An exhibition featuring items from historian Dilgam Ahmad’s collection was organized in Washington by the U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of Azerbaijan’s Independence Day.

The exhibition showcased 47 rare historical photographs and documents from the era of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps accredited in the U.S., government officials, experts, and representatives of the Azerbaijani community.

In his remarks, Dilgam Ahmad spoke about the formation process and achievements of the Republic, which lasted only 23 months. He noted that after the collapse of the Republic, Azerbaijani intellectuals in exile began a struggle for independence. According to Ahmad, these émigrés left behind a significant legacy in France, Italy, Türkiye, and the United States. He mentioned that he has been collecting this heritage for nearly ten years and is currently working on a book about Azerbaijani émigrés who lived in the U.S., which is set to be published next year. He emphasized that all materials displayed at the exhibition are originals.

Khazar Ibrahim, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United States, stated that during his previous tenure as ambassador to Türkiye, he had the opportunity to meet surviving émigrés and their families. According to him, Istanbul was very important to Azerbaijani émigrés, and they contributed not only to Azerbaijan’s development but also to Türkiye’s enlightenment and regional progress toward European integration. He thanked Dilgam Ahmad for his dedicated work. The ambassador added that “if our ancestors could see how modern Azerbaijan has restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty through its own strength, pursues an independent policy, and has achieved so much, they would be proud.”

The guests then toured the exhibition.

Malahat Najafova

Special correspondent