Founder of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Mehmet Emin Resulzade
Founder of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Mehmet Emin Resulzade
The memory of Resulzade, the man behind the famous words, "Once a flag is raised, it will never be lowered," is honored both in Azerbaijan and in Turkey, where he spent a part of his life.
Resulzade, who played a significant role in shaping the national identity of Azerbaijan, recognized as the first democratic republic in the Muslim East, dedicated his life to independence and the enlightenment of society through his journalistic and political activities. His legacy is cherished both in Azerbaijan and in Turkey, where he lived for a period.
Resulzade, whose slogan "Once a flag is raised, it will never be lowered" became a symbol of independence for Azerbaijanis, was born on January 31, 1884, in the village of Novkhani near Baku.
From a young age, Resulzade was involved in politics, working with anti-Tsarist political parties and organizations and writing for various newspapers and magazines. Facing pressure from the Tsarist regime, he moved to Iran in 1909, where he engaged in journalism and politics. After the constitutional regime in Iran was abolished, Resulzade faced further oppression and was forced to leave for Turkey in 1911.
Later, Resulzade returned to Baku and joined the Musavat Party, becoming its Chairman in 1917.
Signed the Agreement with the Ottoman Empire on Behalf of Azerbaijan
In 1918, Resulzade was elected Chairman of the National Council formed by Azerbaijani intellectuals. On May 28, 1918, the National Council officially declared the establishment of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Resulzade signed the friendship and cooperation agreement between Azerbaijan and the Ottoman Empire on behalf of Azerbaijan on June 4, 1918. On June 18, 1918, a delegation led by Resulzade arrived in Istanbul to attend a conference introducing the newly established Caucasus states. On September 15, 1918, the Ottoman army, known as the "Caucasus Islamic Army," liberated Baku from Armenian and Bolshevik gangs, and the news was delivered to Resulzade by Enver Pasha, the Ottoman Minister of War.
Returning to Baku, Resulzade, though not part of the government, actively worked in the parliament as the Chairman of the Musavat Party and guided the government's activities.
Resulzade Settled in Turkey in 1947 and Became a Turkish Citizen
After the Bolsheviks occupied Azerbaijan, Resulzade was arrested and taken to Moscow. Despite Stalin's insistence, he refused to cooperate and left the Soviet Union.
Resulzade lived in France, Finland, Poland, and Germany, where he published anti-Soviet materials and worked to inform the world about Azerbaijan's occupation. In 1947, he settled in Turkey and became a Turkish citizen by a decision of the Council of Ministers.
In Ankara, Resulzade founded the Azerbaijan Cultural Association in 1949 and continued to raise awareness about his country's situation through books and conferences.
Resulzade passed away on March 6, 1955, in Ankara and was buried in Cebeci Asri Cemetery.
The Azerbaijan Cultural Association, founded by Resulzade and headquartered in Ankara, continues to operate in Turkey. Resulzade's memory is also honored in Turkey through streets and avenues named after him in many cities and districts, as well as at the Mehmet Emin Resulzade Anatolian High School in Çankaya, Ankara.