Azerbaijan National Salvation Day, celebrated annually on June 15, occupies an important place in the modern history of Azerbaijan. This day marks the return to power of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in 1993 — a historic moment that played a decisive role in preserving the country's independence, restoring political stability, and determining the path of the country's further development.
After regaining independence on October 18, 1991, Azerbaijan faced a series of internal and external challenges, with a real prospect of losing the existence of the state. Military aggression from Armenia, economic decline, and an internal government crisis culminated in June 1993. The situation in the army was also critical, with an increasing number of cases of desertion from military units. Armed groups and various individuals were fighting for power, while the country was facing a deep internal political crisis. The military unit stationed in Ganja (the second largest city in the country) refused to obey the orders of the Ministry of Defense, and the government sent military troops to Ganja to suppress the uprising. As a result of a negligent policy, the scale of the uprising expanded and got out of control. The rebels were marching towards Baku, demanding a change of power. The then government, led by the Popular Front of Azerbaijan and the Musavat party, realized that it was no longer able to prevent the threat of a war.
In these turbulent times, the country needed a strong-willed, visionary, and experienced leader who could deal with the existing crisis and prevent a possible clash. When the government and people of Azerbaijan believed that national statehood was on the verge of collapse, they demanded a change of power, entrusting the fate of the country to the outstanding political leader Heydar Aliyev, who at that time was the chairman of the Supreme Council of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan (the regional parliament).
Thus, on June 15, 1993, in response to a national call, Heydar Aliyev returned to Baku and took over the leadership of the country at a time when the very existence of Azerbaijani statehood was at stake. His wise and decisive leadership restored constitutional order, stabilized the political situation, and laid the foundation for economic reforms and the building of strong state institutions.
It is noteworthy that, having undertaken the mission to protect the country from civil war, Heydar Aliyev set off for Ganja, risking his life, and as a result of negotiations, he managed to prevent the escalation of the civil conflict. The appropriate steps taken during that politically difficult moment guaranteed the preservation of Azerbaijan's independence.
On June 15, 1993, Heydar Aliyev, in his speech to the Milli Majlis (Parliament), focused on ways to develop a strategy for consolidating the state. Subsequently, he drafted and implemented this plan.
If independence represented the first step to be achieved, its defense and development were the second and equally important steps. On October 3, 1993, he was elected President of the Republic through a nationwide vote.
June 15 entered the history of independent Azerbaijan as the Day of National Salvation. This holiday received official status in 1997, and since 1998 it has been celebrated as a national holiday.
Azerbaijan National Salvation Day is not only a commemoration of a turning point in Azerbaijan's political history, but also a commemoration of the people's resilience, unity, and commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peace. Today, Azerbaijan continues to build on this legacy, aiming for sustainable development, strengthening national power, and regional cooperation.
