Washington D.C. – The Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United States brought together nearly 200 members of the Azerbaijani diaspora and international guests from across the country for a dedicated Independence Day gathering on Monday, June 2, 2025, at St. Francis Hall in Washington D.C. Held shortly after a high-level diplomatic reception commemorating both Independence Day and Armed Forces Day, the event focused on engaging the community and honoring shared cultural ties.
The evening commenced with a performance of Azerbaijan’s national anthem. In his welcoming remarks, His Excellency Khazar Ibrahim, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the United States, commended the Azerbaijani diaspora for its continued contributions and strong sense of solidarity. He reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting the community and acknowledged the growing ties between the United States and Azerbaijan.
The Ambassador noted the increasing number of Azerbaijani students in U.S. institutions and welcomed the presence of American friends and relatives, noting that their engagement offered a meaningful window into the richness of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage and statehood.
The program included a performance by Azerbaijani children, who sang Rashid Behbudov’s well-known song “Azerbaijan.” Their presentation reflected the community’s connection to its cultural roots and received warm appreciation from the audience. A concert of traditional Azerbaijani music followed, allowing guests to engage more directly with the country’s musical legacy.
The event concluded with the Yallı dance, performed by community members in a collective expression of tradition. The gathering brought the diaspora together in a meaningful way and offered American guests an opportunity to experience Azerbaijani culture in a setting that encouraged personal connection and mutual understanding.
