International Solidarity Day in Azerbaijan, observed annually on December 31, is a significant national holiday that fosters unity among Azerbaijanis both within the country and across the globe. The origins of this special day can be traced back to December 16, 1991, shortly after Azerbaijan declared independence from the Soviet Union. It was during this pivotal time that Heydar Aliyev, who would later become the country’s president, proposed the idea of a national day dedicated to unity.
The establishment of International Solidarity Day in 1992 was inspired by two landmark events that took place on December 31, 1989. First, Istanbul hosted the inaugural First Congress of World Azerbaijanis, which aimed to strengthen ties among Azerbaijanis worldwide. Second, a historic act of solidarity occurred when Azerbaijani residents courageously dismantled the border fence that separated Soviet Azerbaijan from Iran in the Nakhchivan SSR. This bold move allowed them to reunite with their fellow Azerbaijanis living in Iran for the first time in decades. At that time, an estimated 8 million Azerbaijanis resided in Iran, compared to approximately 6.8 million in Soviet Azerbaijan.
International Solidarity Day serves as a powerful reminder of the shared national, cultural, political, and spiritual values that unite Azerbaijanis everywhere. With a significant portion of the Azerbaijani population residing outside their homeland—most notably in Iran, which is home to over 12 million Azerbaijanis—this day acts as an essential bridge connecting the diaspora to their roots. It reinforces the notion that, regardless of geographic boundaries, the Azerbaijani spirit remains steadfast and united.
Celebrations of International Solidarity Day are vibrant and diverse, featuring cultural events, traditional feasts, and gatherings that bring together Azerbaijanis in Azerbaijan and around the world.
After Azerbaijan regained its independence from the Soviet Union, Martyrs’ Day was officially declared a national holiday. In 2010, the government honored the memory of the victims by establishing a memorial in the Yasamal District of Baku. This memorial, known as Shekhid Alley (Martyrs’ Lane), features the names of each national hero who perished during the Black January events inscribed on its walls, serving as a lasting tribute to their bravery.
Every year, on January 20, the people of Azerbaijan come together to commemorate this tragic event with a large, solemn procession to the memorial. Participants lay flowers and pay their respects, honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the pursuit of justice and freedom.