Official State Flag (banner) of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The flag dates back to the brief period of Azerbaijani independence between 1918-1920 and replaces the one used in the Soviet era. The white crescent and eight-pointed star were internationally similar to the emblem on the Turkish flag. because Turkey has traditionlly been an ally of the country. The eight points on the flag's star stand for the eight groups of the Turkic-speaking peoples: the Azeris, Ottomans, Jagatais, Tatars, Kipchaks, seljuks, and Turcomans.
Blue is often associated with the
Green is the traditional color of Islam
Red recalls European influence
Each point of the star represents a Turkic people
Turkic people The colors represent the Azerrbaijani motto
"Turkify, Islamize, and Europeanize"

Arms of Azerbaijan
The coat of arms, adopted in1993, is set on a round shield in the colors of the flag
The flame at thew star's center symbolizes anew era. The shield is in the color of the national flag; blue, red, and green. The star has eight points, each representing one of the eight Turkic peoples. The golden ear or corn reflects Azerbaijan's agriculture.

National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Music by Uzeyir Hajibeyov
Lirics by Ahmed Javad
Aserbaijan, Azerbaijan
You are the country of heroes!
We will die so that you might be alive!
We will shed our blood to defend you!
Long live your three-coloured banner!
Thousands of people sacrificed their lives
You've become the field of battles.
Every soldier fighting for you,
Has become a hero.
We pray for your prosperety,
We will sacrifice our lives to you
Our sincere love to you,
Comes from the bottom of our hearts.
To defend your honour,
To hoist your banner,
All the young people are ready.
Glorious motherland,
Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan.

Public Holidays in Azerbaijan

Jan 1 2001 New Year's Day.
Jan 20 Day of the Martyrs.
Mar 8 International Women's Day; Kurban Bayram (Feast of the Sacrifice).
Mar 21 Novruz Bayramy.
May 9 Victory Day.
May 28 Republic Day.
Jun 15 Day of National Salvation.
Jun 26 Army Day.
Oct 18 Day of Independence.
Nov 12 Constitution Day.
Nov 17 Day of National Revival.
Dec 21 Day of Azeri Solidarity; Ramazan Bayram (End of Ramadan).
Jan 1 2002 New Year's Day.
Jan 20 Day of the Martyrs.
Feb 25 Kurban Bayram (Feast of the Sacrifice).
Mar 8 International Women's Day.
Mar 21 Novruz Bayramy.
May 9 Victory Day.
May 28 Republic Day.
Jun 15 Day of National Salvation.
Jun 26 Army Day.
Oct 18 Day of Independence.
Nov 12 Constitution Day.
Nov 17 Day of National Revival.
Dec 11 Ramazan Bayram (End of Ramadan).
Dec 31 Day of Azeri Solidarity.

Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the Moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Ramazan Bayram, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Ramazan Bayram itself. Ramazan Bayram and Kurban Bayram may last up to several days, depending on the region. For more information see the appendix World of Islam.