In which year did Azerbaijan declare itself a secular republic?

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Azerbaijan declared itself a secular republic on May 28, 1918, when it established the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan (DRA), becoming the first secular democratic republic in the Muslim world. This declaration was a significant milestone in the country’s history, marking the establishment of a modern, independent state after centuries of foreign rule.

Context Leading to Independence
The declaration of Azerbaijan’s secular republic was a direct consequence of the disintegration of the Russian Empire following the February Revolution of 1917 and the October Revolution of 1917. The Russian Empire, which had long controlled Azerbaijan Phone Number List Azerbaijan, collapsed, leaving a power vacuum in the South Caucasus. In this context, nationalist movements gained strength in the region, and various political entities sought to assert their independence.

At the time, Azerbaijan was part of the South Caucasus, which also included Georgia and Armenia. Following the collapse of the Russian Empire, the Caucasian Democratic Federative Republic was briefly established in April 1918, which aimed to unify the three Caucasian nations—Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. However, this federation quickly dissolved due to differences among the nations, and Azerbaijan declared its independence as the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan (DRA) on May 28, 1918.

Secular Nature of the Republic
The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, under the leadership of the Azerbaijan Democratic Party, was declared a secular state, meaning that religion and religious institutions were separated from the government. The founders of the republic, particularly Mahammad Amin Rasulzadeh and other political leaders, advocated for a secular and democratic state that would allow freedom of religion and equal rights for all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.

This secular orientation was a defining characteristic of the newly formed republic, distinguishing it from many other states in the region that were closely tied to religious institutions. Azerbaijan’s secular nature was also reflected in its constitution, which guaranteed freedom of religion and sought to create a modern state based on democratic principles and the rule of law. The government also took steps to modernize the country, focusing on education, legal reforms, and the development of a national identity that embraced Azerbaijan’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious heritage.



Challenges and Collapse
Despite its progressive foundations, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan faced numerous challenges. The country was embroiled in the chaos of the Russian Civil War, with various factions vying for control, including Bolshevik forces from Soviet Russia. After just over two years of existence, the DRA was overtaken by Soviet forces, and Azerbaijan became part of the Soviet Union in 1920, marking the end of the first independent secular Azerbaijani republic.

Conclusion
Azerbaijan declared itself a secular republic on May 28, 1918, with the formation of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. This brief period of independence was marked by efforts to establish a modern, secular state based on democratic principles. Although the republic was short-lived, it remains a significant chapter in the history of Azerbaijan, as it laid the foundation for the country’s future aspirations for independence and secularism.