Railway Employees Day is observed in Azerbaijan every October 13, commemorating the formation of the Azerbaijan State Railways, which was established on October 13, 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The holiday was officially recognized in 2005 by President Ilham Aliyev to honor the contributions of railway employees to the country's infrastructure development. The history of railways in Azerbaijan dates back to the Russian Empire, with the first railway line opened in 1880, connecting Sabunçu to Suraxani. The Azerbaijani railway network, which spans over 2,900 km, includes connections to Georgia, Turkey, Russia, and Iran, though the link to Armenia is currently closed due to ongoing conflicts. Celebrations of Railway Employees Day typically involve professional events organized by railway departments, highlighting the importance of the railway sector in Azerbaijan.