Author: user user

The “FotoBax” national photography competition is being held by the IDEA Public Union and the “Reza Visual Academy”, AzerNEWS reports.

The competition is being organized under the patronage of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Founder and Chairperson of the IDEA Public Union, and with the initiative of Reza Deghati, founder of the “Reza Visual Academy” association and internationally recognized photographer. The competition is part of the “Children’s Eyes on Earth” international photography project and is dedicated to the theme “I Love Nature – Azerbaijan’.

The main goal of the competition is to raise environmental awareness among children and youth, strengthen their interest and love for the nature of our country, and provide an opportunity for them to express their thoughts through photography.

Those wishing to participate in the competition should submit up to 20 photographs they have taken to the website by September 21.

The competition is open to children and adolescents under the age of 18.

The animated film “The Mysterious Map: Shamakhi Adventures” premiered at the Nizami Cinema Center on April 21.

The film, produced with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in collaboration with the Harmony of Chaos animation and visualization studio and the BBQ Marketing and Events agency, takes viewers on an engaging journey through the various regions of Azerbaijan.

Agarahim Ibrahimov, head of the Harmony of Chaos studio and the producer and director of the film, provided insights into the project during his opening remarks. He noted that the project is envisioned as a multi-part series, with each installment following the protagonists as they discover the history, culture, and heritage of Azerbaijan. “Our goal is to instill a love for our history in children through colorful adventures and captivating events,” Ibrahimov stated. Following his address, a video highlighting the production process and behind-the-scenes moments was screened.

The debut episode, titled “Shamakhi Adventures,” centers on a family narrative that introduces audiences to the history of ancient Shamakhi. The main characters – a grandmother, grandfather, and their three grandchildren – explore the country, uncovering the cultural secrets of the region. Through magical elements, they are transported into the past, experiencing Azerbaijan’s rich legacy firsthand.

Agarahim Ibrahimov emphasized that such projects foster a deeper connection to the homeland among young audiences. He noted that the 10-minute film required ten months of meticulous production, promising that its striking visual style would captivate children’s attention.

3D animator Rufat Ismayilov described the creation of the film as both a challenging and enjoyable experience. He confirmed that “The Mysterious Map” is an ongoing series, stating, “In this installment, the characters travel to Shamakhi and witness our ancient traditions. Subsequent episodes will be dedicated to other cultural landmarks across Azerbaijan.”

The dynamically paced film utilizes specialized music and sound effects to enhance the emotional impact of the scenes and the vocal performances of the characters.

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates held talks last week with the United States over a potential financial ‘lifeline’ in case tensions linked to the conflict with Iran escalate further, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the meeting involved UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and representatives of the Federal Reserve System. Discussions reportedly focused not on a loan, but on a pre-approved currency swap arrangement.

UAE officials described the move as precautionary, stressing that the situation is not yet critical. However, they acknowledged that recent Iranian strikes have inflicted significant economic damage.

‘They also believe that President Donald Trump’s decision to attack Iran has drawn their country into a destructive conflict, the consequences of which have not yet been fully resolved,’ the report said, citing sources. ‘They have told US officials that if the UAE does not have enough dollars, they will be forced to use yuan or other currencies for transactions.’

Such a shift could have broader implications for the global financial system, where the US dollar remains dominant, particularly in energy markets, where most oil contracts are denominated in dollars.

The report notes that the UAE currently does not have a standing swap line with the Federal Reserve, and it remains unclear whether such a request would be approved. Existing arrangements are typically reserved for close US partners, including Mexico, Canada, Brazil, the European Union, and more recently Argentina.

The issue comes amid heightened financial activity in the Gulf. The Financial Times recently reported that Persian Gulf states have increased debt issuance, taking advantage of a temporary ceasefire to secure funding through both sovereign and state-backed channels.

The Emirati dirham, which is pegged to the US dollar, is supported by reserves of around $270 billion. However, the ongoing conflict has put pressure on the currency due to capital outflows, market volatility, and broader economic uncertainty.

Apple has announced the appointment of John Ternus as its new CEO, effective September 1, 2026. Current CEO Tim Cook will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, AzerNEWS reports.

According to reports, Cook will remain in his position throughout the summer, working closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth and orderly leadership transition.

During more than a decade under Cook’s leadership, Apple experienced remarkable growth. The company’s market capitalization rose from approximately $350 billion to over $2 trillion, briefly surpassing the $3 trillion mark in early 2022 – a historic milestone that underscored its dominance in the global tech industry.

The official confirmation of Ternus as CEO is expected to coincide with the release of Apple’s upcoming financial report, a move that analysts say could help reinforce investor confidence during the transition period.

Cook has led Apple since 2011, following the passing of co-founder Steve Jobs. His tenure has been defined not only by financial success but also by the expansion of Apple’s ecosystem, including services like Apple Music and Apple TV+, as well as a stronger focus on sustainability and supply chain resilience.

Ternus, who currently oversees Apple’s hardware engineering, is widely seen as a key figure behind the development of products such as the iPhone, Mac, and Apple Silicon chips. His appointment may signal a continued emphasis on innovation in hardware, particularly as Apple pushes further into areas like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and next-generation computing.

There are artists whose presence does not fade with time. They simply change form, living on in the laughter, memory, and cultural imagination of their people.

Nasiba Zeynalova is one of those rare figures in Azerbaijani theatre and cinema.

This year, the 110th anniversary of her birth is being commemorated, celebrating her enduring contribution to Azerbaijani theatre and cinema.

Nasiba Zeynalova developed into a performer who could transform everyday human behavior into unforgettable art.

She is perhaps best known as the “mother-in-law” loved by almost the entire nation, a title she earned for her unforgettable performance in the musical comedy “Mother-in-Law”.

Her artistic home became the Musical Comedy Theatre, where she created a gallery of iconic roles in classical operettas by composers such as Uzeyir Hajibayli and Zulfugar Hajibayov.

Characters like Gulperi, Jahan khala, Senem, Melek khanim, and Kelek khanim were re-imagined through her unique sense of timing, expression, and emotional truth.

Her humor carried a distinctly national spirit-rooted in everyday speech, social observation, and human psychology. On stage, she could shift from warmth to sharp wit in an instant, creating characters such as Jennet khala, Nargile, and Zuleykha that felt both comedic and deeply real. These roles became cultural landmarks, remembered not only for their humor but also for their humanity.

In cinema, her collaboration with the Azerbaijanfilm studio produced a series of enduring characters that entered the golden archive of national film. Whether portraying Fatmanise in “Stepmother”, Telli in “Great Support”, Zuleykha in “Star”, or Jennet khala in “Mother-in-law”, she created screen personalities that audiences instantly recognized as reflections of their own society.

Nasiba Zeynalova’s artistic journey also placed her alongside some of the greatest names in Azerbaijani theatre history, including Lutfeli Abdullayev, Bashir Safaroglu, Hajibaba Baghirov, and Siyavush Aslan.

Together, they formed a stage harmony that defined an entire era. Particularly memorable was the creative trio of Zeynalova, Baghirov, and Aslan, whose performances turned productions such as “Hijran” into landmark works of Azerbaijani theatrical culture.

Nasiba Zeynalova passed away in Baku on March 10, 2004, and was laid to rest in the Alley of Honor. Yet her legacy has not remained in the past.

It continues to live on in every screening of her films, every remembered stage performance, and every new generation discovering the depth behind her humor.

On Monday, NASA announced that it is coordinating with relevant federal agencies to investigate the deaths and disappearances of 11 scientists working in the nuclear and space sectors, AzerNEWS reports.

In an official statement, the agency emphasized that it is working closely with its partners and law enforcement authorities: ‘At this time, there is no evidence linking these cases to any threat to national security or to NASA’s operations.’ NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency, noting that updates will be provided as more verified information becomes available.

On April 17, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incidents. According to her statement, authorities are examining whether there are any connections between the cases, including possible patterns or external influences.

Since 2023, at least 11 scientists involved in fields such as nuclear physics, aerospace engineering, and satellite technology have died or gone missing. Several of these cases remain unexplained, prompting discussion among experts about possible causes – ranging from workplace risks and health issues to more complex factors, including intellectual property conflicts or growing international competition in high-tech industries.

While officials urge caution and stress that no conclusions have been reached, analysts note that the concentration of such incidents within a highly specialized scientific community is unusual and deserves careful scrutiny. Some experts also suggest that intensifying global competition in space exploration and nuclear innovation may be indirectly increasing pressure on key researchers, highlighting the need for stronger safety and security measures.

Reconstruction and rehabilitation work in Karabakh is continuing at full speed, with the final year of the State Program for the liberated territories now underway, AzerNEWS reports.

This was stated by Emin Huseynov, the Presidential Special Representative for the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, in comments to journalists.

Huseynov said that over the past period, more than 30,000 internally displaced persons have been resettled in the liberated areas. In total, more than 70,000 people are now living, working, and studying in these territories.

‘Today, 92 families have been relocated to the city of Aghdam, and the process is continuing with increasing momentum every day. This year, the resettlement process to the liberated territories will reach its peak. It is projected that up to 20,000 people will be relocated to Aghdam alone. Around 15,000 people are expected to be resettled in the Fuzuli and Khojavend districts. Reconstruction and rehabilitation work is also ongoing across 25 settlements in Khojavend,’ he added.

Background

On September 27, 2020, long-standing tensions escalated into full-scale military operations. Azerbaijan launched a counter-offensive, utilizing modern warfare tactics-most notably the extensive use of precision drones and advanced satellite intelligence.

The turning point occurred on November 8, 2020, when Azerbaijani forces liberated the fortress city of Shusha, strategically positioned above the regional capital.

The Ceasefire: On November 10, a trilateral statement signed by Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia ended the hostilities. Under the agreement, Armenia returned the occupied districts of Agdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin to Azerbaijan.

Final restoration of sovereignty

While the 2020 war liberated the surrounding districts, parts of the region remained under the control of a separatist administration. On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched localized “anti-terror measures” lasting less than 24 hours. This led to the total dissolution of the separatist regime and the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s constitutional order across its entire internationally recognized territory.

Today, the region is undergoing massive reconstruction and demining efforts through the “Great Return” program, aimed at resettling displaced populations into newly built “smart villages” and cities.

The Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, in collaboration with the House of Literature, has announced a national comics competition for young people aged 14 to 17, AzerNEWS reports.

The contest titled “My Hero” invites participants to submit original graphic stories in the Azerbaijani language. Entries must be emotionally engaging, demonstrate potential for animation, and span between 8 and 20 pages. Each submission should present a fresh, creative interpretation of a hero.

Students may participate individually or in teams of two, consisting of a scriptwriter and an illustrator.

The submission period will run from May 1 to September 1, 2026. Participants are required to send their work in PDF format, along with their full name and contact details, to the following e-mail: edibinevi@gmail.com.

A panel of experts from the Culture Ministry and the House of Literature will evaluate the entries. Winners will receive prizes, and one selected work will be adapted into a short animated film.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to implement the Azerbaijan Cultural Concept-2040, encouraging young people to create cultural content in the format of comics or graphic novels.

By combining text and imagery, the competition aims to foster artistic thinking and visual literacy. The heroes envisioned through this modern medium are expected to strengthen the national spirit while conveying a dynamic and creative Azerbaijani identity to future generations.

The “My Hero” national comics competition offers participants a unique opportunity to creatively interpret the concept of a hero as they see it-in their lives, history, families, or imagination.

Submissions may depict historical figures, national icons, professionals such as teachers, doctors, parents, or volunteers, as well as fictional or fantastical characters embodying meaningful values. Above all, each story should reflect the author’s personal perspective and creativity.