Mugham Center celebrates 5th anniversary of glorious Victory

International Mugham Center in Baku has hosted an event to mark
the 5th anniversary of the Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day
Patriotic War, Azernews reports.
Organiz…

Laman Ismayilova

International Mugham Center in Baku has hosted an event to mark
the 5th anniversary of the Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day
Patriotic War, Azernews reports.

Organized by Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, with
support from the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the event program
featured a literary and artistic program, including the screening
of the documentary “Shadowless World,” which explores the nuances
of miniature art.

The evening began with the Azerbaijan National Anthem, followed
by a moment of silence in honor of the country’s martyrs.

Attendees included representatives from Azerbaijan’s diplomatic
corps, international organizations, members of the Azerbaijani
Parliament, and prominent figures from the fields of science and
culture.

Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage
Foundation, stressed the significance of Azerbaijan’s glorious
victory, which symbolizes the strength, unity, and indomitable will
of the Azerbaijani people.

She also addressed the importance of the documentary “Shadowless
World” (Kölgəsiz dünya), which showcases the rich tradition of
miniature art, a distinguished aspect of Turkic art.

Aktoty Raimkulova pointed out that the preservation, study, and
promotion of miniature art are vital for maintaining the shared
cultural heritage of the Turkic world. She described miniature art
as a powerful form of visual poetry, where colors, lines, and
images convey stories without the need for words. She also
acknowledged the important role of MP Gunay Afandiyeva, the
foundation’s first president, in the production of the film.

Following the speeches, the event continued with a series of
musical and artistic performances. Honored Artist Bayimkhanim
Valiyeva performed the “Khudayar Taznifi,” young singer Khasay
Shikhiyev sang “Ey Vətən,” and celebrated mugham singer Ayshan
Mehdiyeva performed the “Garabagh” oriental piece. Actor Tural
Ahmad recited Ramiz Gusarchayli’s poem “The Flag of Azerbaijan,”
and the dance group from the No. 3 Children and Youth Development
Center also presented a performance.

Professor Rabbiyyat Aslanova, Head of the Department of History
of Philosophy and Cultural Studies at Baku State University, shared
her thoughts on the documentary “Shadowless World.”

She praised the film for its role in not only introducing
miniature art to a broader audience but also in illustrating the
richness and aesthetic significance of Azerbaijani cultural
heritage. Aslanova explained that the film offers a deeper
understanding of miniature art, enabling both young generations and
the general public to appreciate its complexities.

She emphasized that miniature art goes beyond its visual beauty,
conveying deep spiritual and historical messages. Aslanova noted
that each viewer perceives miniatures through their own
experiences, emotions, and perspectives, making the art form a
unique reflection of both individual and collective cultural
heritage.

After the speeches, the documentary “Shadowless World,” directed
by Jamila Hashimova and Afaq Mammadova from the “Artel” company,
was screened. The film’s primary goal is to share the fine details
of miniature art with a wider audience and to shed light on the
historical and cultural values embedded within this art form.

The event was held in honor of the 5th anniversary of
Azerbaijan’s glorious victory in the 44-day Patriotic War. It also
served as an occasion to remember the heroes and veterans who
sacrificed their lives during the war.

The Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation paid tribute to the
fallen soldiers, reflecting on their contributions to Azerbaijan’s
victory and national pride.

Russian MFA expresses regret over damage to Azerbaijani embassy building in Kyiv

The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed regret over the damage caused to the building of the Azerbaijani embassy in Kyiv following a missile strike on the Ukrainian capital on November 14.

Azernews reports this, citing the official statement of the Russian MFA.

According to the information, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin held a meeting with Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Russia, Rahman Mustafayev. During the discussions, Russian officials noted that the Azerbaijani side’s appeal dated November 14 concerning the damage to the embassy’s buildings, property and surrounding territory had been ‘carefully considered by the competent Russian agencies.’

‘The Russian side expresses its sincere regret over the incident,’ the MFA said in its statement.

The meeting also reaffirmed the mutual intention to continue developing bilateral relations and touched on the schedule of upcoming high-level contacts. ‘Successes in the development of bilateral economic cooperation and the importance of fully restoring cultural and humanitarian ties were noted,’ the Russian Foreign Ministry added.

According to the Russian MFA, ‘regional issues, including the possible assistance of the Russian side to the normalization of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations on the basis of the complex of trilateral high-level agreements reached in 2020-2022, were also discussed separately. Issues of maintaining the rhythmic work of the ‘3+3′ Regional Cooperation Platform were considered.’

Earlier, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported that on November 14, Russian Ambassador to Baku Mikhail Yevdokimov was summoned to the ministry and presented with a formal note of protest. During that meeting, the Azerbaijani side ‘strongly protested against the landing of one of the Iskander missiles on the territory of the Embassy’ amid missile and drone strikes on Kyiv at around 1:00 a.m. on November 14.

The Azerbaijani MFA noted that the explosion caused significant damage, stating that ‘part of the fence of the embassy territory was completely destroyed, and structures, service vehicles, an administrative building and the consular department of the Embassy were damaged.’

Carpet Museum, Gulnara Khalilova fashion house to present new project

On November 25, the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum will host the presentation of the project “The New Story of Kelaghayi”, Azernews reports.

The event is dedicated to the 11th anniversary of the inclusion of the Azerbaijani kelaghayi in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Within the framework of the project, the Magic of Silk clothing collection by designer Gulnara Khalilova – Head of the Azerbaijani National Clothing Center, member of the Eurasian Ethnodesigners Association, PhD in Art Studies, and creator of the CIZGI brand – will be showcased. Gulnara Khalilova’s new collection reveals the brightest and most poetic shades of silk, blending the profound meanings of the kelaghayi with the delicate aesthetics of contemporary fashion. Every pattern and colour transition in the garments reflects the connection of the kelaghayi with women’s destiny, cultural memory, and national identity.

The event will also feature historical and modern kelaghayis selected from the collection of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, and museum specialists will conduct a masterclass on kelaghayi-making.

The presentation, which harmoniously brings together the centuries-old spirit of the kelaghayi with today’s creative energy, aesthetic vision, and way of thinking, will once again demonstrate that this ancient heritage is not merely a cultural legacy of the past but an ever-evolving artistic language gaining new meaning.

The project will take place with the support of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and through the collaboration of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum and the Gulnara Khalilova fashion house.

Uber launches robot deliveries in UK

Uber announced on Thursday that it will partner with Starship Technologies to introduce autonomous robot deliveries in the UK starting in December, with plans to expand to additional European markets next year and the United States in 2027, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Initially, Uber Eats customers in the Leeds and Sheffield areas will be able to receive deliveries from Starship’s robots, the company said.

This partnership is the latest in a series of collaborations Uber has established with autonomous vehicle and robotics companies as it increasingly focuses on automating its services to drive growth and efficiency. In the United States, Uber already works with Avride and Serve Robotics to provide robotic food deliveries.

Starship, based in San Francisco, will deploy robots operating at Level 4 autonomy, meaning they can navigate and complete deliveries within a designated area without human intervention. The robots are equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and AI systems to safely avoid obstacles, interact with pedestrians, and ensure timely deliveries.

Experts suggest that this move could significantly reduce delivery costs, speed up service in congested urban areas, and provide a glimpse of the future of ‘last-mile’ logistics. Interestingly, some of Starship’s robots are designed to carry multiple orders simultaneously, and users can track the robots in real time via the Uber Eats app, making the experience interactive and futuristic.

With the rise of autonomous technology, partnerships like Uber and Starship’s signal a shift in the delivery industry, where smart robotics and AI could become as commonplace as traditional couriers within a few years.

Azerbaijan highlights role of standards in green transition at COP30

The Azerbaijan Standardization Institute (AZSTAND), operating under the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control, organized a panel session titled ‘Shaping a Green Future Through Standards’ at Azerbaijan’s pavilion in the Blue Zone of COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, Azernews reports, citing the agency.

According to the information, the panel aimed to promote the use of international standards as key tools for achieving sustainable development goals and addressing global environmental challenges. The session also sought to demonstrate how standards guide the adoption of green practices across industry, government, and communities, helping to build a more sustainable future. Additionally, the program targeted the expansion of sustainable practices through cooperation, innovation, and responsible policymaking, while highlighting the importance of standardization in creating a green, sustainable, and inclusive world.

The panel was moderated by Kamala Mammadzadeh, Deputy Director General and Acting Director General of AZSTAND. Speakers included Umayra Taghiyeva, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources; Faig Mutallimov, Senior Advisor to the Presidential Climate Issues Office; Silvio Dulinski, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO); Ihsan Övt, Secretary General of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC); and Dr. Bobjosef Mathew, President of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).

Speakers emphasized the importance of harmonizing standards to support climate action, reduce emissions, and enhance resource efficiency-particularly in areas such as food technology and water management. They also underscored the need to strengthen cooperation between standardization bodies and government institutions, align environmental policies with global best practices, and promote coordinated and effective approaches toward a sustainable, green future.

Azerbaijani Ombudsman featured in ICIC special issue on right to access information [PHOTOS]

The activities of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, in promoting the right to access information have been highlighted in a Special Issue Bulletin prepared by the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC), Azernews reports.

The bulletin was published in 2025 to mark the 10th anniversary of September 28 being declared World Freedom of Information Day by UNESCO. It reflects initiatives and activities organized worldwide by ICIC to commemorate the day.

Information on Azerbaijan’s efforts was added to the bulletin and published on ICIC’s official website. It includes details on the work carried out to strengthen the protection of the right to access information, increase public awareness, and organize educational events on the topic. The Ombudsman’s Office also prepared a booklet and video clip titled ‘Media Entities and Journalists’ Right to Access Information’.

In addition, the bulletin notes Commissioner Sabina Aliyeva’s participation in the ‘Tu Info, Tu Derecho’ campaign and her interview published in local media on World Freedom of Information Day.

The Special Issue Bulletin showcases Azerbaijan’s commitment to transparency and the advancement of information rights.

Azerbaijan to establish Media Excellence Center to combat disinformation in D-8 countries

The Media Excellence Center is being established on the initiative and recommendation of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev. Its primary objectives include combating disinformation and fake news in D-8 countries, enhancing professional expertise in the media sector, organizing personnel training programs, and implementing relevant projects.

Azernews reports that this was announced today by Ahmed Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, while speaking to journalists at the D-8 Media Forum held in Baku.

Ismayilov emphasized that the forum aims to foster international and regional cooperation among media entities of D-8 Economic Cooperation Organization member states, improve collaboration in countering disinformation in the digital environment, and establish a platform for mutual cooperation.

‘At the forum, a strategic plan for the creation of the D-8 Media Excellence Center is being discussed. The center’s strategic plan has already been presented to forum participants. By the end of the day, recommendations from media experts and government officials from D-8 countries will be incorporated into the center’s future strategic framework,’ he added.

The D-8 Media Forum, themed ‘Promoting Dialogue, Cooperation, and Regional Solidarity,’ is currently taking place in Baku. The event brings together heads of media agencies, leading media organizations from D-8 Economic Cooperation Organization member states, senior government officials, and distinguished media experts.

Azerbaijan, US discuss progress on Middle Corridor and Zangazur Corridor

Azerbaijan has held discussions with the United States on ongoing work related to the Middle Corridor and the Zangazur Corridor.

As reported by Azernews, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev shared the update on his account on platform X.

‘We met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Amy Carlon and Jonathan Askonas, Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Policy Planning. We provided information on the progress made by Azerbaijan toward the development of the Middle Corridor. We also discussed cooperation between our two countries in this area, as well as matters related to the Zangazur Corridor. In addition, we exchanged views on partnership opportunities in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence,’ the minister wrote.

Professors of Baku Music Academy join int’l music contest [PHOTOS]

The 7th World Harmony International Music Competition has successfully concluded in Spain, Azernews reports.

The event aimed at fostering the creative development of young and talented musicians brought together participants from several countries, including Georgia, Spain, Lithuania, and Turkiye.

The jury of the international competition included Azerbaijan’s Honored Teacher, Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs at Baku Music Academy, Professor Narmina Guliyeva, as well as Honored Teacher and Professor Hokuma Aliyeva.

The contest featured performances in four age categories across various nominations: piano, wind instruments, string instruments, and ensemble performance.

The international jury evaluated the young musicians’ stage presence, performance skills, and creative potential.

At the conclusion of the competition-festival, participants were awarded relevant titles, diplomas, and certificates.

This music competition has become an important platform for young musicians to showcase their talents and gain international recognition.

Armenian civil society delegation arrives in Baku for continued peace dialogue

On November 21, 2025, a group of Armenian civil society representatives arrived in Baku as part of the ongoing dialogue process between the two countries, Azernews reports.

The visit follows the Azerbaijani civil society delegation’s trip to Yerevan on October 21-22, 2025, reflecting the reciprocal and structured nature of the confidence-building efforts.

The parties previously implemented this initiative in Yerevan at the end of October.

This exchange comes within a broader context of normalization measures that have been unfolding over recent years. Earlier diplomatic engagements, including the talks held in Abu Dhabi on July 10, where both sides discussed elements of the peace agenda, helped shape the framework for continued dialogue and set the stage for subsequent confidence-building steps.

Both sides continue engagement within the peace agenda set after the Joint Statement adopted in Washington on August 8, focusing on strengthening mutual understanding, supporting regional stability, and encouraging direct dialogue between communities as normalization efforts advance.

Another key development in this trajectory was President Ilham Aliyev’s announcement in October 2025 lifting all restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia.

The first transit shipment, Kazakh grain passing through Azerbaijani territory, marked the opening of a new practical route for regional trade.