October 18 – Restoration of Independence Day

On October 18, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted the Constitutional Act on the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. With this historic document, Azerbaijan restored its independence and began to be recognized by the international community.

This act marked the realization of the Azerbaijani people’s aspirations for freedom, the restoration of national statehood, and the foundation of the modern independent Republic of Azerbaijan.

Every year, October 18 – Restoration of Independence Day is commemorated with special respect by the Azerbaijani community in Barcelona.

Celebration in Barcelona – October 18, 2018

On October 18, 2018, an event dedicated to Azerbaijan’s State Independence Day was held in Barcelona, Spain.

Organized by the “Azerbaijani Society in Barcelona” (ASB), the ceremony began with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Spain.

In his speech, ASB Chairman Karim Karimov spoke about Azerbaijan’s independence, stressing the country’s commitment to international law and the importance of European nations supporting Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity under the same principles.

Lawyer Javier Medina Ortiz, member of the Barcelona Bar Association, also addressed the audience, highlighting the development of Azerbaijan–Spain relations and reaffirming Spain’s consistent support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity regarding the Karabakh issue.

Official guests included Francisco Bañeres - Chief Prosecutor of Catalonia, Pedro Ariche - Special Prosecutor for Financial Crimes in Catalonia, Antonio Recio - President of the Barcelona Provincial Court, Maria de los Llanos de Luna, former Government Delegate in Catalonia, Lieutenant Colonel Bruno Alonso, Head of Catalonia’s Recruitment Committee, Juan Manuel Trayter, FC Barcelona Board Member, Rafa Entrena, former Vice-President of Espanyol Football Club, Albert Batlle, former Director General of Mossos d’Esquadra, Barcelona City Councilor, and Sports Secretary of the Generalitat, Manuel Silva, member of Spain’s State Council, former Catalan MP, and Deputy of the Spanish Congress, Santi Tarin, Editor of La Vanguardia, Enric Sierra, Digital Director of La Vanguardia, Journalists Tomas Guasch and Quique Guasch, along with several lawyers and media representatives.