The origin of the anthem as a symbol of statehood and independence is ancient in the history of Turkic peoples, including the Azerbaijani statehood. According to Turkic mythological thinking and state traditions, the flag and drum (meaning "martial music") are considered among the most sacred symbols of the state and independence. It is sufficient to mention that historical sources reflect that the court of Uzun Hasan, the Azerbaijani ruler of the Aq Qoyunlu dynasty, had a band of 98 renowned musicians performing state music. From the early 20th century, the process of creating a European-style anthem began, based on the rich ancient traditions of statehood and universal values. 

The great composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov, in his highly valued article "National March" published on December 22, 1917, in the "Achiq soz" newspaper, discussed the importance of creating an anthem for the nation and announced his intention to compose one. Shortly thereafter, he composed two anthems—"Milli Marş" (National March) and "Azerbaijan Marshi" (March of Azerbaijan, later known as the State Anthem of Azerbaijan). The first, "National March," was written with lyrics and music by Hajibeyov in late 1917, before the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), and was performed by an orchestra on December 23 of that year. This composition won first place in a competition announced by the ADR in 1919, receiving a prize of 15,000 rubles. However, after the April 1920 coup, "National March" was no longer performed, and its scores were lost. 

The lyrics of the "March of Azerbaijan" were first published in 1919 under the title "March of the Homeland" in the government press's "National Songs" book, with music composed shortly afterward. The manuscript of these works was brought to Turkey by Hajibeyov's brother, Jeyhun Hajibeyov.

Information about both marches was first recorded in 1966 by Turkish musicologist Etem Üngör in his book "Turkish Marches" published in Ankara. Üngör noted about "March of Azerbaijan"  that before Azerbaijan's loss of independence (up to April 28, 1920), the march was performed every morning in military schools and units before classes began. 

The Azerbaijani composer Sardar Farajov first introduced these marches to modern Azerbaijani readers in his article "U.Hajibeyov’s Two Marches," published in the newspaper "Adabiyyat va Injasanat" (Literature and Art) on July 14, 1989. After extensive research, R. Khalilov discovered the initial piano score and orchestral parts of the march. Farajov arranged a new score for a four-voice choir and large orchestra, after which it was performed and recorded. 

In 1989, renowned composer Aydin Azimov arranged "Azerbaijan Marshi" for a large choir and symphonic orchestra. It was recorded and performed for the Azerbaijani public and broadcast on state television and radio in the autumn of that year after a 70-year hiatus. 

On 27 May 1992, the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted the law "On the State Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan", which approved the "Azerbaijani march", composed by the great composer Uzeyir Hajibayli and written by poet Ahmad Javad, as the state anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The rules for using the anthem were confirmed by the Milli Majlis on March 2, 1993, with the Regulations on the State Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan. These constitutional laws and regulations declared the anthem a sacred symbol of Azerbaijan’s state, independence, and unity, emphasizing respect for the anthem as a patriotic duty for every citizen. 

Expressing widespread public admiration for the current State Anthem, the President of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, proudly stated: "The great Uzeyir Hajibeyov created the "Istiqlal Marshi" (Independence March) in 1919—the State Anthem of the independent Republic of Azerbaijan, which we listen to joyfully today. Uzeyir Hajibeyov understood then that this anthem was necessary for the people. Despite the difficulties of that era and his relative youth, he created a magnificent state anthem."

The "March of Azerbaijan" underwent certain modifications both when initially composed by Hajibeyov as a national march and later when officially adopted as the State Anthem of independent Azerbaijan. Hajibeyov made adjustments to the lyrics to align with the music, and further linguistic refinements were made to comply with modern language standards when the anthem was officially approved. 

 

Music: Uzeyir Hajibeyov

Lyrics: Ahmad Javad

 

Azerbaijan, 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-colored banner!

Thousands of people sacrificed their lives

You're become the field of battles.

Every soldier fighting for you,

Has become a hero.

We pray for your prosperity,

We make sacrifice our lives to you

Our sincere love to you,

Comes from the bottom of our hearts.

To defend your honor,

To hoist your banner,

All the young people are ready.

Glorious motherland,

Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan!