Azerbaijani nation with its rich and ancient history has been often subjected to foreign intervention, its lands have been aggressed and divided over and over, it has been deprived of state independence and freedom. According to the Gulustan (1813) and Turkmenchay (1828) Treaties, people of Azerbaijan and their historic lands have been divided between Russia and Iran.

During 70 years under USSR, colonial policy was carried out against Azerbaijan and people of Azerbaijan have been subjected to persecution and mass acts of punishment. Soviet Empire's policy aimed at isolation of Azerbaijanies worldwide considered panturkism as a harmful trend in Oriental world and tried to restrict and cut relations amongst Turkish nations living in the Soviet Union and worldwide.

As a demonstration of this policy barbed wires on the border were separating people of Azerbaijan. But Azerbaijanies were continuing their struggle for state, national and moral unity and independence.

In November of 1989 in Nakhchivan (the autonomous republic under the Republic of Azerbaijan ) once again expressing the will of population was decided to eradicate watchtowers and barbed wires on the border so that to restore humanitarian, cultural, economic and family ties amongst Northern and Southern Azerbaijan. For the first time relatives and compatriots living on both sides of Araz gained the opportunity to communicate to each other, simplified checkpoints were installed. December 31 of 1989 has become the holiday of solidarity of Azerbaijanies.

The Azeries living in neighboring countries and worldwide and the Turkish world supported this action from the position of democratic processes taking place in the world. First International Azerbijani Organization Congress held on November 3 of 1990 in Turkey has become a real continuation of border movement as one more important step towards the unity and solidarity. It has been proposed in Decision of Congress from November 5 the necessity to celebrate the day of 31 December widely every year.

On November 16 of 1991 Supreme Majlis of Nahichevan Autonomous Republic and National Assembly of Supreme Soviet affirmed to declare December 31 as the day of solidarity and unity of Azerbaijanies worldwide and to celebrate this event every year.

For more information about Azerbaijanis of the World see next links:

• I Forum First Forum of World Azerbaijanis
• World Azerbaijanis Congress, WAC
• Azerbaijan Society of America (ASA)