Category: Azer News

Turkiye’s ambition to produce a domestic car dates back to the 1950s. Although the Devrim car produced in 1961 never went into full-scale production, in the following years, Turkiye largely developed its automotive industry through joint production models with foreign brands, becoming one of the production centers for many manufacturers. The ecosystem and experience developed during this process eventually evolved into a national car 70 years later. In 2022, TOGG introduced its first model, the T10X, and began mass production in 2023. Initially launched for the domestic market, Togg is now appearing on European roads.

Following the T10X SUV model, Togg’s second model, the T10F sedan, frequently makes headlines, and the project has come a long way since its inception. Bringing a new vision to the Turkish automotive industry, Togg has not only overcome citizens’ hesitation toward electric cars but has also elevated its brand by addressing entertainment and practical needs through its smart device features. With over 82,000 units sold, the national brand Togg has successfully inserted Turkiye into the global electric vehicle race. Togg has encouraged major manufacturers to invest in electric vehicles to protect their market share and is preparing component suppliers for the future. The greatest source of national pride has been owning a car brand with full intellectual property rights.

Since its launch in 2023, the Gemlik Facility, with a capacity of 175,000, has been filling day by day, and Togg has maintained its leadership in both monthly and annual sales. Attractive financing conditions, comfort suited to the Turkish family structure, and technological differentiation from other brands are among the factors contributing to its leadership. In addition to evoking national pride, Togg is accessible to many citizens and allows them to experience it firsthand, demonstrating courage and vision that have effectively made Turkiye a participant in the global automotive race. Beyond its production capacity of over 2 million vehicles annually and providing more than 500,000 direct jobs, the sector, with multiplier effects, reaches 2.5 million and has been prepared for the future. For traditional automotive manufacturers, Togg’s production, carried out with domestic resources and next-generation technologies, serves both as a testing ground and a leap forward in engineering.

Another impact of Togg is that it has become a model for new domestic automotive brands. Its success demonstrates the strength of Turkiye’s engineering and infrastructure capabilities. Moreover, Togg has become a favored brand for universities and R and D centers wishing to participate in the ecosystem rather than build a car from scratch. Its transparent and inclusive structure functions like a testing center. Startups frequently turn to Togg, which helps implement suitable projects. One such project is the From Your Eyes application, created by visually impaired young entrepreneur Zlal Tannur, which narrates road scenery in real time while driving. In addition, AI support minimizes accident rates. With the support of young entrepreneurs like Tannur, Togg is rapidly innovating and creating original technologies while also charting a course for future generations.

In the development of future electric vehicle technologies, Togg has propelled Turkiye-previously lagging behind the world in both automotive and infrastructure development-ahead of many European countries, making it one of the world’s leading nations in this field. By establishing companies, Togg also supports the ecosystem. With Trugo, Togg has built charging stations and become a key player in the retail energy sector. Together with Togg, many brands have obtained charging station licenses and expanded globally using the experience gained in Turkiye. Trugo currently operates nearly 1,000 stations and continues expanding across Anatolia. Another Togg company, Siro, is investing heavily in battery production, not only to meet its own needs but also to become Europe’s largest supplier, with a dedicated factory under construction.

Togg’s business model also includes technology development in necessary areas. The brand operates with a vision to produce all domestic technologies, whether in mobility or industrial fields. Even during its setup, Togg aligned with military technologies. Togg’s smart devices, which incorporate radar technologies, copy all the systems required for autonomous driving from the aerospace sector.

As the world approaches the end of the traditional automotive era, Turkiye, through Togg, has sent the message: ‘I am in the race.’ By rapidly adapting to new technologies, Turkiye has captured a trend in high-value exports. On the flip side, domestic technology development reduces import dependency, contributing to the current account balance. In Togg’s sector, Turkiye imports over $20 billion annually, while exports in the same sector, for which Togg serves as a locomotive, approach $40 billion.

Companies collaborating with Togg have gained experience in electric vehicles and are now serving global markets. For instance, Vestel, a partner under Zorlu Holding, produces the full interior screen for Togg and leverages this experience to serve the global automotive industry. Similarly, in charging station production, Togg has become a sought-after partner for infrastructure investments in Turkiye and abroad. Battery production has accelerated, as has the exploration and processing of the minerals used in these batteries.

An ice city of breathtaking beauty has been built in Harbin, China, Azernews reports.

The annual Harbin Ice and Snow World Festival has officially opened, transforming the city into a frozen wonderland. This year, ice castles, sculptures, skating rinks, and slides cover an impressive 600,000 square meters.

One of the festival’s main attractions is a 24-meter-tall ‘Mr. Snowman.’ Craftsmen spent four days sculpting the giant figure, using around 5,000 cubic meters of snow.

The festival has been held in Harbin since 1985. What began as a modest ice lantern exhibition has grown into one of the largest snow and ice festivals in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year from across the globe.

Many of the ice structures are illuminated at night with colorful LED lights, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere and turning the frozen sculptures into glowing works of art. For many visitors, Harbin is not just a winter festival, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience that showcases how extreme cold can be transformed into extraordinary beauty.

Released in December 2025, the American thriller “Not Without Hope” opens with a powerful quote from the renowned Azerbaijani poet and philosopher Nizami Ganjavi: “In our hour of adversity, be not without hope, for crystal rain falls from the black clouds.”

This poignant line sets the tone for the film, intertwining the theme of survival against all odds with the unwavering power of hope.

The film “Not Without Hope” was directed by Joe Carnahan, starring Zachary Levi as Nick Schuyler, the real-life sole survivor of a 2009 boating accident that took the lives of NFL football players Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith.

The film is adapted from the book “Not Without Hope” by Shuyler and Jerry Longman, first published in 2010. The story is based on the real-life harrowing experience of four friends stranded in the open sea after their fishing boat is caught in a violent storm in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm leads to a devastating shipwreck, and the friends must fight for their survival in an unforgiving environment, where every decision could be their last.

A failed search and rescue operation, due to the adverse weather conditions, leaves the friends with no option but to rely on their own wits, courage, and will to live. What sets the film apart is its raw portrayal of human resilience in the face of nature’s indifference, as the characters battle the relentless forces of the sea and their own inner demons.

The use of Nizami Ganjavi’s quote is no mere literary flourish but rather serves as the philosophical anchor of the film.

“Not Without Hope” is a film that reminds us that, in the most challenging of times. It shows as that hope is not just a feeling, it’s a force that can shape destinies.

Just as Nizami Ganjavi so profoundly expressed, even the darkest of clouds can give way to the crystal rain of hope. And sometimes, that hope is all we need to survive.

Electricity consumption in Finland has reached an all-time high, according to the energy company Fingrid, Azernews reports.

Fingrid reported that the maximum electricity demand in a 15-minute period reached 15,358 MWh, setting a new record for the country.

Despite the surge in usage, Fingrid emphasizes that the power system is operating normally and there is currently enough electricity to meet demand.

Experts attribute the record consumption to a combination of cold winter temperatures, increased use of electric heating, and higher electricity demand from industrial sectors. Fingrid also notes that Finland’s growing reliance on renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, is helping to meet spikes in demand, but the company continues to monitor the system closely to ensure stability.

This milestone highlights the growing importance of smart grid management and the need for innovative energy storage solutions as Finland’s electricity consumption trends continue to rise.

Swiss authorities have introduced a special hotline where farmers, summer residents, and municipal services can report issues related to beavers, Azernews reports.

The move comes in response to the rapid growth of the beaver population, combined with Switzerland’s long-standing policy of protecting the animals instead of culling them.

The country’s beaver population has surged from 1,600 individuals in 2008 to 4,900 in 2022 and continues to grow. Unlike many European nations where hunting beavers is allowed, Switzerland has maintained a strict no-kill policy since the launch of its beaver restoration program in 1956. Not a single animal has been legally killed under this initiative.

While beaver activity can sometimes cause local damage-such as flooding fields or blocking drainage systems-their presence also provides significant ecological benefits. Beaver dams help slow down floods, improve water quality, and dramatically increase biodiversity along rivers and wetlands.

Some municipalities in Switzerland are exploring ‘beaver-friendly infrastructure’, such as water flow devices that prevent flooding while allowing beavers to continue their natural ecosystem work. Experts even note that these industrious rodents can act as natural engineers, creating habitats for fish, birds, and amphibians-turning potential nuisance into environmental opportunity.

As part of the ‘Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2025-2028,’ one of the main objectives is the development and implementation of state standards for artificial intelligence (AI).

To date, eight AI standards have been adopted based on international requirements, and plans are underway to develop and approve additional standards in key areas in the coming years.

These standards are crucial for ensuring the reliable and sustainable growth of Azerbaijan’s AI ecosystem, supporting data accuracy, preventing misinformation, increasing transparency and trust in AI systems, managing risks effectively, and promoting the safe deployment of innovative technologies.

Reflecting the country’s broader vision, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted in a January 5 interview that Azerbaijan aims to become a regional hub for both AI and IT.

‘One of Azerbaijan’s goals is to become a regional Artificial Intelligence hub, an IT hub, and I think we have the potential to do that,’ President Ilham Aliyev said in an interview with local television channels on January 5.

Noting ongoing efforts, the president added: ‘We have plans and already implemented projects related to the creation of a cyber security center and the training of our specialists – we are sending many specialists to train abroad and at the same time organizing training courses in Azerbaijan – so our target is, along with connectivity, to become a hub for AI and for IT. There is potential. There is a strong political will. And of course, we consider American companies as our main partners.’

To discuss the role and impact of these standards, Azernews spoke with Etibar Aliyev, an AI expert with a background in computational analytics and informatics. He works on developing and optimizing large language models at Google and Meta, and provides technical expertise for the California AI Audit Bill and the International Association of Algorithmic Auditors (IAAA). A senior member of the IEEE, Aliyev is also the author of several peer-reviewed studies on AI applications in immersive environments, adaptive narratives, and social network algorithms.

– What are the main principles behind the development of AI standards, and how will their implementation affect the growth of Azerbaijan’s AI ecosystem? Why are unified standards important?

The primary goal of developing AI standards is to balance technological progress with public interest. Key principles include ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data, making AI systems transparent and explainable, identifying and managing risks in advance, and clearly defining accountability mechanisms. These standards are not just a set of technical requirements-they are a governance tool to integrate AI safely and beneficially into society.

Implementing these standards will positively impact the AI ecosystem in several ways. First, they provide government agencies and the private sector with a clear, unified framework, reducing uncertainty and facilitating the implementation of innovative projects. Additionally, aligning standards with international requirements will help Azerbaijani AI products access global markets more easily and enhance the country’s technological credibility. Unified standards matter because they establish consistent rules for all stakeholders, enable systematic risk management, and strengthen public trust in AI technologies.

– What specific measures and approaches are planned to enhance transparency and trust in AI systems?

To increase transparency and trust, a combination of technical, organizational, and regulatory approaches is essential. AI models must clearly document their purpose, data sources, and limitations. This enables both regulators and users to understand how the system operates.

Regular testing, evaluation, and independent audits are also crucial. Explainability mechanisms are especially important for high-risk AI applications, allowing both technical and non-technical audiences to understand why a system made a particular decision. Maintaining human oversight-ensuring that AI decisions are not fully automated but checked at key stages-also significantly contributes to building trust.

– Based on international experience, what challenges and potential risks could Azerbaijan face in implementing AI standards?

International experience shows that implementing AI standards involves both structural and practical challenges. In Azerbaijan, a key risk is the limited availability of specialized personnel and institutional expertise. Effective implementation requires experts who understand not only the technology but also the legal, ethical, and organizational aspects of AI.

Another challenge is the rapid pace of AI development. If standards are too rigid, they may slow innovation and hinder the deployment of new technologies. Conversely, overly general or weak regulation could lead to mismanaged risks. The quality of local data infrastructure and the availability of balanced datasets are also critical. If these factors are overlooked, the reliability and objectivity of AI outputs could be compromised.

– What role do these standards play in ensuring data accuracy and preventing misinformation? What legal and technical measures will be taken if inaccurate information spreads?

AI standards serve as a core mechanism for ensuring data accuracy. By setting clear requirements for data collection, processing, cleaning, and use, they help ensure AI systems operate on reliable information, significantly reducing the likelihood of biased or incorrect outputs. For generative AI systems, regular testing, benchmarking, and performance evaluation are essential to prevent hallucinations or misinformation.

If misinformation does occur, both technical and legal measures will be applied. Technically, the affected model may be suspended, retrained, or augmented with additional safety mechanisms. Legally, responsible parties will be identified, accountability mechanisms enforced, and administrative or legal sanctions applied if necessary. This approach ensures AI technologies remain safe for society while supporting sustainable, long-term development.

A team of Chinese archaeologists has excavated 31 tombs, estimated to be around 3,000 years old, in Weinan, a city in China’s Shenyang Province, Azernews reports.

The discoveries yielded over 300 unique artifacts, including stone gongs, jade dragon pendants, and ceremonial items, offering new insights into the culture and rituals of the era.

One of the tombs is believed to belong to the city’s leader and his wife. In that period, prominent individuals were often buried in ‘ancestral graves’, reserved for notable figures of society.

Some of the jade pendants feature intricate dragon motifs, which may symbolize power and divine protection, suggesting that the buried elites held significant political and spiritual influence. Experts note that such finds could reshape our understanding of early urban civilization in the region, shedding light on social hierarchy, craftsmanship, and religious beliefs from 3,000 years ago.

As a result of comprehensive measures taken by Azerbaijan’s customs authorities in 2025, 97 cases related to the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors were uncovered, leading to the seizure of a total of 1 ton 824 kg 453 grams of prohibited substances.

Azernews reports that the information was released by the State Customs Committee.

According to the data, the bulk of the seized substances consisted of 1 ton 274 kg 889 grams of marijuana, followed by 451 kg 012 grams of heroin, 86 kg 522 grams of hashish, and 10 kg 867 grams of methamphetamine. Smaller quantities included 584 grams of methadone, 211 grams of opium, 154 grams of cocaine, as well as other narcotic and psychotropic substances.

The Committee noted that 97.1 percent of the drugs seized were intended for transit through Azerbaijan, with the final destination being illegal markets in Europe. This highlights Azerbaijan’s role as a key transit route targeted by international drug trafficking networks and underscores the importance of border and customs controls.

Over the course of the year, 95 individuals suspected of involvement in illegal drug trafficking were subjected to appropriate legal measures, and five organized criminal groups engaged in narcotics trafficking were exposed.

In parallel, customs authorities continued efforts to eliminate previously seized drugs from circulation. In 105 criminal cases, court decisions were issued for the destruction of narcotics confiscated in different years, resulting in the burning of approximately 6 tons 715 kilograms of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Azerbaijani sailors, Nargiz Mammadova and Nazrin Mammadova, are set to represent Azerbaijan at the highly anticipated “Mandarin Cup” international sailing competition in Turkiye, Azernews reports.

The athletes will compete under the expert guidance of Turkish coach Mithat Can Yildirim.

Mandarin Cup 2026 will take place in Bodrum, Turkiye on January 13-17. The competition, which is open to the Optimist, ILCA, and RS Feva classes.

The five-day event, set against the backdrop of Bodrum’s winter winds, will offer sailors a valuable mix of training and competitive opportunities.

Sailing in Azerbaijan has been gaining significant momentum over the past decade, driven by the country’s rich maritime heritage and the strategic location along the Caspian Sea. The Azerbaijan Sailing Federation (ASF), established to oversee and promote the sport of sailing, has played a crucial role in fostering this growth.

The Sailing Federation of Azerbaijan (SFA), officially registered in 2000, has been instrumental in advancing the sport of sailing in Azerbaijan.

The ultimate goal of the Sailing Federation of Azerbaijan (SFA) is to support and advance the sport of sailing in the country.

The Federation is committed to increasing public interest in sailing by promoting it among the population and ensuring the development of high-level athletes capable of competing in international events.

A key priority for the Federation is to prepare Azerbaijan’s national sailing team and facilitate their participation in prestigious international competitions. To achieve this, the SFA collaborates closely with regional and global sailing bodies, such as the European Sailing Federation (EUROSAF).

The Federation organizes an annual conference, which serves as a platform to make critical decisions such as adopting and amending the Statute, electing the executive authorities, and reviewing the progress of the organization through annual reports.

Since 2014, the Sailing Federation of Azerbaijan has been a proud member of both the World Sailing and the European Sailing Federation (EUROSAF). These memberships have played a crucial role in connecting Azerbaijan to the global sailing community, allowing local athletes and officials to benefit from international expertise, attend global conferences, and engage in key events around the world.

All eyes are on the stunning Shahdag slopes, where athletes from around the world compete in the spirit of sportsmanship, skill, and passion for winter sports.

The breathtaking landscapes of Azerbaijan’s Shahdag Tourism Center became the setting for the much-anticipated “Azerbaijan Open” International Alpine Skiing Tournament, Azernews reports.

Co-organized by the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation and the Shahdag Tourism Center, this large-scale event is part of the FIS (International Ski Federation) calendar, attracting elite athletes from around the world.

Grand Opening Ceremony

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gayibov, and the President of the Winter Sports Federation, Fuad Naghiyev, addressed the opening ceremony of the tournament.

In their remarks, they outlined the importance of the tournament for the development of winter sports in Azerbaijan and the country’s growing role as a destination for international sports tourism.

The tournament has drawn 20 female athletes from countries such as Switzerland, Hungary, Slovenia, Georgia, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Nepal, Uzbekistan, and, of course, Azerbaijan. Representing the host country is Anastasiya Papatoma, an accomplished alpine skier.

Fierce Competition in Slalom

The opening day saw athletes take to the slopes for the Slalom event, where they demonstrated exceptional agility and precision, competing for top honors. The tournament will continue through January 10, with subsequent days dedicated to the Giant Slalom and more Slalom races. The athletes are pushing their limits, each vying for victory.

Strong Partnership for Winter Sports Growth

Azerbaijan strives to establish itself as a leading destination for winter sports, leveraging its natural landscapes and strategic partnerships to develop world-class facilities and host international competitions.

In May 2022, the State Tourism Agency and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) signed a significant five-year partnership agreement. The agreement focuses on improving winter tourism infrastructure, promoting Azerbaijan as a prime winter sports destination, and hosting world-class competitions such as the “Azerbaijan Open.”

The main goal is clear: to establish Azerbaijan as a hub for international winter sports events and enhance the country’s visibility on the global tourism map. Under this partnership, Azerbaijan will serve as the “Global Destination Partner” for FIS events, a position that will allow the country to host some of the world’s most prestigious winter sports competitions.

Major Winter Sports Events Through FIS Partnership

Azerbaijan is setting its sights on a bold new future: becoming a major destination for international winter sports. This is made possible through a partnership with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

The main goal of the collaboration is to position Azerbaijan as a destination for world-class winter sports events and ensure the extensive international promotion of the country’s tourism brand. According to the agreement, Azerbaijan will serve as the “Global Destination Partner” for FIS-organized global events for a period of five years.

One of the most anticipated events on the calendar is the World Cup Mogul Finals, which will take place in March 2026.

Shahdag Tourism Center: Azerbaijan’s Leading Alpine Destination

Shahdag Tourism Center is Azerbaijan’s leading mountain resort and one of the country’s most ambitious tourism projects, combining year-round outdoor recreation with modern facilities and stunning natural landscapes.

Located just about 29-32 km from Gusar, the resort takes its name from the majestic Shahdag Mountain, which rises to 4,243 m above sea level as part of the Greater Caucasus range.

The center was established under a presidential order to develop winter and summer tourism in Azerbaijan and officially opened in the early 2010s as the country’s first ski resort of its kind, set within the scenic Shahdag National Park. It now operates year-round, offering a wide range of sports and leisure activities for visitors of all ages and skill levels.

Shahdag is a world-class alpine destination with a high altitude range from 1,435 m to 2,552 m, 37 ski slopes.

This makes it ideal for beginners as well as seasoned ski enthusiasts seeking thrilling downhill experiences amidst breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains.

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers diverse attractions, including zip lines, snow tubing, quad biking, zip-line rides, pedestrian lifts, VR zones, and family-friendly entertainment.

Shahdag’s infrastructure supports comfortable stays with multiple hotels, restaurants serving local and international cuisine, spa services, and modern leisure facilities that help make each season memorable.

The center has also been expanding its offerings with new slopes and services designed to host international competitions, further raising Azerbaijan’s profile in winter sports.

In recent years, Shahdag has seen significant growth in visitor numbers, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, and has even joined the Eurasian Alliance of Mountain Resorts.