Category: Azer News

Housing prices in Azerbaijan have increased by 46 percent over the past five years compared with June 2020, Azernews reports, citing the Central Bank of Azerbaijan.

According to the CBA, prices in both the primary and secondary housing markets have been on the rise. While the real estate market remained relatively stable in 2020 due to the pandemic, subsequent years have seen clear upward trends.

In the first half of 2025, the increase in housing prices, along with higher average interest rates on newly issued domestic mortgage loans, contributed to a decline in the housing affordability index. At the same time, the positive dynamics in households’ disposable income kept the index above its benchmark level.

Open-source data on the housing market shows that by the end of June, the median monthly rent in Baku reached 883 manats, translating into a capitalization period of 22.5 years. The ratio of average housing prices to the average monthly nominal salary in Baku stood at 217 months, or 18.1 years.

Although investments in the construction sector have fluctuated over time, the share of financing directed toward residential housing within total capital investments has been growing. This trend has strengthened in recent years, contributing to higher market activity.

According to the report, the increase in residential construction investments has been driven by both strong demand and new projects initiated by the state and private sector.

‘Overall, the recovery of investment flows, the large-scale construction and reconstruction work carried out in the country, and the ongoing process of legalizing undocumented housing by presidential decree are expected to keep activity in the construction and real estate markets at a high level,’ the CBA noted.

According to UNESCO’s education system data, literacy in Azerbaijan is approaching 100 percent, Azernews reports.

These remarks were made by Idris Isayev, Deputy Minister of Science and Education, during his speech at the VI International Forum on New Challenges in Education.

‘Education plays a central role in the development of society,’ Isayev said. ‘One of the key aspects of our country’s social progress is the development of human capital. Education contributes not only to the formation of the national economy but also to the preservation of moral and cultural values. Significant reforms have been implemented across various sectors, including education. Steps have been taken, work has been done, and efforts continue to address emerging challenges. Today, new demands are shaping the education system, and our youth are expected to adapt to them. Like other countries, we are striving to build a digital economy, which requires the digital development of young people. Artificial intelligence is also being utilized as a tool to acquire certain skills in education.’

Regarding vocational education, Isayev noted that statistics in Azerbaijan show enrollment above 10 percent, which remains lower than in many other countries. ‘There is a need for further development in this area. However, over the past five years, we have increased admissions in vocational education. Coverage in higher education has also expanded significantly. Currently, enrollment in higher education exceeds 75,000 students and will continue to grow in the coming years. At the same time, the number of state-funded places continues to increase, reaching 50 percent in higher education. Efforts to expand state-funded slots will continue in the coming years,’ he added.

In the long arc of protracted conflicts, certain regions transcend their geographic identity and become symbols – catalysts for change, emblems of resilience, and turning points in national consciousness. Jabrayil, a district in southern Azerbaijan, is one such place. Its occupation and liberation are etched into the collective memory of the Azerbaijani people, not merely as historical events, but as emotional milestones that define a generation.

Jabrayil, one of Azerbaijan’s ancient settlements, was occupied on August 23, 1993, by Armenian armed forces. The scale of devastation was staggering: one city, four settlements, and 92 villages were completely destroyed. The district’s infrastructure and cultural heritage were ravaged – 72 schools, 8 hospitals, 150 cultural centers, and 132 historical monuments were destroyed. The total damage was estimated at $13.9 billion. But beyond the numbers lies a deeper tragedy: 52,000 people became internally displayed. Saying ‘they became internally displaced’ may sound simple in words, but in reality, it meant the collapse of lives. Families lost homes and properties they had built with decades of labor, forced to flee with nothing but their lives, enduring years in tents or cramped administrative buildings.

And Jabrayil was not alone. Over 750,000 Azerbaijanis from Garabagh and surrounding regions, and more than 250,000 refugees expelled from Armenia, shared this fate. Yet this suffering did not break the spirit of the Azerbaijani people. On the contrary, it galvanized them. As the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. The pain became a unifying force, a shared purpose. The belief that occupied territories would one day be liberated began – symbolically and strategically – with Jabrayil.

In 2016, during the Four-Day War, Azerbaijani forces liberated strategic heights around the village of Cocuq M?rcanli in Jabrayil. This victory was more than a military success; it was a psychological breakthrough. For the first time in decades, displaced families returned to their ancestral lands. Cocuq M?rcanli became the herald of the ‘Great Return,’ reigniting hope and reinforcing belief in the possibility of full liberation.

That belief was vindicated in 2020, during the 44-day Patriotic War. On October 4, Jabrayil became the first major settlement to be liberated. The district witnessed some of the largest tank battles in the South Caucasus, resulting in decisive Azerbaijani victories. These battles not only shifted the military balance but also shattered the myth of Armenian invincibility. The psychological tide turned. Confidence surged among Azerbaijani soldiers and citizens alike. Jabrayil once again became a symbol – this time, of triumph.

Today, Jabrayil is free. Its people are no longer displaced. Under state programs, families are returning to rebuild their lives and their homeland. The ashes of destruction are giving way to the foundations of renewal. Today, 117 families – 364 citizens – will celebrate Jabrayil City Day not as guests or refugees, but as permanent residents of their ancestral land. They will live in modern four- and five-story buildings, fully equipped with amenities, surrounded by parks, social facilities, underground and surface parking lots, playgrounds, and sports areas. Their joy knows no bounds.

For 30 years, these citizens lived with longing. Today, they live with pride. They express heartfelt gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev, the victorious Commander-in-Chief, and to the brave Azerbaijani Army that restored their dignity. They honor the martyrs who gave their lives so others could return home, and they pray for the health of wounded veterans who carry the scars of war. The people of Jabrayil feel the full embrace of the state’s care and support. And they believe – with unwavering conviction – that their homeland will soon blossom into one of Azerbaijan’s most vibrant regions.

Jabrayil is no longer just a district on the map. It is a testament to the resilience of a nation, the power of unity, and the promise of rebirth. It reminds us that even in the darkest chapters of history, there is light – and that with courage, sacrifice, and faith, a people can reclaim not only their land but their future.

The fencing competitions at the III CIS Games continued at the Ganja Sports Palace, drawing attention from sports fans across the region. Azernews reports that Azerbaijan’s women’s foil team delivered a strong performance but fell short in the semifinals against a formidable Uzbek side, losing 37-45.

Despite the setback, the Azerbaijani squad, comprising Mirnuray Abasova, Aynur Quliyeva, N?zrin Mehdiyeva, and X?dic? H?s?nli, demonstrated resilience and skill to secure the bronze medal. Their achievement reflects the growing strength of Azerbaijan in fencing and highlights the dedication of the country’s young athletes to international competitions.

The III CIS Games, which began earlier this month, have brought together 1,624 athletes from 13 countries to compete across a wide range of sports, from athletics and swimming to team disciplines and combat sports. Organizers have praised the high level of competition and the spirit of camaraderie among participating nations.

The Games will conclude on October 8, with many more medals yet to be decided. Azerbaijan’s fencing team will look to build on their success in future international events, while the bronze medal serves as a source of pride for the athletes, their coaches, and the nation as a whole.

Despite ongoing global economic headwinds, Azerbaijan’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience and strategic foresight, underpinned by diversification policies, prudent fiscal management, and increasing integration into transcontinental trade routes. The latest forecast from Fitch Ratings reinforces this stability, projecting a real GDP growth rate of 2.5% in 2026, driven by the non-oil sector and major public investments.

According to Arvind Ramakrishnan, Director of the Sovereigns and Supranationals Department at Fitch, this growth rate aligns with Azerbaijan’s medium-term economic potential, reflecting a fundamental shift from hydrocarbon dependence toward a more balanced and sustainable economic model.

‘The key drivers of growth are the accelerated development of the non-resource sector and large-scale public investments,’ Ramakrishnan noted, adding that energy dynamics, while still important, are gradually evolving. As oil production continues its slow decline, natural gas output is expected to partially offset this trend, maintaining energy sector relevance in the broader economic structure.

One of the most critical developments supporting this transition is Azerbaijan’s expanding role in the Middle Corridor-a strategic logistics and transit route formally known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). Stretching from China through Central Asia and the South Caucasus to Europe via Trkiye, the Middle Corridor has become increasingly important amid global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.

Azerbaijan’s geographic position at the crossroads of East and West, combined with substantial investments in transport infrastructure, has enabled the country to become a pivotal player in this corridor. This role not only amplifies Azerbaijan’s geopolitical relevance but also stimulates growth in the transport and logistics sectors, which Fitch identifies as among the most promising areas for expansion.

‘There are good growth prospects in information and communication technologies and transport,’ Ramakrishnan emphasized, highlighting that transit operations within the Middle Corridor are a major catalyst for the latter.

Additionally, reconstruction efforts in the Garabagh region have fueled non-oil sector growth in recent years, contributing to a surge in public investment. However, Fitch anticipates that as capital expenditure peaks, its direct contribution to GDP growth may gradually moderate-suggesting a need for the private sector and export-oriented industries to assume a larger role moving forward.

On the fiscal front, Fitch expects Azerbaijan’s consolidated budget to maintain a surplus of 0.3% of GDP in 2026, although down from 3.6% in 2024. A minor deficit is forecast for 2027, but analysts view this as manageable and not indicative of fiscal stress.

Importantly, Azerbaijan retains its investment-grade rating of ‘BBB-‘ with a stable outlook, a status supported by several macroeconomic fundamentals: a robust external balance, low public debt, and the substantial buffer provided by the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ).

These assets give Baku the financial flexibility to absorb external shocks, sustain capital investment, and finance strategic infrastructure projects-particularly those tied to the Middle Corridor and the diversification agenda.

Beyond its immediate economic impact, the Middle Corridor represents a long-term strategic lever for Azerbaijan’s regional and global positioning. As global trade patterns shift and supply chain resilience becomes a top priority for many economies, the corridor is emerging as a viable alternative to traditional maritime routes, particularly for high-value, time-sensitive goods such as electronics and automotive components.

From a policy standpoint, Azerbaijan’s bet on the Middle Corridor reflects a broader effort to transition from resource-driven growth to a model anchored in logistics, digital transformation, and regional connectivity. This positions the country to not only attract investment but also to influence trade flows and economic dynamics across Eurasia.

Fitch’s forecast underscores a key narrative: Azerbaijan’s macroeconomic stability is no longer solely a function of hydrocarbons, but increasingly of diversification, connectivity, and strategic planning. As the Middle Corridor gains momentum and new sectors come online, Azerbaijan appears well-positioned to sustain growth in a challenging global environment, while reinforcing its role as a bridge between continents.

Several players and members of the coaching staff of Portugal’s football club Benfica, including head coach José Mourinho, have contracted a viral infection ahead of a crucial match against Porto, Azernews reports.

If the situation does not improve, the match scheduled for October 5 may be postponed.

Under Portuguese championship regulations, a match can be delayed if fewer than 13 players are available to play. Players must also be certified fit to participate by the relevant health authorities. As of now, Benfica’s management has not officially requested a postponement.

José Mourinho has been leading Benfica since September 18, marking a new chapter in the club’s season. The upcoming fixture against Porto is seen as a significant test for the team under the new coach.

Victoria Beckham showed a collection of slip dresses, roomy suits and soft, leather jackets with crinkled edges for her namesake label’s spring summer runway show, held at the 17th century Val-de-Grace abbey in Paris on Friday, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

Guests arrived after dark, crossing rain-slicked cobblestones to reach the cloisters inside.

Models marched under the arched corridors in sharp-toed shoes, parading dresses cut in asymmetric shapes and uneven hems, the fabric bunched together in places, some covered with a dusting of spray paint.

Trousers were low-waisted, cinched with thin belts and paired with tops that were slit open in front, while suit jackets came in boxy shapes, without lapels.

Handbags included a roomy duffle bag, a structured camera bag and one that resembled an accordion.

In written show notes, the brand described the collection as an “abstract adaptation of the coming-of-age wardrobe,” noting that Beckham had spent time reviewing photos of herself as a young adult.

Paris Fashion Week, which runs through October 7, features big name brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Saint Laurent and Hermes.

This season has featured a record number of designer debuts as brands across the industry seek creative reboots to spark interest from inflation-weary shoppers.

Armenia has expressed strong interest in normalizing relations with Azerbaijan, emphasizing that Yerevan would be among the main beneficiaries of lasting peace and cooperation in the region, Azernews reports.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan made the remarks in an interview with the ‘Polish TPV World’ channel.

‘If we talk about the railway connection, according to experts, its construction may take at least two years. But we can already use the infrastructure and territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan to send and receive cargo. We have begun discussions with our American partners regarding TRIPP, and I think we can complete this process in the coming months, after which construction should start,’ Mirzoyan said.

The minister also underlined that the text of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan has already been initialed, and Yerevan is prepared to sign it ‘as soon as possible.’

Touching on the broader reconciliation process, Mirzoyan acknowledged the heavy psychological legacy of the decades-long conflict: ‘There is a bloody history and memory on both sides. I believe there is still a certain degree of caution between societies, probably on both sides. The reconciliation process will take time. Peace, as I have already noted, has been established, but it requires constant care and daily efforts from both sides.’

Mirzoyan’s remarks highlight Armenia’s recognition of the economic and strategic opportunities tied to regional cooperation, particularly in transport and connectivity, as well as the challenges of overcoming deep-rooted mistrust between the two nations.

On October 2, a powerful photo exhibition dedicated to Azerbaijani landmine victims was opened in Brussels, Belgium, Azernews reports.

The exhibition was organized within the framework of the ‘CulMINATION Point of Danger’ project, implemented by the ‘Gilavar’ Photo Club Public Union with support from the State Support Agency for NGOs of Azerbaijan. The ‘Fireland’ Azerbaijanis Union partnered in the initiative on the Belgian side.

Speaking at the event, Rashad Mehdiyev, Chairman of the Gilavar Photo Club, emphasized that this was the first NGO-led European exhibition series on Azerbaijan’s landmine problem held at such a scale. ‘After Munich, Nuremberg, and Paris, the photos we are exhibiting this time in Brussels can be called ‘talking pictures.’ They tell the stories of people whose lives were destroyed by mines planted by Armenia on Azerbaijani lands. We will not remain silent-the time has come for Armenia’s military-political leaders, responsible for this cruelty during the 30-year occupation, to answer. Our appeal to the world from Brussels, the capital of the European Union, is for the sake of justice,’ he said.

The exhibition features portraits and testimonies of mine victims. For example, the photo of Elmir Bagirov, who lost both legs after stepping on an anti-tank mine before the age of 18, is accompanied by his words: ‘Can a person fall into an anti-tank mine on his own land? It is difficult to imagine, but I survived. From that day my life full of suffering began-I lost my youth and both legs.’ Another photo shows Samir Alizadeh, who lost both legs and an eye: ‘One step, two explosions. You tell me what happens next.’ Similarly, Rahim Garashov recalls losing his leg while rescuing a colleague from mines buried one on top of the other: ‘What were they trying to do by burying the mines like this? Why so much cruelty? While saving someone else, I became a victim myself.’

Through QR codes attached to each portrait, visitors could access additional information and statistics about Azerbaijan’s mine contamination and the ongoing demining efforts.

Organizers noted that the exhibition will continue across Europe, raising awareness of the humanitarian tragedy Azerbaijan faces due to mines planted during Armenia’s occupation of its territories.

A trilateral meeting of government representatives of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran will take place in Baku on October 13-14, Azernews reports.

According to the Cabinet of Ministers, the delegations will be led by Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev from Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk from Russia, and Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzane Sadiqi.

The agenda of the meeting will focus on strengthening cooperation in the fields of transport and logistics, energy, and customs.