The conference began with the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a moment of silence to honor the memory of the genocide victims and brave sons who sacrificed their lives for their homeland. A short documentary film paying tribute to the devoted individuals of the Republic was screened, setting the stage for the proceedings.
Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, the director of the complex, welcomed the guests and expressed her wishes for the success of the conference. She highlighted the significance of May 28, 1918, when Azerbaijan declared itself as the first democratic, legal, and secular state in the Muslim East. This declaration and the subsequent reforms marked a period of significant socio-cultural, economic progress, and the development of civil society, reflecting Azerbaijan’s strong statehood traditions and innovative spirit.
Ibrahim Zeynalov, the dean of the Faculty of History, underscored the historical importance of establishing a parliament in the Muslim East at the beginning of the 20th century. He noted that the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic’s parliament, though active for a brief period, left a lasting legacy in Azerbaijani history and serves as a source of pride for the nation.
Throughout the conference, historians and researchers presented scientific articles and engaged in discussions on various aspects of the Azerbaijan People’s Republic. The primary aim of the conference was to revisit the history of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, commemorate the 20th-century genocide, promote scientific and historical development in the region, and foster collaboration among scholars researching the Republic’s activities.
