August 1 is celebrated as Azerbaijani Alphabet and Azerbaijani Language Day. This significant date was established through a decree issued by the national leader Heydar Aliyev on August 9, 2001. The Decree was a response to the successful transition to the Latin alphabet in Azerbaijan during August 2001. This transition marked a pivotal event in the social and political life of an independent Azerbaijan and holds historical significance for the nation's culture and writing practices.

The achievement of a fully-fledged Azerbaijani language, recognized as the state language and now used in diplomatic engagements, is a matter of pride. Language serves as more than just a mode of communication; it embodies the history, literature, and culture of a people. Regardless of their current country of residence, every Azerbaijani should cherish their mother tongue, religion, national customs, and traditions, and promote them. As our national leader, Heydar Aliyev, articulated, "Language is connected with literature, culture, and spirituality. Without these, there is no formula for patriotism."

The broader implementation of measures to ensure the extensive use of the Azerbaijani language in the digital realm holds exceptional significance. President Ilham Aliyev's decree dated July 17, 2018, titled "On a number of measures to ensure the wider use of the Azerbaijani language in the electronic space," expands the realm of development and application of the Azerbaijani language, underscoring its continued importance.

The alphabet and writing system are integral components of a nation's culture. The alphabet, a cultural asset and spiritual wealth, plays a pivotal role in a nation's progress, preserving its material and cultural achievements and contributing to linguistic, scientific, and various other fields. Throughout its history, the Azerbaijani alphabet has undergone several changes, with the adoption of the Cyrillic script in the past, despite not aligning with the phonetic system of the Azerbaijani language. The aspiration for a new alphabet, fully compatible with the phonetics of the Azerbaijani language, became a national aspiration in the late 1980s.

During this awakening period, prominent linguist Afad Gurbanov focused his attention on addressing the crucial challenges faced by the Azerbaijani people. One such challenge was transitioning from the Cyrillic alphabet to a new, independent alphabet based on the Latin script, advocating for its active use and broadening its public functions. Afad Gurbanov's pioneering efforts led to the establishment of the Azerbaijani Alphabet Commission on August 1, 1990, with him as the chairman, leveraging his expertise as an alphabet specialist.

Afad Gurbanov played a vital role in the alphabet reform as the chairman of the Alphabet Commission, creating the new independent Azerbaijani alphabet, rooted in the Latin script, which is in use today. This accomplished linguist, scientist, skilled organizer, and academician dedicated his energy to the crucial task of preparing a new, independent alphabet for Azerbaijan—a reflection of the desires and aspirations of the people. Alongside his contributions to the draft of the new alphabet and the proposed law on the Azerbaijani language, Afad Gurbanov, a distinguished linguist, scientist, and public figure, made significant contributions as a member of the Milli Majlis (parliament) from 1990 to 1995. His platform focused on transitioning to the new Latin-based alphabet, the more active use of the Azerbaijani language, and the expansion of its public and other functions.