Azerbaijan declares independence from the Russian empire on 28 May 1918. 

The republic lasted for 23 months until the Soviet Red Army invaded to reclaim the territory. Neary 20,000 Azerbaijani soldiers died fighting Soviet aggression before Azerbaijan was defeated. During its brief life, the government of Azerbaijan issued a number of stamps that are often overlooked by collectors.  

 

Standard Bearer – two stamps
Part of the National Symbols series
Issued by Azerbaijan October 20, 1919 
Z. Alizadeh designed all of the 1919-1920 stamps 
On pair issued on thin white paper and another set on buff paper

In 2019, Azerbaijan Post issued a commemorative set featuring a reprint of 4 of the 1919 stamps. Designer Leyla Gulaliyeva took the original designs and incorporated them onto a souvenir sheet and First Day Cover. 

  

Centenary of First Azerbaijani Postage
Issued on December 30, 1919
Designer: Leyla Gulaliyeva