Holidays of Azerbaijan - Day of National Security Agencies

Every year on March 28, the professional holiday of all specialists working in the State Security Service is celebrated on the territory of Azerbaijan. This is part of the state law enforcement system, the key tasks of which are the detection and prevention of crimes against the government, internal and external security of the country. The structure’s responsibilities also include intelligence and information activities, the security of members of government organizations, etc. The holiday was established in accordance with the written order of the Head of the Republic in the spring of 1997. Not a day off. The date of the celebration itself was not chosen by chance. It was on this day in 1919 that the foundation of the state security organs was laid in the country. On March 28, intelligence and counterintelligence departments were opened in the Republic. A year later, after Soviet power was established in the state. After the establishment of Soviet power in the country in 1920 and the creation of the Azerbaijan Socialist Soviet Republic, these bodies came under the guardianship of the Cheka under the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR, and later under the patronage of the KGB of the Soviet Union. After the collapse of the USSR and Azerbaijan gaining the status of an independent Republic, the national security unit was reassembled as an independent organization. Currently, these bodies, together with the Foreign Intelligence Service, founded several years ago instead of the closed Ministry of National Security, act as executive bodies of state power. They exercise powers established by the law of the country in the field of intelligence and counterintelligence, protection of state secrets, unraveling and preventing various crimes. Among the main areas of activity of the division are the following: - activities in the field of intelligence and counterintelligence; - protection of the country's economy; - war against corruption offenses; - energy security; - fight against terrorists, illegal drug trafficking and smuggling, illegal migration, slave trade and arms sales. In addition, the authorities’ task is to investigate crimes committed on the Internet. It is noteworthy that the former head of the Republic, Heydar Aliyev, who established this holiday, himself served in the state security agencies for 25 years. He became the very first general in this organization. Every year, during the celebration, the country's leaders and State Security Service officials congratulate their charges on this professional date. The most distinguished employees are presented with awards, memorable gifts, certificates and written thanks, and are awarded military ranks.