Constitution Day in Azerbaijan commemorates the adoption of the nation’s founding charter on 12 November 1995, drafted under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The text, built on principles of a democratic, constitutional, secular and unitary republic, set the framework for modern state-building and legal reform across the country.
After the restoration of independence in 1991, Azerbaijan experienced a difficult period of political turbulence and institutional weakness between 1991 and 1993. The return of Heydar Aliyev to leadership in 1993 is credited with restoring stability and public order, enabling the drafting and nationwide adoption of the Constitution through the 1995 referendum that now forms the basis of Constitution Day observances.
The Constitution’s Preamble affirms defence of state independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as core objectives. For nearly three decades the occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory constrained the full realisation of these principles, and restoring territorial integrity became a central national priority.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Constitution and comes as President Ilham Aliyev declared 2025 the Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty by decree on 28 December 2024. The declaration underscores ongoing efforts to reinforce constitutional principles, strengthen national unity and promote civic responsibility across society on Constitution Day and beyond.
