Category: Azer News

By the end of last year, Time magazine compiled a list of the most promising innovations for 2025, Azernews reports.

Among them are vegan, often tangy, gluten-free candies from the Bubs brand, originally invented in the 1990s by the Swedish Lindstrom family. This example demonstrates that even seemingly simple ideas can eventually become global phenomena.

When we use everyday items – listening to music, opening a package, or driving a car – we rarely stop to think about who invented them and where they came from. Yet, many important and transformative inventions originated in Sweden. These include the refrigerator and the milking machine, the pacemaker and lidocaine, dynamite, the ship’s propeller, lightweight concrete, as well as groundbreaking digital technologies like Bluetooth, Skype, and GPS.

Sweden has a long tradition of innovation that continues today: it is home to over 8,000 active startups and invests heavily in sustainable and high-tech solutions. From practical tools to digital breakthroughs, Swedish inventions have profoundly shaped the way we live.

This report will explore some of the most fascinating Swedish inventions and reveal how they have quietly become part of our daily lives.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East and Iran in a phone call today, the Kremlin said, underscoring growing international concern over Tehran’s internal crisis and its broader regional implications. Putin offered Russia’s help in mediating on Iran and emphasized the need to intensify political and diplomatic efforts to ensure ‘stability and security in the region’, Azernews reports.

According to the Kremlin, Putin also spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday, reiterating Moscow’s intent to de-escalate regional tensions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Putin will continue diplomatic efforts amid turmoil.

The renewed diplomatic push comes as widespread protests grip Iran, one of the largest waves of unrest in decades. Demonstrations that began in late December amid economic grievances-soaring inflation, devaluation of the rial and rising living costs-have expanded into broader anti-government mobilization, occurring despite a sweeping internet blackout imposed in early January that has severely limited communication and reporting inside the country.

Iran’s authorities have responded with a harsh crackdown, and activists say security forces have killed thousands of demonstrators while arresting tens of thousands. In recent days, Tehran has also detained around 3,000 people purportedly linked to ‘terrorist groups’ who allegedly took part in the protests, according to Iranian state-aligned media cited by Azernews. Critics argue that many detainees are ordinary protesters.

The unrest has drawn international reactions. Until recently, the United States threatened military action against Iran if executions of detained protesters took place, with Washington’s envoy to the United Nations warning that all options remain ‘on the table.’ The US has since signaled a possible de-escalation after reports that killings may have eased, but diplomatic pressure continues.

Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad addressed the UN Security Council at Washington’s invitation, saying ‘all Iranians are united’ against the clerical system and criticizing the Iranian government for prioritizing support to external militant groups at the expense of citizens’ welfare.

The broader regional backdrop includes tensions between Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv, which have been exacerbated by conflicts involving Iran-aligned proxy forces and hostilities in neighboring theaters. Independent live coverage describes ongoing anti-government demonstrations nationwide despite government efforts to suppress them.

Russia’s mediation offer comes amid scrutiny of Moscow’s role: Kremlin ties to Tehran are rooted in strategic cooperation, yet Russia has been cautious in publicly engaging with Iran’s internal unrest. Observers note that Moscow has avoided direct criticism of Tehran while offering diplomatic support to reduce escalation risk.

Representatives of the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Center under the Azerbaijan Embassy in Uzbekistan have met with the leadership of Kokand State University to discuss the development of cooperation in the humanitarian and educational fields, Azernews reports.

The meeting was attended by Akif Marifli, Director of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center, and Nigora Gadirova, Vice-Rector of Kokand State University.

The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the humanitarian and educational spheres, as well as on future prospects for joint activities between the Cultural Center and the university.

Particular attention was given to the issue of introducing the teaching of the Azerbaijani language at the university, with emphasis placed on the importance of this initiative for strengthening cultural and academic ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

It was noted that teaching the Azerbaijani language would broaden students’ educational opportunities, deepen their knowledge of the culture, history, and linguistic heritage of the Azerbaijani people, and contribute to the development of inter-university relations.

The parties expressed their readiness to continue cooperation in the humanitarian field and to implement joint initiatives in the future.

The Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Tashkent is an institution that operates under the Azerbaijani Embassy in Uzbekistan.

The center strengthens cultural, educational, scientific, and humanitarian ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

It hosts museums that highlight the history of Azerbaijan, the legacy of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and the historical friendship between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The center facilities also support cultural and educational activities, including music, dance, and folklore ensembles, and provide space for events that promote Azerbaijani traditions.

Over the years, the Cultural Center has played a significant role in advancing bilateral cooperation through diverse programs and initiatives. It has been recognized as one of the most active foreign cultural centers in Uzbekistan, engaging media, public figures, and civil society in cultural dialogue.

Through exhibitions, presentations, and collaborations with local institutions, the center fosters greater understanding of Azerbaijan’s culture, history, and language.

In addition to its own events, the center contributes to broader educational and cultural cooperation by supporting initiatives such as establishing Azerbaijani cultural corners in libraries and facilitating academic exchange programs, further reinforcing the cultural bridge between the two nations.

Kokand State University traces its origins to January 1931, when it began operating as an evening higher pedagogical institute housed in a pedagogical college building. In 1938, under Order No. 866 of the People’s Commissariat for Education of Uzbekistan, the institution was reorganized into an evening teacher training institute. Later that year, on November 27, a distance consultation center was established within the institute.

Beginning with the 1939-1940 academic year, the institute transitioned to a full-time state teacher training institution. In 1943, it was restructured as a women’s teacher training institute, and in 1954, it was renamed the State Pedagogical Institute for Women. In October 1943, the institute was also given the name of the renowned poet Muqimiy.

In 2017, Kokand State University was incorporated into the organizational framework of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Throughout its history, the institution has evolved from a modest educational establishment into a leading center of higher education in the region.

Kokand University organizes teaching and research across multiple academic departments. It focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Baku Music Academy’s Opera Studio is delighted to announce an enchanting evening titled “Unuda Bilm?zs?n” (You Cannot Forget), dedicated to the songs of the celebrated composer and People’s Artist Elza Ibrahimova, taking place on February 12, Azernews reports.

The concert program will feature performances by prominent Azerbaijani artists, accompanied by the “Dan Ulduzu” Instrumental Ensemble named after Gulara Aliyeva.

Audiences are invited to experience the timeless melodies of this beloved composer’s heartfelt songs.

Tickets for this unforgettable evening are available at city box offices and ASAN Service Centers.

Elza Ibrahimova (1938-2012) was one of Azerbaijan’s most beloved composers, renowned for her soul-stirring songs and melodic ingenuity. Over the course of her career, she penned countless works that have become timeless classics, blending Azerbaijani folk traditions with contemporary musical sensibilities.

Her pop songs were performed by renowned singers: Shovkat Alakbarov, Flora Karimov, Ilham Guliyev, Akif Islamzade, Islam Rzayev, Elmira Rahimova and many others. They were highly praised by composers Tikhon Khrennikov, Georgy Sviridov, Otar Taktakishvili, Jovdet Hajiyev, Arif Malikov, Murad Kazhlaev, Gara Garayev.

At the same time, she composed music for verses of Russian poets. The composer wrote a series of classical works, a symphonic poem, an oratorio, vocal-instrumental and chamber compositions, music for various performances.

Among the well-known musical works are operas “Afat” (author of the libretto – Huseyn Javid) and “Burning Cradles” (author of the libretto – Ramiz Heydar), which reflects the pain of the Garabagh tragedy.

Elza Ibrahimova is an author of music for Azerbaijani oil workers anthem, dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the national oil industry.

Armenia’s Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan has expressed gratitude to Trkiye’s foreign minister and regional partners for their support of peace and regional cooperation, Azernews reports, citing Armenian media, Simonyan made the remarks on January 16 while speaking to journalists.

‘I would like to thank Trkiye’s foreign minister and all regional partners who support calls from the majority of the Armenian public to advance peace, implement trade, and develop this trade within the framework of TRIPP,’ Simonyan said.

He made the statement while commenting on a message from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who voiced support for the constructive stance taken by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Simonyan’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions on regional connectivity and economic cooperation initiatives aimed at promoting stability and trade in the South Caucasus.

The Chinese company Galactic Energy has successfully launched four Tianqi telecommunications satellites into orbit, Azernews reports.

The launch took place on January 16 at 04:10 Beijing time from the Haiyan naval cosmodrome, located in the Yellow Sea. The satellites were carried into orbit by the Ceres-1 launch vehicle.

The Tianqi 37-40 satellites were placed in an orbit at an altitude of 850 km and are part of the global Xiwang (‘Hope’) Internet of Things (IoT) project. Galactic Energy stated that the satellites will support the provision of consumer services through connected electronic systems in vehicles and portable devices.

This satellite constellation is expected to enable the transmission of digital data across a wide range of sectors, including forestry, agriculture, emergency response, tourism, ecology, and water resources management. Additionally, it will support the energy sector, oil industry, maritime economy, and the development of smart cities.

Experts note that the Tianqi constellation represents a significant step forward for China’s private space industry, demonstrating the growing capabilities of commercial satellite operators and their role in expanding IoT infrastructure globally. With this deployment, Galactic Energy is positioning itself as a key player in the next generation of satellite-based communication and data services.

On January 14, 2026, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed an official decree approving the ambitious “Azerbaijani Culture – 2040” Cultural Concept, a strategic framework designed to guide the nation’s cultural development for the next two decades and beyond, Azernews reports.

The Concept aims to harmonise tradition and modernity, safeguarding national identity while positioning Azerbaijani culture for sustainable growth and global engagement.

It seeks to establish a modern cultural model that upholds national and moral values while ensuring systematic, long-term development across all cultural sectors.

Coordinated by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the Concept lays out an integrated, phased strategy to be implemented in three major stages: 2026-2030, 2031-2035, and 2036-2040, with each stage defined by specific goals and institutional mechanisms to guide progress.

Strengthening Role of Azerbaijani Language

The “Azerbaijani Culture – 2040” Cultural Concept places a strong emphasis on the Azerbaijani language. It advocates for strengthening the role of the language in cultural life, developing its essence, and increasing its visibility and influence on the international stage.

To achieve these objectives, the Concept outlines systematic measures designed to enhance the status of the Azerbaijani in society. These include coordinated efforts to develop, promote, and advocate for the language, ensuring that it remains a living and evolving medium of expression.

Expected outcomes include the further development of the Azerbaijani literary language, the creation of new works in the native tongue, and wider use of Azerbaijani across digital platforms.

The Concept also calls attention to the importance of coordinated international promotion, aiming to expand the geographical reach of the Azerbaijani language and strengthen its role in global communication.

Measures will focus on increasing both the quantity and quality of scientific, journalistic, and literary works produced in Azerbaijani, ensuring that the language continues to thrive as a dynamic cultural and intellectual instrument.

State Programs for Cultural Development

Under the framework of the “Azerbaijani Culture – 2040” Cultural Concept, a series of state programs will be developed to guide the country’s cultural development.

These programs will focus on strengthening the Azerbaijani language and literature, preserving the nation’s cultural and natural heritage, and advancing the arts, audiovisual industry, behavioural and knowledge culture, and creative industries.

One of the Concept’s central objectives is to facilitate a cultural return to Azerbaijan’s historical geography, restoring the historical and cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people that has been destroyed or lost over time. A key unifying factor in this effort is the revitalisation of the Azerbaijani language’s regional role, strengthening its influence both domestically and internationally.

The Concept also emphasizes organized cultural participation as a critical instrument for advancing Azerbaijan’s regional interests and fostering friendly relations with neighbouring countries.

Strategic Priorities and Three-Phase Implementation Plan

The “Azerbaijani Culture – 2040” Cultural Concept is a strategic planning document that defines the direction of state cultural policy, addressing both global and domestic challenges.

Its primary aim is to create and develop a modern cultural model rooted in Azerbaijan’s national identity, while expanding mutual engagement with other cultures by 2040. The Concept ensures a unified, systematic, and sustainable approach across all activities in the cultural sphere.

Within this framework, the Concept envisions culture becoming an inseparable part of daily life, preserving foundational values while enhancing its functionality through modern tools and platforms. At the same time, it highlights the importance of maintaining traditional forms of communication in an era of rapid digital transformation.

The Concept encompasses a wide range of cultural fields, including the Azerbaijani language, behavioural and knowledge culture, literature, the arts, and cultural heritage. It also highlights essential Azerbaijani cultural values, such as national and moral principles, tolerance, individuality and uniqueness, accessibility, and the Azerbaijani language itself.

Implementation of the Concept is planned in three phases: 2026-2030, 2031-2035, and 2036-2040.

This phased approach ensures systematic progress, continuous evaluation, and long-term sustainability, paving the way for Azerbaijan to establish a modern, resilient, and globally connected cultural ecosystem by 2040.

Cultural Achievements in Film and UNESCO Recognition

Between 2003 and 2025, Azerbaijan made significant strides in the field of culture. The government supported the development of cinematography and the film industry, while the number of academic, national, and leading theatres across the country increased. During this period, Azerbaijan hosted more than 100 international festivals, organised over 60 Azerbaijani Cultural Days abroad, and held over 100 anniversary and other cultural events.

Efforts to preserve cultural heritage were equally remarkable. Between 2003 and 2023, four of Azerbaijan’s cultural and natural sites were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, bringing the country’s total to five.

Moreover, the cities of Baku, Shaki, and Lankaran joined UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, while 24 elements of Azerbaijan’s intangible cultural heritage gained recognition: 22 on the Representative List and 2 on the Urgent Safeguarding List.

Over these years, museums and galleries hosted more than 42,700 exhibitions, with 36 culturally significant artefacts returned from abroad and 20,085 artefacts restored.

Investing in Cultural Education and Global Collaboration

The development of cultural education has been another priority. Institutions dedicated to cultural studies have been established, and in the past 20 years, more than 60 specialists received state-supported training abroad in cultural disciplines.

To strengthen international cultural cooperation, Azerbaijan has established cultural centres in six countries: Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Uzbekistan, and Turkiye.

These centres serve as hubs for promoting Azerbaijani culture abroad, facilitating artistic exchange and fostering a global appreciation of the nation’s cultural heritage.

Right-wing leaders from across Europe have publicly endorsed Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, signaling the symbolic importance of Hungary’s upcoming elections for the broader far-right movement, even as Orbán trails in recent polls, Azernews reports via The Guardian.

A campaign video released this week features endorsements from prominent figures including Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Salvini, France’s Marine Le Pen, and Germany’s Alice Weidel.

‘We need Viktor Orbán in Europe,’ Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative fr Deutschland (AfD), tells viewers in the video.

Le Pen, former leader of France’s National Rally, praised Orbán, noting that leaders like him are helping ‘the camp of patriots and defenders of nations and sovereign peoples achieve ever greater success in Europe.’ Orbán has previously described Hungary as a ‘petri dish for illiberalism.’

Meloni highlighted shared values with Orbán, saying: ‘Together we stand for a Europe that respects national sovereignty and is proud of its cultural and religious roots.’

The show of support comes ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary elections on 12 April, following a year in which Orbán, the European Union’s longest-serving leader, drew criticism for attempts to ban Pride events and increase restrictions on independent media and NGOs.

Orbán, who has long faced criticism for weakening democratic institutions, eroding media freedom and undermining the rule of law, is facing an unprecedented challenge from a former top member of his own party, Péter Magyar.

As Hungarians grapple with economic stagnation, the rising cost of living and fraying social services, polls have suggested Orbán and his Fidesz party are trailing behind Magyar’s opposition Tisza party.

In response, Fidesz has sought to stress Orbán’s international connections, casting them as an asset for Hungary amid volatile and turbulent international conditions, according to Márton Bene, a political analyst at the TK Institute for Political Science in Budapest. ‘Something his opponent – as a political newcomer – simply does not have,’ he said.

Magyar’s campaign, in contrast, has focused on domestic affairs, with pledges to stimulate the Hungarian economy by tackling corruption and unlocking billions of euros in frozen EU funds.

The election result is likely to hinge on how voters see these competing narratives and ‘whether they treat international challenges, or domestic governmental performance, as the election’s primary stake,’ Bene said.

The campaign video includes a handful of references to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Orbán, the EU leader closest to Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly blocked efforts by Brussels to present a united front in support of Ukraine, leading some critics to refer to him as Putin’s Trojan horse in the EU.

The video shows leaders seemingly lauding these efforts, with Weidel noting that Orbán is ‘fighting for peace in Ukraine’, while Salvini says: ‘If you want peace, vote for Fidesz.’

Nadezhda Ismayilova has been awarded the “Shohrat” Order, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, Ismayilova was awarded the ‘Shohrat’ Order for her special merits in the field of journalism in Azerbaijan.

The Wikimedia Foundation, the operator of the online encyclopedia Wikipedia, has released a list of the most popular search queries in the portal’s history, Azernews reports,.

Popular Science magazine reported on the findings, highlighting the enduring interests of Wikipedia users worldwide.

According to the report, the most viewed Wikipedia article is ‘Deaths by Year,’ which has been accessed more than 647 million times. Articles about the United States ranked second with over 328 million views, while the page on US President Donald Trump came in third, with more than 325 million views. Articles about Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned over the United Kingdom from 1952 to 2022, and India were fourth and fifth, respectively.

The top ten most popular search queries also included articles about Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo, former US President Barack Obama, entrepreneur Elon Musk, World War II, and the United Kingdom.

Wikipedia, launched on January 15, 2001, now contains over 65 million articles in more than 300 languages, attracting more than 15 billion page views each month. Analysts note that the list reflects both global historical interests and the enduring fascination with contemporary figures in politics, sports, and technology.

The prominence of pages like ‘Deaths by Year’ and ‘World War II’ suggests that Wikipedia users are not just seeking current news or pop culture content but are also deeply interested in understanding historical patterns and their impact on today’s world.