Azerbaijan marks National Revival Day

Azerbaijan today marks National Revival Day, commemorating the start of the “Square Movement” on 17 November 1988, widely viewed as the beginning of the country’s national liberation movement.

On that day, hundreds of thousands gathered in Baku’s Freedom Square to protest Moscow’s double standards and Armenia’s territorial claims. The demonstrations continued for 17 days, mobilising millions and becoming one of the largest public protests in the Soviet Union.

Researchers say the movement played a significant role in accelerating the collapse of the USSR. Although Soviet troops dispersed the rally overnight on 4–5 December, the events are regarded as a key milestone on Azerbaijan’s path to independence.

National Revival Day is officially observed but has been a working day since legislative changes in 2006.

N.Tebrizli