media, as well as members of the diplomatic corps – including the ambassadors of Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
A Day of National Pride
Opening the ceremony, His Excellency Tahir Taghizade, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Hungary described Victory Day as “one of the brightest and most glorious pages in Azerbaijan’s history,” symbolizing the unity, determination, and heroism of its people.
He recalled that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Army ended the 30-year occupation of the country’s lands during the 44-day Patriotic War, restoring both territorial integrity and historical justice.
Ambassador Taghizade underlined that the victory carried multiple dimensions – a triumph for Azerbaijan, reaffirming international law and sovereignty; a success for the region, contributing to lasting stability; and a win for the global community, strengthening energy security. He also described it as a “victory for Armenia,” noting that it paved a way out of isolation.
Referring to the trilateral summit in Washington on 8 August 2025, between the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the United States, the Ambassador called it a major step toward a comprehensive and durable peace.
Honouring the Flag and the Future
Speaking on the eve of National Flag Day (9 November), Ambassador Taghizade highlighted that the Azerbaijani tricolour – “a symbol of independence, national identity, and spiritual values” – now flies proudly over all liberated territories.
He also outlined the country’s reconstruction and resettlement efforts in these regions, thanking Hungary for its support in rebuilding and facilitating thereturn of internally displaced persons to their homes.
Voices of Unity
Ibrahim Safarli, Director of the Azerbaijani House in Budapest, opened in 2019, spoke about the enduring meaning of Victory Day for Azerbaijanis worldwide.
He emphasized the renewed sense of national pride and solidarity that followed the victory, noting that National Flag Day has since become a celebration of unity and resilience.
Celebrating with Music
The cultural segment of the event, titled “Victory in Harmony,” featured acclaimed pianist Ayan Mammadli, winner of international competitions and Grand Prix award, and young talent Sona Agharzayeva. They performed a selection of Azerbaijani folk melodies and classical works by Azerbaijani and international composers, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The evening concluded with video presentations dedicated to Victory Day, leaving guests inspired by Azerbaijan’s achievements, resilience, and progress in the past years.
On the momentous occasion of the Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan and to the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Budapest, under the esteemed leadership of H.E. Mr. Tahir Taghizade, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Hungary.
May this significant anniversary further strengthen the spirit of national unity and uphold the enduring principles of independence and sovereignty that continue to guide Azerbaijan’s success and its invaluable contribution to lasting regional peace and prosperity.
Source: Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani House in Budapest
