Category: Azer News

The 85th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s prominent statesman and Doctor of Historical Sciences, Hasan Hasanov, has been celebrated at the Azerbaijan State Academic Drama Theater, Azernews reports.

The event was attended by Farah Aliyeva, Head of the Department of Humanitarian Policy, Diaspora, Multiculturalism, and Religious Affairs of the Presidential Administration, Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli, as well as other state and public figures.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Speaker of the Azerbaijan National Assembly and Director of the National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, Academician Rafael Huseyn, highlighted Hasan Hasanov’s multifaceted contributions to statehood, science, and culture.

As part of the event, the play “Letters from Exile”, authored by the celebrant himself, was presented. The work, dedicated to the life of the founder of Azerbaijani dramaturgy Mirza Fatali Akhundzade and his son Rashid, brings enlightenment ideas and national thought to the stage.

The play was staged by People’s Artist Marahim Farzalibayov, with set design by Honored Cultural Worker Ilham Elkhanoglu, and music arrangement by Hamid Kazimzade.

Performances were given by People’s Artists Ali Nur, Lalezar Mustafayeva, Haji Ismayilov, Kazim Abdullayev, Honored Artists Elshan Jabrayilov, Vafa Rzayeva, and actors Rustam Rustamov and Elchin Efendi.

The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan has announced that the destruction of expired and unserviceable ammunition will be carried out between October 27 and 31 in line with strict safety protocols, Azernews reports.

According to the ministry, the disposal operations will take place at a designated training ground near Pir?k?skl settlement and at a military training center in the Aghdara district.

The measure aims to ensure the safe handling and elimination of outdated munitions that are no longer suitable for use, thereby minimizing potential risks to both military personnel and nearby civilian areas. The ministry noted that such disposal activities are conducted regularly as part of ongoing efforts to maintain safety standards and modernize the country’s defense infrastructure.

During this period, residents in the surrounding areas may hear loud explosion sounds resulting from the controlled detonations. The Defense Ministry has urged the public to remain calm, stressing that there is no reason for alarm.

‘The explosions are part of scheduled safety procedures and pose no threat to the population,’ the ministry’s statement said, calling on citizens to avoid unnecessary concern and to trust the precautions in place.

Azerbaijan’s U-15 boxing team has returned from the European Championship in Budva, Montenegro, with an impressive total of eight medals, including two historic golds, Azernews reports.

Competing against 369 athletes from 32 countries, Azerbaijan’s team secured 2 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals, finishing 6th in the overall standings.

Khumar Jafarli (75 kg) made history as the first Azerbaijani female boxer to win a U-15 European title. She triumphed over Turkey’s Yagmur Eryurt in the final, winning unanimously 5-0 with consistent 30:27 scores from all five judges.

Mehran Rasulov (80 kg) claimed Azerbaijan’s second gold medal, defeating Ukraine’s Serhiy Kotovskyi 5-0 (30:27, 29:28, 29:28, 30:27, 30:27). This victory marks Rasulov’s third European medal, adding to his previous two bronze medals.

Silver medals were won by Nasrin Abdullazade (40 kg), Nurlan Museyibli (66 kg), and Yusif Agakishiyev (75 kg). Bronze medals went to Onur Gurbanov (42 kg), Eljan Musazade (50 kg), and Erdem Tekin (90 kg).

A total of 369 boxers from 32 countries participated in the European U15 Boxing Championships.

Boxing is recognized as one of the oldest sports in human history, with the earliest records of the sport dating back to ancient Egypt around 3,000 BC.

The Greeks introduced boxing to the ancient Olympic Games in the late 7th century BC.

In 1924, the International Amateur Boxing Federation (FIBA) was founded, and in 1946, it was renamed the International Boxing Association (AIBA). Boxing made its Olympic debut at the 1904 Games in St. Louis.

Azerbaijan hosted its first boxing championship in 1926, with national boxers claiming first place. Since 1992, the Azerbaijani Boxing Federation has been a full member of AIBA.

Azerbaijani boxers have earned numerous prestigious accolades in international competitions. Aghasi Mammadov made history by becoming Azerbaijan’s first gold medalist at the World Championships. Fuad Asadov also earned a spot on the podium at the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Azerbaijan has been selected several times to host major boxing events.

The country previously hosted the 2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships, which served as the main qualification tournament for the London 2012 Olympics.

In 2019, Baku hosted the AIBA Youth World Championships, marking the first youth competition to act as a qualifier for the 2010 Singapore Olympics.

Shahin Abdullayev has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Jordan, Azernews reports.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, Abdullayev was recalled from his posts as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Saudi Arabia, as well as to Bahrain, and as Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Azerbaijani team wins medals and an honorable mention at the ‘Stars of Informatics’

Azerbaijani students have once again achieved remarkable results on the international stage. At the ‘Stars of Informatics’ international programming competition, organized by the Republic of Romania on 18-19 October 2025, the team secured four bronze medals and an encouragement award.

Competing against 120 participants from 10 countries, the students showcased their talent and problem-solving skills. Bronze medals were awarded to 10th-grade students Atilla Mustafa and Omer Alimammadzada from Baku Turkish Lyceum, Fateh Ahmadzada from the Lyceum named after Academician Zarifa Aliyeva, and Akbar Ahmadov from the Physics, Mathematics, and Informatics Lyceum. Elay Verdiyev, also a 10th-grade student from the Physics, Mathematics, and Informatics Lyceum, received an honorable mention.

The competition, held virtually, challenged participants’ analytical thinking, algorithmic problem solving, programming, and time management skills across two demanding stages.

Since 2017, Azercell Telecom has supported the preparation of students for informatics Olympiads in partnership with the Ministry of Science and Education and the Institute of Education. Through this initiative, young talents across different age groups have participated in various international programming competitions, earning a total of 108 medals to date.

Azercell congratulates the talented students and wishes them continued success in future competitions!

The Azerbaijani musicians have mesmerized the audience at the 24th Shanghai International Arts Festival in China, Azernews reports.

The Ensemble of Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall, Baku State Chamber Orchestra under the direction of artistic director and chief conductor, Honored Artist Fuad Ibrahimov, as well as soloists People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, pianist Yegana Akhundova, and international competition laureate Nazrin Aslanli (violin), left the audience speechless with their magnificent performances.

The concert program featured masterpieces of Azerbaijani and world classical music, including works by Uzeyir Hajibayli, Gara Garayev, Fikrat Amirov, Farhad Badalbayli, Tofig Guliyev, Mozart, Benjamin Britten, Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach, Astor Piazzolla, and Felix Mendelssohn.

The gala concert became a true celebration of Azerbaijani music and culture, blending tradition with modernity, Eastern refinement with European classical music.

The 24th China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF) is taking place in Shanghai from October 17 to November 27, 2025.

The event features over 1,200 performances and exhibitions across music, dance, theater, and visual arts, with participants from more than 80 countries and regions.

Mammad Talibov has been recalled from his post as Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Mexico, as well as Honduras, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama and Peru, Azernews reports.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

In September, Swiss watch exports to the U.S. decreased by 55.6 percent, Azernews reports citing the Swiss Watchmakers Federation.

In August, exports had already declined by 23.9%. The reason for the drop is the 39% additional tariff imposed by Washington on Swiss watch imports starting from August.

Before the new tariffs took effect, Swiss watchmakers managed to build up large stocks in the U.S. market. In April, exports to the U.S. had surged by 149%.

In September, Swiss watch exports to the UK, China, Singapore, and South Korea saw noticeable increases, while exports to Germany, France, and Italy declined.

Overall, in September, Switzerland exported watches worth 2 billion Swiss francs (4.2 billion AZN), which represents a 3.1% increase compared to the previous month.

A meeting with prominent cultural and art figures has been held at the Presidential Library of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The event was attended by renowned photojournalist Reza Deghati, Azerbaijan’s prominent composer, People’s Artist, and Professor Siyavush Karimi, Deputy Director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater and Honored Artist Ramil Gasimov, and Deputy Chair of the “Culture that Unites Us” Public Union, Riad Guliyev.

The Director of the Presidential Library, Professor Afet Abbasova, acquainted the guests with the library’s activities, rich collections, and ongoing projects. She emphasized that the Presidential Library attaches special importance to cooperation in the fields of science, culture, and the arts, highlighting the promotion of new creative initiatives as one of its priority directions.

During the meeting, the possibilities for joint cooperation in the cultural sphere and the realization of new projects were discussed. Ideas were exchanged regarding mutual initiatives in the fields of photojournalism, music, and exhibition activities.

In a creative atmosphere, Honored Artist Ramil Gasimov and People’s Artist, Professor Siyavush Karimi performed “Alagöz” (lyrics by Zeynal Jabbarsade), one of the favorite songs of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, as well as a new composition by Siyavush Karimi, “Sen Yanimda Ol” (lyrics by Shahnaz Hashimova).

At the end of the sincere dialogue, the Director of the Presidential Library thanked the guests and wished them success in their future creative endeavors.

Additionally, Professor Afet Abbasova, Director of the Presidential Library, and photojournalist Reza Deghati discussed the possibility of organizing exhibitions dedicated to the Khojaly genocide, featuring photographs taken by Deghati, in the run-up to the anniversary of the tragedy.

Through such meetings, the Presidential Library aims to contribute to the promotion of national cultural heritage, strengthen creative connections, and expand cooperation with cultural and scientific figures.

A presentation of the new book by Azerbaijani writer and journalist Alexander Khakimov “Captain of the Camera” has taken place at Maksud Ibrahimbayov Creativity Center, Azernews reports.

The book is dedicated to the memory of the late Azerbaijani photographer and journalist Samir Aliyev.

The event began with a welcoming speech by the director of the Maksud Ibrahimbayov Creativity Center, Anna Ibrahimbayova, who stresssed the importance of photography in preserving historical memory and documenting the past.

The author of the book, Alexander Khakimov, shared the story behind its creation, talked about the project’s concept and development, and also remembered Samir Aliyev, with whom he had not only professional ties but also a close friendship. He discussed their collaborative work on various projects, both completed and unrealized.

The book is illustrated with photographs by Samir Aliyev, a talented photo artist and one of the best photojournalists of his time, who lived a brief (just 42 years), yet bright and fruitful life.

Historian and photographer Rustam Huseynov highlighted the significance of the first book entirely dedicated to the life and work of the Azerbaijani photographer. He discussed some of Samir Aliyev’s most interesting shots, the peculiarities of his creative style, and his approach as a photojournalist.

Rustam Huseynovalso shared information about the “Photographic Heritage” project, launched by the Azerbaijan Photographers Union (AFB) and the IRS magazine, as well as his own research into Samir Aliyev’s creative legacy.

The founder of the Azerbaijan Photographers Union, Mirnaib Hasanoglu, pointed out that Samir Aliyev’s work remains relevant even today, noting that his photographs were included in the book “Eyes of Fire”, published in France.

In subsequent speeches, well-known Azerbaijani photojournalists shared their memories of Samir Aliyev. Photographer Tofig Babayev recalled his colleague’s professionalism and creative approach, while Semyon Shalmeev shared fascinating stories from his life.

The presentation took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, where friends and colleagues discussed Samir Aliyev’s life and artistic journey, his accomplishments, and bright moments from his biography.

The event concluded with an autograph session.