Military marches accompanied by military orchestras have concluded across various streets and avenues of the capital, marking the 108th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing AZERTAC, that the events began with a minute of silence to honor the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed to mark the commencement of the ceremonies.
The marches were organized along five distinct routes throughout Baku:
- Route I: Heydar Aliyev Palace - Bulbul Avenue - Nizami Cinema Center - Neftchilar Avenue - Azadlig Square - Marine Station.
- Route II: Alley of Martyrs - Flame Towers Complex - Chambarakand Park - Icherisheher Metro Station - Double Gates - Azerbaijan State Puppet Theatre - Azneft Circle - Bahram Gur Statue.
- Route III: G. Musabeyov Park - Abdurrahim bey Hagverdiyev Street - Huseyn Javid Avenue - Huseyn Javid Park - Parliament Avenue - Alley of Martyrs.
- Route IV: Olympic Star Sports and Entertainment Center - Samad Vurgun Street - Officers Park - Baku State Circus - Heydar Aliyev Palace - Imadaddin Nasimi Statue - Neftchilar Avenue.
- Route V: Nariman Narimanov Statue - Central Park - Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre - Winter Park - Heydar Aliyev Palace - Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan - 28 Mall Shopping Center.
The processions, featuring military personnel marching to patriotic songs, were met with significant public interest from residents and tourists alike. In addition to the capital, similar marches were held in the central streets, avenues, and squares of Sumgait, Ganja, Nakhchivan, Barda, Khankendi, Lachin, and Shusha.
Armed Forces Day in Azerbaijan is a significant national holiday commemorating the formation of the Azerbaijani National Army in 1918. It serves as a symbol of the country's sovereignty, military strength, and the professional development of its armed forces, which have played a pivotal role in ensuring the nation's security and territorial integrity.
