Thursday, May 28, 2009

28th of May - Republic Day in Azerbaijan

28th of May is celebrated as Republic Day in Azerbaijan, the day when Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was declared, Act of Independence of Azerbaijan was adopted...in 1918...first Democratic Republic in the Orient...Republic lasted then for 23 months only...Soviet Army rushed in and following 70 years or so were spent "under" supervision of "big brother"...

The second time Republic was declared in 1991. Years that are left behind were not easy. Doubtful socialism was replaced by hasty capitalism...people were "lost in transition", beliefs were shaken...other "well-wishers" jumped in....borders opened...anything that reminded of any structure was not working and had to be build up again...generations that lived most of their life times in Soviet Union found it very hard to adapt...

Today is 28th of May of year 2009. People always have objective and subjective reasons to prefer the past or present times...what can I say? I never had a big brother per se...I had people around me that could give advice and show the way but I was free to make my own decisions, choices, mistakes and little victories. I prefer to take my own responsibility and be free. I guess the same applies to my country. Azerbaijan has rich history, natural and human resources and potential...the land that it is located on as any other land does not need much but only to be taken care of...people that live here want to make their own choices, travel, study, work, have families and enjoy life, peaceful life...they hope not to become victims of politics and wars...

It is a beautiful early summer evening in Baku...I had a nice walk in the city...Baku wind was cool and refreshing...city was not very crowded as it is a holiday...everything was very peaceful...I was thinking about my little post...people that were/are struggling to create a democratic and free Republic were/are most probably trying to create something similar...that people just like I could safely wander in the city, have tea in cafes, have freedom to study and work, make their little and big choices...and be themselves with pride and honor...I was passing by a flagpole, I looked up at the flag and it felt nice as always...I hope our colorful flag (blue stands for "Turkic", red for "modern, progressive", green for "Islam") always waves proudly and freely...in blue skies of Azerbaijan Republic…
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Thursday, May 21, 2009

May in Sheki, Azerbaijan...

Weather in Azerbaijan starts getting really nice in May…anyone who has the opportunity travels to the regions to enjoy refreshing weather, bright colors and nature overall…
My family and friends also managed to escape to Sheki and brought me some pictures that I want to share with you…
May is a season of poppies…Fields of these gentle flowers are everywhere…it is preferable not to gather these flowers since they “die” very quickly as soon they are gathered…they are meant to be watched/observed/enjoyed/adored with no interference…
Last day of April this year was very tragic for Azerbaijan…then as it always happens life went one, spring brought back hopes and optimism. 9th of May (Victory Day in Azerbaijan) reminded victory over fascism, of those who sacrificed their lives for future of their countries and children hoping that future generations will be wiser not to make wars but enjoy life…
Gift that we received during this May is 3rd place that Azerbaijan got in Eurovision contest. Imagine what kind of euphoria it brought to this relatively newly independent country. Yes, we know that Eurovision is not only about music but still it felt great that countries did vote for our song…Big thanks to all supporters of our song "Always" performed by Aysel and Arash...!!! and enjoy the photos :)

beautiful Sheki...beautiful Azerbaijan...
don't interfere...nature took care of it all...
fields of poppies...to adore...nothing else...
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