World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day (December 31): History & Meaning
World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day is celebrated on December 31. It is a public holiday in Azerbaijan dedicated to the unity of Azerbaijanis around the world, and it is celebrated together with New Year’s Eve.
| Name | World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day |
|---|---|
| When | Every year on December 31 |
| Next date | Thursday, December 31, 2026 · in 47 days |
| Type | Public Holidays |
| Observed in | 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan |
| Topic | Culture & HeritagePatriotic & History |
| First observed | 1991 |
| Public holiday? | Yes |
| Key facts | |
|---|---|
| Date | December 31 every year |
| Established | 1991 |
| Marks | Events of December 31, 1989 on the Soviet–Iranian border in Nakhchivan |
| Holiday type | Public holiday in Azerbaijan |
| Celebrated by | Azerbaijanis in Azerbaijan and the diaspora |
Origins of the Day
On December 31, 1989, crowds in the Nakhchivan region dismantled border installations along the Araz River between the Soviet Union and Iran, wanting to reunite with relatives living on the other side. In 1991, the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic declared December 31 the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis, and it became a national holiday after Azerbaijan’s independence.
Azerbaijanis Around the World
Large Azerbaijani communities live in Iran, Russia, Türkiye, Georgia, Germany, the United States and many other countries. The day celebrates their shared language, music, culture and heritage.
How the Day Is Celebrated
- Festive concerts with mugham music, a UNESCO-recognised art form.
- Diaspora events and cultural gatherings worldwide.
- New Year’s Eve celebrations with fireworks over the Caspian Sea in Baku.
- Traditional dishes such as plov, dolma and shakarbura.
👉 Same day: New Year’s Eve
👉 Same day: Hogmanay
Azerbaijan at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | Baku, on the Caspian Sea |
| Population | About 10 million |
| Nickname | “Land of Fire” — from its natural gas fires such as Yanar Dag |
| UNESCO heritage | Walled City of Baku, Gobustan rock art, Sheki historic centre |
| Music | Mugham, a UNESCO-recognised improvised musical tradition |
Azerbaijan’s National Holidays
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year | January 1–2 |
| Novruz Bayram | March 20–24 |
| Independence Day | May 28 |
| Victory Day | November 8 |
| Flag Day | November 9 |
| World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day | December 31 |
Novruz and Year-End Traditions
While Novruz in spring is Azerbaijan’s most important traditional holiday, the winter season brings New Year trees, family dinners and gifts. December 31 combines national pride with festive celebrations, and many Azerbaijanis abroad gather in community centres to mark the day together.
When is World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day?
World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day is observed every year on December 31. Here are the dates for the coming years:
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Countdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 31, 2026 | Thursday | in 47 days |
| 2027 | December 31, 2027 | Friday | in 412 days |
| 2028 | December 31, 2028 | Sunday | in 778 days |
| 2029 | December 31, 2029 | Monday | in 1143 days |
| 2030 | December 31, 2030 | Tuesday | in 1508 days |
| 2031 | December 31, 2031 | Wednesday | in 1873 days |
FAQ
It is celebrated every year on December 31.
It recalls the events of December 31, 1989, when people in Nakhchivan dismantled border installations on the Soviet–Iranian border.
Yes, it is a public holiday in Azerbaijan, celebrated together with New Year’s Eve.
It was established in 1991.