NOVEMBER 11, 2025 — Azerbaijan’s government and diaspora communities held a series of commemorations this week for Victory Day on November 8 and National Flag Day on November 9, two state holidays marking key moments in the country’s recent history.
The Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the national flag in 1918 by the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
At the Presidential Library in Baku, officials and staff gathered for a formal ceremony that included the national anthem and a moment of silence for those who died during the 2020 conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, reports the Azerbaijan State News Agency. Speakers later discussed the role of national identity, the army’s performance during the war, and the symbolism of the national flag.
In the capital, the Azerbaijan Cycling Federation and government offices co-organized a cycling event from State Flag Square to Victory Park, says AzerNews. More than 300 cyclists and para-athletes participated, concluding the ride with flower-laying and cultural performances. Federation officials described the purpose of the event as encouraging respect for the national symbols and promoting cycling among the public.
The library also launched an online exhibition called “November 8 – Victory Day,” showcasing materials on the 44-day conflict, as well as a book display titled “Victory Day” featuring historical and political publications related to the war and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
Across the Azerbaijani diaspora, related activities took place in several countries. According to Report İnformasiya Agentliyi, the national flag was raised at Bowling Green Park on Wall Street in New York City to mark the fifth anniversary of Victory Day. Organized by the Azerbaijan–New York Association and attended by diaspora members and students, the ceremony featured speeches about the war and its impact, followed by the flag hoisting to the national anthem. The flag will remain at the site for ten days.
Trend News Agency says that Niagara Falls in Canada was illuminated in the colours of Azerbaijan’s flag on the evening of November 9, a gesture arranged by the Azerbaijani Embassy to honour National Flag Day.
