Today, Azerbaijan celebrates National Music Day on September 18th, marking the birthday of the renowned Uzeyir Bey Hajibeyov, a luminary in our musical culture. This day is a cherished occasion for both music enthusiasts and our entire nation, as Uzeyir Bey's immortal art holds a special place in every Azerbaijani's heart. The tradition of honoring the great composer's birthday as a holiday was established by the maestro Niyazi, who continued to celebrate it annually even after Uzeyir Bey's passing.

In 1995, President Heydar Aliyev decreed that September 18th should be celebrated as National Music Day, aligning with the 110th anniversary of the composer's birth. Uzeyir Hajibeyov made groundbreaking contributions to the world of music, including pioneering the art of opera in Azerbaijan and the broader Muslim East with "Leyli and Majnun" in 1908. He also introduced the musical comedy genre, with works like "Husband and Wife," "O Olmasin, Bu Olsun," and "Arshin Mal Alan," which vividly depicted Azerbaijani life and traditions of his time.

Uzeyir Bey enriched our national musical heritage with innovative genres and forms, notably the masterpiece opera "Koroglu," a gem in the global musical treasure trove. He composed the national anthems for both the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and the modern Azerbaijan Republic. Additionally, Uzeyir Bey laid the foundations for musicology and music education and played a pivotal role in advancing musical culture throughout his life. He nurtured the modern school of composition, striving for it to be on par with the world's leading schools.

The musical masterpieces crafted by this genius composer have gained worldwide recognition, solidifying Uzeyir Bey's legacy as "the father of professional Eastern music." His unparalleled contributions have left an indelible mark on Azerbaijani and global music culture. UNESCO even celebrated the 100th anniversary of Hajibeyov's birth as an international event, honoring his enduring influence.