Category: Azer News

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.

US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a potential 25 per cent tariff on countries trading with Iran marks a new escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Tehran. Unlike traditional sanctions aimed directly at Iran, this proposal introduces a secondary tariff mechanism, targeting third countries and global supply chains. If implemented, analysts warn, the move could disrupt global trade flows, increase market volatility, and accelerate fragmentation of the world economy – while having a more limited but still notable impact on Azerbaijan.

To assess the broader implications, Azernews spoke with Dr Frank Musmar, a political analyst and expert in the Middle East, Turkiye and the Caucasus and Azerbaijani economist Khalid Karimli.

A shift from sanctions to global trade pressure

According to Musmar, the proposed tariff represents a strategic shift in US policy – from direct sanctions to coercive trade leverage.

‘The 25 per cent tariff is designed to force countries to choose between access to the Iranian market and access to the much larger US economy,’ he said. ‘This approach significantly expands the scope of pressure by embedding Iran-related sanctions directly into global trade relations.’

For Iran, the consequences could be severe. Years of sanctions have already left the economy grappling with high inflation, currency depreciation, and rising food prices. Additional trade barriers would further restrict access to foreign goods and hard currency, worsening shortages and social pressures. Key export sectors, particularly oil and metals, which provide vital government revenue, would face deeper isolation.

Regional trade and global market fallout

The policy would also place Iran’s main trading partners – China, India, Turkiye, the UAE, and Iraq – under intense pressure. These countries would be forced to reassess commercial ties with Iran or absorb higher costs in their US trade.

‘Even if some trade is rerouted to bypass tariffs, supply chains would become more complex, expensive, and risky,’ Musmar noted, warning that retaliatory measures could follow.

On a global scale, the tariff threat adds fuel to already fragile markets. By targeting entire trade networks rather than individual countries, the US risks amplifying volatility across manufacturing, automotive, and technology sectors, with higher costs passed on to consumers. Emerging economies may increasingly turn to alternative trade blocs and intra-group trade, accelerating a realignment of global commerce away from US-centred systems.

Energy markets: Oil prices and security risks

The energy sector could be among the most exposed. Iran, an OPEC member, remains a significant – if constrained – oil supplier.

Musmar explained that major buyers such as China and India, already purchasing Iranian oil at discounts, may be pushed to seek alternatives. This would reduce Iran’s export revenues while tightening global supply.

‘Any reduction in Iranian output increases the geopolitical risk premium in oil markets,’ he said. ‘At the same time, uncertainty over enforcement could drive price volatility.’

There are also security concerns. Rising economic pressure could heighten regional tensions and increase risks around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments. Even a limited disruption there could trigger immediate spikes in global oil prices.

Can major economies push back?

Opposition from major economies, particularly the European Union and China, could influence how far the policy goes. Musmar believes the EU has economic and legal tools at its disposal, including retaliatory tariffs and challenges to the extraterritorial nature of US measures. However, Washington has often justified such actions on national security grounds, limiting legal recourse.

‘Even so,’ he added, ‘the policy risks triggering a cycle of retaliation that would deepen trade conflicts and weaken global growth.’

Over time, such unilateral measures could erode confidence in institutions like the World Trade Organisation, IMF, and World Bank, while encouraging countries to develop alternative payment systems to reduce reliance on the US dollar.

Azerbaijan: Limited direct impact, strategic sensitivities

Azerbaijani economic expert Khalid Karimli stressed that the immediate impact on Azerbaijan would likely be limited.

‘Azerbaijan’s trade with Iran accounts for only about 2-3 per cent of total imports,’ he said. ‘We do not have large-scale exports to the US either, so the direct tariff effect would be minimal.’

However, Iran remains strategically important for Azerbaijan as a transit country, particularly in maintaining connectivity with Nakhchivan. Existing sanctions have already complicated financial transactions, with banks often refusing transfers linked to Iran.

‘In practice, many of the restrictions that could affect Azerbaijan are already in place,’ Karimli noted. ‘Money transfers are extremely difficult, and this creates ongoing challenges for entrepreneurs.’

He also expressed scepticism about the feasibility of implementing such a tariff on a global scale, recalling previous US proposals that were ultimately shelved due to international backlash.

‘If applied broadly, it would increase inflation, disrupt commodity markets, and raise uncertainty worldwide,’ he said. ‘That’s why I doubt it will be fully implemented.’

Long-term structural consequences

Both experts agree that the broader danger lies in the long-term structural impact. Expanding tariff-based pressure mechanisms could accelerate the fragmentation of the global trading system into politically aligned blocs, undermine multilateral institutions, and gradually weaken US economic leadership by encouraging alternatives to dollar-based trade.

For Azerbaijan, while the direct economic exposure remains limited, the country is not immune to the indirect effects of global market instability, higher energy price volatility, and disrupted regional logistics.

As Musmar concluded, ‘The more trade becomes a geopolitical weapon, the higher the cost for the global economy – and for smaller, open economies navigating between major powers.’

The Energy Efficiency Information System is being established in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

This issue is reflected in the amendments to the law “On efficient use of energy resources and energy efficiency” approved by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

According to the law, the above system is intended to be established in accordance with international practice to control the implementation of the tasks set in order to achieve the goals and targets in the field of ensuring energy efficiency, as well as to report, monitor, and evaluate the measures taken and the results achieved.

The creation of an appropriate electronic platform is of great importance in terms of more efficient use of energy resources and implementation of the tasks facing the state in the field of energy efficiency, creating the opportunity for citizens to cooperate with relevant state bodies in the relevant field, as well as providing and obtaining necessary information.

The creation of the system should serve to increase the transparency of information in this field, increase the efficiency of public services, and effectively implement and monitor the legislation in the field of energy efficiency.

The information system will help to monitor the implementation of state policy in the field of energy efficiency, provide electronic services in the relevant field, and promptly receive performance indicators. Thus, applications will be accepted through the system to obtain a qualification certificate of an energy auditor, the system will reflect the register of energy auditors and energy audit organizations, and entities controlling energy production, supply, and consumption should post their reports.

The publicly accessible part of the information system is intended to include educational information on energy efficiency for the population, an energy-saving calculator, statistics on energy consumption, and so on.

The head of state signed a decree on the implementation of the relevant law.

The scope of information prohibited from being spread on the internet information resource has been expanded, Azernews reports.

This issue is reflected in the amendments to the law “On information, informatization, and information protection” approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

According to the law, the owner of an Internet information resource and its domain name or the user of an information and telecommunications network, must not allow the placement of the following information prohibited from being released on that information resource (information and telecommunications network):

– information on actions that, if publicly displayed, offend public morality or openly express disrespect for society, that is, on the utterance of immoral expressions or on gestures that create the impression of such content, or on the display of body parts in a manner contrary to human moral norms and national and spiritual values.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy are set to kick off with a star-studded opening ceremony featuring some of the world’s most renowned artists, Azernews reports.

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and American pop icon Mariah Carey will take the stage to perform, the Organizing Committee’s Press Service confirmed.

Andrea Bocelli, a multiple-time Grammy nominee, is no stranger to grand stages. In 2016, he performed at the San Siro Stadium in Milan before the UEFA Champions League final-a venue that will also host the Olympics’ opening ceremony.

Joining him will be Grammy-winning Italian singer Laura Pausini, adding her iconic voice to what promises to be an unforgettable musical celebration.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from February 6 to 22 in the cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, showcasing both world-class sports and spectacular cultural events.

Azerbaijan will be represented at the Winter Olympics by alpine skier Anastasiya Papatoma and figure skater Vladimir Litvintsev.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has approved amendments to several laws in connection with the implementation of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan ‘On Mine Clearance Activities,’ Azernews reports.

The amendments, signed by the head of state, introduce changes to a number of legislative acts to ensure more effective enforcement of mine clearance regulations and related safety measures.

Under the amendments, if a monument is discovered during construction, economic, or other activities, including mine clearance, all work must be immediately suspended. The relevant authority designated by the appropriate executive body and the designated scientific organization must be notified, after which the authority and the scientific organization are required to conduct research and carry out other measures stipulated by law within two months.

In such cases, construction, economic, and other activities, including mine clearance operations, may resume only with the permission of the body designated by the relevant executive authority, based on the opinion of the designated scientific organisation and specialists.

If mine clearance activities are carried out in areas of historical or archaeological significance, the territory will be examined in advance by specialists, and preliminary research of monuments will be ensured. The relevant authority designated by the executive body will also ensure the participation of its representative and specialists at the site where such activities, including mine clearance, are conducted.

It is also stipulated that the protection of monuments discovered during mine clearance activities in the city of Shusha, as well as construction, restoration, repair, mine clearance, and economic activities in historically and archaeologically significant areas, will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Law ‘On the Cultural Capital of Azerbaijan – Shusha City.’

The amendments further expand the rights of victims in the field of mine clearance activities related to the protection of public health. In accordance with the Law ‘On Mine Clearance Activities,’ victims will be provided with specialized medical care in state healthcare institutions at the expense of the state budget, or, where services are included in the benefits package under the Law ‘On Medical Insurance,’ at the expense of compulsory health insurance funds.

In addition, the amendments establish a legal basis for the use of animals in mine clearance activities in Azerbaijan for the purpose of detecting explosive ordnance. Provided that the requirements of other regulatory legal acts are observed, animals may be used for this purpose in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Iran has once again strongly condemned what it described as U.S. interference in its internal affairs, Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said during a telephone conversation with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Azernews reports.

Araghchi told Jaishankar that peaceful protest rallies held across the country had been hijacked by various terrorist groups and turned into violent unrest. He emphasized that Iran is fully capable of confronting and neutralizing any destabilizing or subversive plans.

During the call, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar highlighted the importance of bilateral relations between Tehran and New Delhi. He stressed the need to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region and to restore stability, adding that India is ready to cooperate toward these goals.

The two ministers also exchanged views on bilateral ties, as well as regional and international developments.

It is worth noting that protests erupted in Iran in late December following a sharp depreciation of the national currency, the rial, against foreign currencies, along with soaring inflation and other economic difficulties. Reports indicate that there have been casualties, including deaths and injuries, although no official figures have been released.