ABSTRACT
On May 28, 1919, Azerbaijan solemnly celebrated the first anniversary of its declaration of independence. The press featured articles about the importance of independence and its role in the destiny of the nation. At a special session of Parliament, the acting chairman, Hasan Bey Aghayev, made a brief congratulatory speech:
Dear visitors! One year ago, on May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijani National Council was homeless, like a bird whose nest had been destroyed. Our independence was proclaimed in the Orient Hotel in Tiflis, two days after Georgia declared independence. The Azerbaijani National Council expected that this event would be a source of happiness for the Azerbaijani people. Was that reality, or was it an illusion? If we consider the life of independent Azerbaijan during the last year, we can see the National Council’s hopes and its expectations for the nation as a reality. Concerning the threat posed from the north by the Volunteer Army, Aghayev said that Azerbaijanis were “ready to defend their independence, ready to offer their life, property, and blood, not fearing enemies or threats from any side.” 1
