Category: Azer News

Trkiye is drawing attention by increasing energy production from waste management. Across the country, facilities generate approximately 3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually from waste, meeting the energy needs of 1.2 million households. This successful application model is serving as an example for countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

At the 11th Energy Efficiency Forum and Fair held in Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlighted landfill gas, stating: ‘We even convert gas coming from waste into electrical energy and supply it for residential and industrial use.’

Ali Riza Öner, President of the Waste Management and Energy Generation from Waste Producers Association (TAYED), explained that facilities generating electricity from landfill gas in Trkiye have a total installed capacity of 355 megawatts, producing 2.955 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which meets the electricity needs of approximately 1.2 million households.

Öner emphasized the significance of Trkiye’s progress in energy technologies, stating: ‘Today, waste is no longer merely material that must be disposed of; it has become a strategic resource that transforms into economic value and energy. Furthermore, the fact that energy delegations from Europe, the Middle East, and many African countries are flocking to Trkiye to use our landfill gas facilities as a model and establish similar plants in their own countries reinforces our pioneering role in this field.’

He reiterated that the electricity-generating landfill gas facilities in Trkiye have a 355-megawatt installed capacity, producing about 2.955 billion kilowatt-hours annually, enough to cover the annual electricity consumption of approximately 1.2 million households. Öner noted that almost all metropolitan municipalities in Trkiye convert gas emitted from solid waste sites into electricity, adding: ‘These facilities capture methane that could harm the environment, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions while generating economic benefits through electricity production.’

Öner also explained that Trkiye now produces not only electricity from waste but also biomethane (green natural gas), which is directly equivalent to natural gas. He elaborated: ‘This process is technically called biomethanization. The methane content of biogas obtained from waste or organic materials is around 55 percent on average, whereas the methane content of natural gas is about 95 percent. In biomethane facilities, this rate can be increased up to 99.5 percent. Consequently, the gas obtained can be directly injected into the BOTAS transmission system or city natural gas distribution networks. Through this method, Trkiye can both create a local and renewable natural gas source and significantly reduce its carbon footprint.’

Öner added that Trkiye’s technical biomethane potential corresponds to approximately 10 percent of the country’s current natural gas consumption, noting: ‘The European Union’s mandate to blend biomethane into natural gas networks by 2030 strengthens Trkiye’s need to adapt to this transformation.’

The famous Colombian painter and sculptor, Fernando Botero, who created the “Boterismo” style by presenting oversized representations of people, animals, and various figures, will have his works exhibited for the first time in Baku on October 31, as part of the “Fly to Baku. Art Weekend. Sense the Future NOW” project organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Azernews reports.

More than 100 art works by the artist will be showcased at the Heydar Aliyev Center in the solo exhibition titled “The Triumph of Form.” These works represent over 70 years of the artist’s creative journey. Among them are early watercolor works created by Botero when he was just 14 years old, depicting scenes from bullfighting, as well as paintings created using his distinctive technique on canvas. His works are known for their vibrancy and life-affirming qualities. The artist even presents Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” in his own style, in a larger-than-life form. Botero’s sculpture “The Horseman” was sold for $4.3 million at a 2022 Christie’s auction, while his 2023 auction record was set with the sale of the piece titled “Musicians,” which fetched $5.1 million. In total, Botero has created over 3,000 paintings and more than 200 sculptures.

Fernando Botero has attracted widespread attention worldwide. With more than 100 museum exhibitions in over 30 countries and millions of followers, the artist left Colombia at the age of 20, yet his homeland has always remained a source of inspiration for him. Describing himself as “the most Colombian of Colombians,” the central themes of Botero’s works often include childhood memories, Latin American life, still lifes, and bullfights. Through this, he combines the universal spirit of the Italian Renaissance with the life energy of Latin America.

The artist has created sketches for Spain’s “Lope de Vega” theater company, lived in Madrid and Paris in the 1950s, studying the works of great masters, learned fresco techniques at the University of Florence, discovered abstract expressionism in the United States, and illustrated Gabriel García Márquez’s short story “Tuesday Siesta.” Since 1973, he has been working with sculpture, turning to three-dimensional forms.

A documentary film titled “Botero”, dedicated to the life and work of the artist, was released in 2023. The film has won numerous awards in various categories at many festivals.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for personally overseeing the situation related to the AZAL plane crash, Azernews reports.

‘I would like to thank you for personally keeping this situation under controlYou are personally overseeing the course of the investigation, and we had no doubt that it would thoroughly and objectively determine all the circumstances. Therefore, I would like once again to express my gratitude that you deemed it important to address this issue during our meeting,’ the head of state said.

On December 25, 2024, an Embraer 190-100 IGW passenger aircraft, registered in the state register under number 4K-AZ65 and owned by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), crashed in the Republic of Kazakhstan near Aktau Airport while performing regular flight J2-8243 from Baku (Republic of Azerbaijan) to Grozny (Russian Federation). Two crew members (the captain and co-pilot), the senior flight attendant, and 35 passengers were lost in the crash.

The preliminary report published by the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan confirms the following facts:

1. The Embraer 190-100 IGW passenger aircraft, registered under the number 4K-AZ65 and owned by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), operating a regular flight J2-8243 from Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan to Grozny, Russian Federation, has been in a fully operational condition since the start of the flight on the route to Grozny. in good condition for flights. These data on the airworthiness of the aircraft, including the operation of its control systems, were confirmed using FDR data;

2. Both engines of the aircraft were operating without technical problems until the moment of the accident. This information is also confirmed by FDR data;

3. During the flight in the airspace of the Russian Federation, including over Grozny Airport, the aircraft lost GPS signals;

4. Due to adverse weather conditions over Grozny, the aircraft was unable to make a second approach for landing, after which the captain decided to return to Baku. After this decision was made over Grozny, two external sounds were recorded on the CVR at 24-second intervals;

5. A comparison of CVR and FDR data showed that 4 seconds after the first external sound, the third hydraulic system failed, 6 seconds later the first hydraulic system failed, and 21 seconds later the second hydraulic system failed;

6. Numerous blunt and penetrating damages to the fuselage were found and recorded in photographs and video recordings. This damage was found in the rear of the fuselage, the vast majority of which was on the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, as well as the left wing and left engine.

7. Information was provided that the damage found in the aircraft fuselage was caused by external objects. The preliminary report does not contain any information indicating that the aircraft collided with birds.

8. Foreign objects not belonging to the aircraft, found in the blind damage to the fuselage, were removed; their photographs are presented to the public in the preliminary report. To accurately determine the origin of the foreign objects found, additional examinations are planned in the future.

9. At 05:13:32, the aircraft’s main control systems failed; at 05:21:42, the liaison officer reported to Grozny that Operation Carpet was underway.

10. No information indicating an oxygen cylinder explosion has been provided.

Under the requirements of the ICAO Chicago Convention, a final report on the causes of the crash must be prepared within one year of the incident, following the preliminary report.

On October 9, the Heads of State of the CIS were invited to an informal dinner in Dushanbe, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is attending the event.

A meeting has been held between the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), Azernews reports.

The meeting focused on the implementation of the new tasks and assignments determined during the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Turkic Council, which was held in Gabala, Azerbaijan.

Culture Minister Adil Karimli emphasized the importance of cooperation with TURKSOY, noting that this partnership has been expanding and gaining new dimensions over the years. He highlighted the significance of joint projects aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Turkic world.

TÜRKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev expressed satisfaction with the collaboration with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture and extended his deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the support in strengthening the ties.

During the meeting, Vugar Mammadov, the newly appointed representative of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry to TURKSOY, was introduced to the Secretary General. It was noted that he would begin his duties in the coming days.

The parties exchanged views on the organization’s activities for the current year and emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation in the implementation of joint projects.

Over the past years, TURKSOY has made significant contributions to promoting Turkic cultural heritage through different initiatives. Most of these projects have become a tradition and are continued every year.

Since its establishment, TURKSOY has been carrying out activities to strengthen the ties of brotherhood and solidarity among Turkic peoples, transmit the common Turkic culture to future generations and introduce it to the world.

The organisation actively collaborates with international bodies like UNESCO and maintains partnerships with institutions such as the Organisation of Turkic States and the International Turkish Academy.

Azerbaijan actively participates in TURKSOY’s initiatives, hosting events like the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World project in Shusha city.

Many events of cultural significance, including the Kharibulbul International Folklore Festival, the Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival, the Cultural Days of the Turkic People, the Vagif Poetry Days, the International Festival of Children’s Creativity, Wonderland Shusha 2023 International Scout Camp, and other events were organized in Azerbaijan’s cultural center in accordance with the Action Plan.

New evidence presented at the Baku Military Court has shed light on Armenia’s large-scale recruitment of foreign mercenaries during the 44-day war, Azernews reports.

The court heard excerpts from classified letters submitted by several Azerbaijani state agencies as part of the ongoing criminal case against Armenian citizens accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

A document dated October 24, 2020, revealed that Armenia made extensive efforts to recruit foreign citizens into its armed forces in the then-occupied territories of Azerbaijan to compensate for battlefield losses. The Armenian government and diaspora organizations abroad reportedly urged members of the Armenian community to take part in combat, organized special ticket sales campaigns, and established assembly points in various countries.

As a result, foreign terrorist fighters from France, the United States, Syria, Russia, and other countries were brought into military operations on Azerbaijani territory. The proceedings also noted the participation of the Yerevan-based military training center ‘VoMA,’ the ASALA terrorist organization, and other extremist groups.

One of the identified mercenaries, Artur Hovhannisyan from Marseille, France, reportedly took part in fighting in the Hadrut and Jabrayil regions of Azerbaijan as part of the Armenian armed forces during the war. Another document revealed that a criminal case has been launched against Gilbert Minasyan, a member of ASALA, and 15 individuals with military experience who engaged in illegal actions in Azerbaijani territory.

The court also cited evidence showing that mercenaries from Syria, Russia, Spain, Canada, France, Greece, Lebanon, and countries across the Middle East and Latin America, as well as members of various terrorist organizations, took part in operations against the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. Initially invited to train Armenian troops in sabotage and reconnaissance tactics, many of these fighters were later deployed directly to combat zones.

The trial continues for Armenian citizens accused of a wide range of grave offenses – including crimes against peace and humanity, terrorism, the financing of terrorism, genocide, and violations of the laws and customs of war – committed during Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.

The Swedish Film Days have been launched at CineMastercard cinema,Azernews reports, organized in partnership with the Azerbaijan Film-Makers Union and the Embassy of Sweden in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The Swedish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Tobias Lorentzon participated in the event.

In his speech, the Ambassador stressed the significance of the project in strengthening cultural ties between the two nations and raising awareness of Swedish cinema in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani director Oleg Safaraliyev emphasized that such initiatives not only introduce us to global cinematic works but also enrich our own creative processes. The Swedish Film Days provide an excellent opportunity for the exchange of ideas and the deepening of connections between people.

The feature film “Swedish Torpedo” (2024), directed by Frida Kempff, was screened as part of the event.

The film follows the journey of a remarkable Swedish athlete as she struggles for recognition in the male-dominated world of professional sports, exploring themes of strength, perseverance, and self-identity.

On October 14 at 19:10, the film “Hammarshjöld” (2023), directed by Per Fly, will be shown at the same cinema.

The film chronicles the life of Swedish diplomat and economist Dag Hammarskjöld, who, during the Cold War in 1961, devoted himself to the ideals of freedom and humanism, ultimately sacrificing his life for these values.

The film will be screened in Swedish with Azerbaijani subtitles. Admission to the screenings is free.

Russia is providing full assistance in investigating the causes of the AZAL plane crash, said President of Russia Vladimir Putin during a meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe, Azernews reports.

‘We are, of course, as agreed, providing every possible assistance to the investigation. The investigation is nearing completion,’ the Russian President added.

Beneath the ancient walls of the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, in the heart of Baku’s historic Icherisheher, a musical performance emerged as a powerful connection between generations, Azernews reports.

To mark the International Day of Older Persons and the 140th anniversary of the legendary Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, a special event was held: beloved arias from the operetta “The Cloth Peddler” were performed by elderly citizens alongside children from an orphanage.

The event was organized by the Social Services Agency under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, in partnership with the Administration of the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve. It became a powerful symbol of continuity, respect, and love across generations.

With a warm atmosphere, heartfelt emotions, applause, and, of course, the timeless music of Uzeyir Hajibayli, the evening left an indelible mark.

The music brought hearts together, and the ancient palace walls seemed to come alive once more, echoing the soul-stirring performance of “The Cloth Peddler”, now imbued with even deeper meaning.

The International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on October 1, a date designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990. The day aims to raise awareness about the issues and challenges faced by the elderly, promote their well-being, and recognize their contributions to society. It serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting older generations, ensuring their rights, and providing opportunities for their participation in social, economic, cultural, and political life. The theme of the day varies each year, focusing on specific aspects of aging, such as health, financial security, or social inclusion.

In Azerbaijan, the International Day of Older Persons holds particular significance as the country has a growing aging population. The government and various organizations mark the occasion with events, cultural programs, and community activities aimed at honoring the elderly.

These celebrations emphasize respect, dignity, and appreciation for the elderly, with a focus on their role in preserving traditions and passing on knowledge to younger generations.

A trial has been held on the criminal case initiated by the State Security Service (STS) against Khagani Omarov, Anar Salamzadeh, and Elchin Azizov, who are accused of financing terrorism, Azernews reports.

The hearing took place at the Baku Grave Crimes Court under the chairmanship of Judge Nigar Imanova. During the session, the defense submitted a motion requesting the termination of the criminal case against Khagani Omarov.

The court rejected the motion, deeming it unfounded. Subsequently, witnesses gave testimony, and the statements previously provided to the investigation by four individuals involved in the case were read aloud in their absence.

The trial is set to continue on October 28.

It should be noted that the accused were detained as a result of an operation conducted by the State Security Service. The investigation revealed that they had transferred funds to certain individuals operating abroad to support terrorist activities. They were charged under Article 214-1 (financing of terrorism) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.