Since Azerbaijan lives according to the Gregorian calendar, New Year starts here on January 1st. New Year is celebrated in Azerbaijan in the same way as in most other countries of the world. On this day, New Year trees are decorated, people congratulate each other, and Santa Claus or Saita Klaus and Sne-V&O Gurochka give gifts to children. The New Year is celebrated at the festive table. It is believed that desires
wishes for the New Year will definitely come true.
On March 8, 1908, police dispersed a peaceful demonstration of women in New York. On the initiative of the leader of the German women's movement, Clara Zetkin, this day has been celebrated throughout the world since 1911. In Azerbaijan, International Women's Day began to be celebrated in 1917.
This holiday has the oldest traditions in Azerbaijan. Their roots go back to ancient times
time. At the state level, it began to be celebrated in 1921, when the resolution of the Azerbaijan Revolutionary Committee declared March 20-21 holidays. During the period of repression in the 1930s, the celebration of Nowruz at the state level was prohibited. Historical sources allow us to say that Novruz Bayram has been celebrated in Azerbaijan since the time of the Babylonian civilization - the 3rd millennium BC. By the decree of the Supreme Council of the Azerbaijan SSR dated March 13, 1990, the celebration of Novruz at the state level was resumed.
This day began to be celebrated after the end of World War II. On Stalin's initiative, it was decided to celebrate May 9 as the day when Nazi Germany signed the act of surrender. Since then, this holiday has been celebrated in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan played an important role in the victory over Nazi Germany. During the war, Azerbaijan supplied 70% of oil and oil products, as well as 85-90% of aviation fuel produced in the Soviet Union for Soviet air force. About 681,000 Azerbaijanis went to the front, about 250,000 of them died on the battlefields.
It is associated with the events of the early 20th century. On May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic republic in the East, was formed. But in April 1920, after the occupation of Azerbaijan by Soviet troops, the republic was abolished and the celebration of this day was prohibited. On May 19, 1990, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan, by its resolution, resumed the celebration of Republic Day on May 28.
On June 15, 1993, Heydar Aliyev was elected chairman of the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan. Having previously held the post of Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Heydar Aliyev saved the country from collapse and prevented a civil war in June 1993, when the very existence of the state was under threat. On June 27, 1997, the Milli Majlis (parliament) of Azerbaijan declared June 15 as the Day of National Salvation.
After the declaration of independence of Azerbaijan in 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic began to create its own army. On June 26, the Government of the Republic adopted a resolution to create the first national army unit - the Caucasian Islamic Army. But the Soviet occupation on April 28, 1920 prevented this. After the restoration of independence at the end of the 20th century, the President of Azerbaijan, by decree of May 22, 1998, declared June 26 as Armed Forces Day.
With the collapse Soviet Union In 1991, the Azerbaijani people gained independence - the struggle for national liberation, which they began in 1988, ended in victory. On October 18, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic adopted the constitutional act “On the restoration of state independence”, and a referendum on December 19 confirmed legal force this act. Since October 5, 1994, October 18 has been celebrated as Azerbaijan's Independence Day.
After the adoption of the first Constitution of the independent Republic of Azerbaijan on November 12, 1995, this date became significant and is celebrated annually as Constitution Day.
This important holiday, which is the result of the nation’s struggle for freedom and independence. It was on November 17, 1988 that the Azerbaijani people began to openly express their dissatisfaction with the country's policies by holding protest demonstrations. By decree of the President of Azerbaijan in November 1992, this day was designated as the Day of National Revival.
In the late 1980s, at a time when the Soviet regime was already collapsing, Azerbaijan began to make greater efforts to deepen ties with Azerbaijanis abroad, and primarily with those living in Iran and Turkey. It all started with the destruction of many kilometers of barbed wire barriers installed by Soviet troops between our countries. This historical event occurred on December 31, 1989, after the restoration of state independence of Azerbaijan. On the initiative of Heydar Aliyev, the then chairman of the Supreme Majlis of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, taking into account the enormous significance of this event, December 16, 1991, December 31 was declared the Day of International Solidarity of Azerbaijanis and has been celebrated since that time. This holiday plays an important role in establishing strong ties with Azerbaijanis living in different countries, helps strengthen their unity and solidarity.
Azerbaijanis also celebrate Islamic holidays - holy Ramadan and the holiday of Sacrifice - Eid al-Fitr, the dates of which are determined according to the Muslim calendar (Hijri). Holidays are also declared holidays.
Holidays and events of Azerbaijan 2020: the most important festivals and bright events, National holidays and events in Azerbaijan. Photos and videos, descriptions, reviews and timings.
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In Azerbaijan, the tradition of celebrating the New Year has been preserved twice: in the new style - from December 31 to January 1, and in the old style - from January 13 to 14. Moreover, both Christian and Muslim parts of the population take part in the celebrations.
The promotion of an active lifestyle among young people has led to the fact that every year on March 5 the whole country celebrates physical culture and sports. The most popular sports are football and chess; national types of wrestling are also very popular. On the day of the holiday, sports competitions and relay races are organized in parks and on the streets, in which anyone can take part.
Navruz is one of the most popular holidays, dedicated to the spring equinox and the renewal of nature. Since ancient times, the holiday has retained many traditions, including washing in the morning clean water from a river or stream, exchanging warm, sincere wishes and treating each other with sweets. In the morning you need to eat something sweet - usually honey or sugar, and then inhale the aromatic smoke - it is believed that this is how a person gets rid of evil spirits.
On festive table There must be seven dishes starting with the letter "s". There should also be a candle on the table - protection from evil forces, a mirror - a symbol of clarity, and a painted egg - a symbol of the globe - should be placed on it. As soon as the egg sways, it is considered that the year has begun and you can congratulate each other.
The May Flower Festival is an unforgettable and amazing event in the life of the country. Every year on May 10, crowds of people gather on the seaside boulevard to lay flowers at the grave of President Heydar Aliyev (the holiday is dedicated to his birthday). Throughout the National Park there are colorful flower arrangements, exhibitions of plants and unique birds; guests of the holiday create an exhibition of drawings on the asphalt with their own hands. The evening program includes a concert with performances by world celebrities and festive fireworks.
The May Flower Festival is one of the most exciting events of the year. Every year on May 10, the National Park hosts colorful flower arrangements, exhibitions of plants and unique birds. Guests of the holiday create an exhibition of drawings on the asphalt with their own hands.
On July 15, Baku celebrates Sabantuy, a holiday that came to Azerbaijan from Tatarstan. There is so much you can see in the city on this day - horse racing, songs, dances, sports competitions (those who want to do tug of war and run in sacks), as well as an accordion competition, wrestling competitions and much, much more.
National Music Day on September 18 is another wonderful occasion to enjoy live sound and the perfection of plasticity. During the festival, a folk orchestra, a youth symphony orchestra, and graduates of the opera and ballet theaters demonstrate their skills. The Azerbaijan Theater of Musical Comedy demonstrates its performances.
On October 26, the Pomegranate Festival is traditionally held in Goychay. The streets and parks of the city are decorated before the holiday, and all guests gather at the main festive site in the city center, where the pomegranate fair takes place widely. Here you can try wonderful juice and learn a lot of interesting things about the benefits and significance of this amazing fruit. Entertainment includes a concert and competitions - both sports and music and dance.
At the end of March, I found myself visiting my friends - an Azerbaijani family who had been living in Russia for quite some time. I dropped in for just a couple of minutes, but, in the best traditions of Caucasian hospitality, I was seated at the table. There was no point in refusing - especially since the receiving party had a really good reason: the family was celebrating a national holiday.
Which? But try to guess and imagine my confusion when the hostess - Gulnara - put a plate with colored eggs on the table and began to light candles.
And... where is the Easter cake? - I asked in bewilderment. - What is it, Easter? Although... wait... what is Easter in Islam... What are you celebrating?
Gulnara smiled:
Nowruz. Well, consider it... Maslenitsa!
Happy New Year!
The whole family laughed seeing my confusion. I absolutely did not understand what was happening. Finally, especially for me, the hospitable hosts conducted a short historical and cultural excursion into the traditions of national holidays of Azerbaijan. After which everything more or less fell into place. So, get ready: you will be surprised how much our peoples have in common.
The arrival of spring
Let's start with Novruz, the celebration of which I found myself. Its full name is Novruz Bayram, translated as “holiday of a new day.” Although in a broad sense it is still a New Year's holiday. It is celebrated for five days, including March 20 and March 21, the vernal equinox. Novruz has nothing to do with Islam, and therefore all numerous ethnic and religious groups celebrate it in Azerbaijan. Everyone rejoices at the arrival of spring and the fact that nature comes to life. Here it is - the starting point of the new year. Hence the tradition of painting eggs, symbolizing the birth of a new life. This custom is at least two and a half thousand years old: the ancient New Year was celebrated this way back in the first centuries BC throughout Persia.
In addition to colored eggs, the Novruz holiday table must include sweets, pilaf, semeni (wheat sprouted in a plate) and... a mirror. According to ancient belief, the Earth rests on the horns of a huge bull, but this bull periodically gets tired and once a year throws the planet from one horn to another. How do you know when he does this? Place the egg on the mirror: as soon as it swayed, the bull “threw” the Earth and the new year began.
And a mirror is an obligatory attribute of fortune telling. Azerbaijani girls, like Russian young ladies on Epiphany evening, are trying to find out who will become their betrothed. To do this, you need to get up in the middle of the night, light a candle and go to the mirror. You will see your future groom in it. Or here’s another way: before going to bed, you need to eat a salty flatbread and under no circumstances wash it down with anything. The betrothed will appear in a dream and bring water to the bride.
But the most common fortune telling these days is “gulag faly” or “fortune telling by ear.” This is when neighbors eavesdrop on each other. But not to find out secrets family life, but to interpret the future. If you hear favorable words in a fragment of a neighbor’s speech, the year will pass happily. That is why everyone tries to reconcile with each other in advance and talk only about good things.
No Novruz is complete without jumping over a fire. It also feels like something familiar, doesn’t it? A fire is lit in each yard, over which you need to jump 7 times to “burn away” all adversity.
And this holiday is unthinkable without the two main characters Kosy (Goatbeard) and Kechal (Bald). Drawing an analogy with our Maslenitsa, these are... buffoons who organize performances on the streets of cities. Kosa lives in the mountains and symbolizes winter, Kechal - the spring land from which the snow has melted. The heroes make fun of each other, and spring must win in their verbal duel.
State days
In addition to Novruz, the sacred Muslim holidays of Gurban Bayram (the end of the Hajj) and Ramadan Bayram (the end of the fast in Ramadan) are celebrated at the state level in Azerbaijan. These days are non-working days.
Some secular holidays remain from the times of the USSR. Here they still treat Victory Day with great respect and celebrate March 8th by watching “Office Romance.”
However, the holidays that truly unite all residents of Azerbaijan are “state days.” Here are the most important ones:
National Revival Day (November 17),
- Independence Day (October 18),
- National Flag Day (November 9),
- Day of National Salvation of the Azerbaijani People (June 15),
- Republic Day (May 28).
The last one on the list will be there very soon. This holiday is actually the country's first Independence Day, proclaimed back in 1918. Then the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed for only 2 years, but after the USSR collapsed, the holiday was revived.
Some names of Azerbaijani holidays sound unusual to us. What, for example, do the days of “national salvation” and “national revival” mean?
So, in order.
National Revival Day
29 years ago, on November 17, 1988, a rally of residents of the country dissatisfied with the policies of the Soviet Union took place on the main square of Baku. The demonstrators were concerned about the outbreak of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the influx of refugees. It was then that calls were made for the first time for Azerbaijan to secede from the USSR. Since then, November 17 has been considered the day of unification of Azerbaijanis and strengthening of the national spirit.
Day of National Salvation of the Azerbaijani People
The first years of the independent life of the young republic could not be called simple. The country was experiencing the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, an economic recession, and emigration of the population. But in 1993, Heydar Aliyev returned to govern Azerbaijan again, soon leading the state to economic prosperity and political stability. The day of the president's return here is called nothing less than the Day of National Salvation of the Azerbaijani People and is celebrated on June 15.
Heydar Aliyev is truly a national hero in the republic, and his birthday (May 10) is now also celebrated as the Flower Festival. This is an unofficial celebration, during which parks and boulevards are decorated with floral art objects.
Cultural holidays
National cultural holidays occupy a special place in the life of Azerbaijan: National Cinema Day, Azerbaijani Alphabet and Language Day, but above all, National Music Day. After all, it is the language of music that everyone understands without words. This holiday is celebrated on September 18, the birthday of Uzeyir Hajibeyov, composer, conductor and founder of many cultural reforms in the republic. Hajibeyov combined elements of national music with European classics and created the first operas in the Islamic world.
The modern musical tradition also does not deviate from these principles: folk elements are woven into symphonic works, opera, rock, jazz, popular songs and even... rap battles. However, as for the latter, this is not surprising, because in Azerbaijan there is an ancient custom of performing meykhana - a song composed on the spot, sung in recitative. “Come on, goodbye” remember? This is the real meykhana.
The main secret of such a song is “it must come from the heart.” Not a single festive Azerbaijani feast is complete without meykhana. The Novruz celebration, which I attended, was also no exception. The owner of the house in a recitative form told us how wonderful the coming of spring was, and how glad he was to see relatives and friends gathered at his table.
Unfortunately, I don’t know how to compose songs, but I can speak “from the heart in prose.” And therefore, here on the blog I would also like to thank Gulnara’s family for their hospitality, congratulate all Azerbaijanis on the upcoming Republic Day and wish them happiness, success, goodness and good luck!
Photo sources
www.rus24.news/culture/kak-projdet-novru z-bajram-v-kazani-programma/
www.bbc.com/russian/blog-krechetnikov-39 267824
www.az.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/23752 71.html
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/photo_albums/2042
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq51gXi49j8
