On May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic - the first secular democratic state in the Muslim East - was established under the leadership of Muhammad Amin Rasulzadeh. Our nation will never forget outstanding statesmen, patriotic intellectuals, and professional soldiers such as Alimardan bey Topchubashov, Muhammad Amin Rasulzade, Fatali Khan Khoyski, Hasan bey Aghayev, Nasib bey Yusifbeyli, Samad bey Mehmandarov, Aliaga Shikhlinski, who made great contributions to the establishment and functioning of the People's Republic. After the collapse of the Soviet Empire in 1991, the independence of our state was restored under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. Paying special attention to the place and role of the Azerbaijan People's Republic in our history, Heydar Aliyev said: "We cherish the day of the establishment of the first Democratic Republic and declared it the day of state independence of Azerbaijan - Republic Day, and this is our national holiday." From October 15, 2021, the name of Republic Day was changed to Independence Day. Today, our independence, preserved by the great leader Heydar Aliyev, is further strengthened by the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and its perpetuity is ensured. Thanks to the President, our Commander-in-Chief and the brave Azerbaijani Army, the people of Azerbaijan are already welcoming May 28 - Independence Day as a victorious nation. This holiday is also celebrated in the lands liberated from the Armenian occupation. Our tricolor flag flies proudly in our native Karabakh - Shusha, Aghdam, Zangilan, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Kalbajar, Gubadli, and Lachin.