Azerbaijani National Day marked in Vancouver

Mayor of Vancouver Mr. Gregor Robertson has proclaimed May 28, 2012 as the Azerbaijani National Day in Vancouver. The official proclamation letter was handed by Vancouver City Councillor Mr. Tim Stevenson to the representatives of the Azerbaijani community who gathered in front of Vancouver City Hall to commemorate the most significant event in the history of the nation, the birth of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

On this day, exactly 94 years ago Azerbaijan became the first Muslim nation in the world to establish a democratic republic. It granted political rights to all of its citizens and allowed women to vote for the first time in 1919, thus predating most western countries including Canada, USA and United Kingdom in this major achievement. As stated in the proclamation signed by the Vancouver Mayor "estimated 40 million Azerbaijanis around the globe observe May 28th as the National Day of Azerbaijan and remember the contribution of their forefathers to the spread of freedom and democracy in the Caucasus and the greater region."


The ceremony today was also attended by the British Columbia Minister of State for Multiculturalism, Honourable, John Yap. In his speech to the participants Mr. Yap congratulated them with this significant achievement and noted "I was glad to learn about Azerbaijan's contribution to the spread of the democracy in the region, which we all appreciate very much". He also reminded that Canada is a land of opportunity where representatives of all nations can live together in harmony and celebrate their culture, history and traditions.

The ceremony continued with raising Azerbaijani flag in front of the City Hall and singing both Azerbaijan’s and Canada’s national anthems. The event also received considerable support from representatives of Turkish community in Vancouver. They came to celebrate this memorable day with their Azerbaijani brothers and also to remember over 2000 Turkish soldiers who scarified their lives for the independence of Azerbaijan.

All Azerbaijanis residing in Greater Vancouver area are thrilled to know that this important date in their history has received significant acknowledgement from the political establishments in Canada. 


/Today.Az/