Category: Azer News

It might seem obvious that ancient people used needles and awls primarily for making clothes. However, recent research by American scientists suggests that these tools had a far wider range of applications-everything from tattooing to basket weaving, AzerNEWS reports.

Traditionally, when archaeologists uncover needles or bone fragments, the common explanation is that these objects were used to sew clothing. This assumption underpins many theories about human migration: it is believed that the ability to craft warm clothing allowed our ancestors to survive in cold climates and explore new territories.

Yet ethnographic studies of traditional societies suggest that this picture is incomplete. Many indigenous peoples historically used sharpened bone tools for much more than just sewing garments.

Researchers at the University of Wyoming investigated the purpose of needles discovered at archaeological sites, and their findings were published in the journal PLOS One.

The team analyzed ethnographic data from 59 indigenous groups across North America, spanning diverse climates-from the Arctic tundra of Alaska to the deserts of the southwestern United States. In total, they reviewed hundreds of ethnographic records and documented 1,192 instances of needle and thorn use.

Their analysis revealed 92 distinct applications, which the researchers grouped into two broad categories: uses related to protection from the cold, and all other purposes.

Needles were indeed used for warmth-creating clothing, shoes, blankets, and even shelter coverings-but these accounted for only about 31 percent of all cases. The majority, 69 percent, involved entirely different functions.

Among these alternative uses, ceremonial and ritual purposes were the most frequent. In many cultures, needles were considered sacred or were used to prepare ritual objects. They were also widely used for tattooing and, in some cases, for medical procedures such as surgical sutures.

Additionally, women in various societies used needles for weaving baskets and mats, and for processing hides that became coverings for homes or boats. Some needles were even used as trade items or incorporated into fishing gear.

This study highlights how seemingly simple tools were versatile, multifunctional objects in the lives of ancient peoples. Far from being just implements for clothing, needles were integral to cultural, artistic, and practical aspects of daily life-showing that human ingenuity extended far beyond survival.

Students from the choreography department of the Republican Arts Gymnasium under the Azerbaijan National Conservatory have presented a concert program at the Azerbaijan National Art Museum, AzerNEWS reports.

The concert program was dedicated to the Wind Tuesday and National Theater Day.

Wind Tuesday is a celebration of the wind and the awakening of spring! Houses are aired, carpets are beaten, and pilaf, dried fruits, and halva are on the table. Spring colors and a fresh breeze bring the aromas of blossoming trees, a new breath of fresh air, and the hope of renewal.

The children captivated the audience with festive dances – from smooth and lyrical to dynamic and patriotic: “Bayram axsami,” “S?n oglanlar,” “S?l?qoy,” “N?lb?ki,” “Bahar,” “Dolayi,” “Tello,” “Novruzu,” and “Susa.” Every step, turn, and wave of the arms delighted the audience, bringing smiles to their faces, and the celebration concluded with the heartfelt choral composition “Aman N?n?.”

Kosa and Bayaty added theatricality and color, immersing everyone in the spirit of Novruz.

The children’s vibrant performances filled the hall with movement, music, smiles, joy, and warmth. The young performers filled the guests with a sea of ??vital energy, and a truly festive atmosphere reigned in the hall.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.

This year, Turkiye plans to implement a ban on non-biodegradable single-use plastic products as part of its ongoing environmental protection efforts. The initiative falls under the country’s ambitious ‘Zero Waste’ program, which has been championed by First Lady Emine Erdogan, AzerNEWS reports.

In addition, new amendments will be introduced to align Turkiye’s national legislation with the European Union’s Directive on Single-Use Plastics, signaling the country’s commitment to international environmental standards.

Under the new regulations, consumers will be encouraged to replace single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives, such as items made from glass, porcelain, wood, or cardboard. Experts predict that this shift could further reduce plastic waste and promote a culture of sustainability throughout the country.

Turkiye has already made significant progress in reducing plastic pollution. Since 2019, a nationwide plastic bag levy has successfully cut plastic waste by more than 3 million tons, proving that targeted policies can have a tangible environmental impact. Some local entrepreneurs have even started producing innovative biodegradable products, including edible cutlery and compostable packaging, highlighting the potential for green business growth.

This move places Turkiye among a growing list of countries taking concrete steps to tackle plastic pollution and promote a more sustainable future.

Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, said Azerbaijan is actively contributing to regional cooperation and the institutional development of international organizations.

As reported by AzerNEWS, speaking at a panel titled ‘The Crisis of Multilateralism: Rethinking Global Cooperation’ during the Global Baku Forum, Hajiyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s growing role in regional platforms, including the Organization of Turkic States.

According to him, Azerbaijan has recently joined the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) and supports further institutionalization and increased functionality of the group.

Hajiyev noted that institutions within the United Nations system sometimes compete with each other rather than cooperate, leading to inefficient use of limited resources. In such conditions, countries like Azerbaijan increasingly rely on the concept of ‘middle power’ diplomacy.

‘Instead of waiting for multilateral institutions to make decisions, we take the initiative and bring together like-minded countries around specific issues to achieve real change,’ he said. Hajiyev explained that this approach is based on the ideas of ‘coalitions of the willing’ and ‘variable geometry,’ where geography is less important than shared interests.

‘For example, Azerbaijan, Australia, and Trkiye can work together on certain issues,’ he added.

Hajiyev also said Azerbaijan is currently cooperating under the climate agenda of the COP climate conferences and discussing ways to contribute more effectively to upcoming COP meetings. He noted that Azerbaijan is also working with Ethiopia in the field of climate diplomacy.

He stressed that flexible diplomacy and partnerships between like-minded countries can significantly contribute to shaping regional developments and supporting peace and security.

Referring to the past role of international organizations, Hajiyev said Azerbaijan initially relied on institutions such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to help resolve the conflict with Armenia. However, he described the OSCE Minsk Group as a diplomatic failure in this context.

Despite this, he said Azerbaijan eventually introduced a unique model for restoring peace and security by resolving the long-standing conflict through military and political means.

Hajiyev emphasized that real peace currently exists in the region, with both Armenia and Azerbaijan working on the parameters of a future peace agenda.

He also pointed to regional energy cooperation as a successful example of multilateral diplomacy, highlighting projects that connect the Caspian Sea to the Adriatic Sea through joint initiatives involving multiple countries.

Another example, Hajiyev said, is Azerbaijan’s growing cooperation with Central Asia. Last year, Azerbaijan became a full member of the Central Asia Consultative Forum, demonstrating how countries with similar perspectives can work together to shape both regional and global agendas.

New four-volume encyclopaedia of Azerbaijan’s cinematography unveiled with bp sponsorship, AzerNEWS reports, citing the company.

Titled ‘The Cinema of Azerbaijan – A Concise Encyclopaedia,’ the publication offers the most comprehensive encyclopaedic overview to date of the development of cinema in Azerbaijan, covering the period from 1898 to 2025.

Authored by renowned film researcher Aydin Kazimzade, this scholarly work provides an in depth study of the history and evolution of national cinematography. Drawing on extensive archival research, the encyclopaedia documents films, filmmakers, studios and the broader cultural environment that shaped the emergence and growth of cinema in Azerbaijan.

The research spans the filmography of all types of films produced from 1898 to 2025 at the Jafar Jabbarli ‘Azerbaijanfilm’ studio, as well as at other studios, film companies and television channels. The volumes encompass full length and short feature films, television films, animated productions and the satirical ‘Mozalan’ films created between 1898 and 2018.

While the first two volumes provide a full encyclopaedic account of the history of Azerbaijan’s cinema, the remaining volumes present an ‘Alphabetical Index of Feature and Animated Films’ and an ‘Index of Film Directors.’

The encyclopaedia also includes rare photographs sourced from the personal archives of the author, early cinema professionals and other individuals who contributed to the development of the film industry over various periods. Additional materials come from the archive department of the Jafar Jabbarli ‘Azerbaijanfilm’ Studio and the Azerbaijan State Film Fund.

Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, bp’s vice president for the Caspian region, said:

‘The history and evolution of Azerbaijan’s cinema from its very beginnings in 1898 to the present day is a remarkable chapter in our cultural development. By documenting more than a century of cinematic creativity with such precision and dedication, esteemed Aydin Kazimzade has created a work of lasting value for our artistic and academic communities. bp is proud to have supported a project that preserves our cultural heritage and ensures that the legacy of Azerbaijan’s filmmakers continues to inspire future generations.’

Designed as an essential reference work, the encyclopaedia is intended for cinema specialists, historians, researchers, educators and professionals working in television, culture and the arts, as well as for readers interested in the origins and century long development of Azerbaijani cinematography.

Reflecting bp’s long standing commitment to preserving and promoting Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage, this project forms part of a broader cultural heritage programme supported by bp. Alongside the earlier presented art book on Mirza Gadim Iravani and the newly presented Cinema Encyclopaedia, the project also includes three major research works on Azerbaijani carpets by Dr. Kubra Aliyeva.

The remaining books included in this art project will be publicly presented later this year.

The total value of the project covering the development and publication of all eight books is AZN 308,498 (approximately $181,470). The project is implemented by the Initiatives and Projects Centre (T?s?bbsl?r v? Layih?l?r M?rk?zi).

‘As an exporter of natural gas by pipelines, with respect to the geographical coverage of the countries, Azerbaijan is number one in the world,’ President Ilham Aliyev said during his speech at the opening ceremony of the 13th Global Baku Forum.

The head of state noted that the volume of exports is growing and will continue to grow, serving as a vital factor for the energy security of many countries. As a reliable supplier of oil to the international market, Azerbaijan will continue to make its contribution to energy security.

Steve Witkoff has warned that Israel faces an existential threat from Iran if Tehran succeeds in developing nuclear weapons, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking in an interview with CNBC, the US envoy described Israel as a ‘one-bomb country,’ arguing that even a single nuclear strike could destroy the state.

Witkoff stressed that both the United States and Israel remain determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, warning that confronting Donald Trump would be a serious miscalculation for Tehran.

‘President Trump is the wrong guy to go up against, that’s what I know. He has drawn a red line, and that is that Iran cannot have a weapon. And yes, they say they don’t want one, but all of their actions indicate the exact opposite,’ Witkoff said.

He also emphasized the vulnerability of Israel’s geography and size in the context of nuclear deterrence.

‘Israel is a one-bomb country. One bomb takes them out. And that’s why it’s so existential to Israel,’ he stated.

Witkoff further argued that Iran’s actions in the region are undermining its support among neighboring states.

‘But we can also see now, with this offensive missile shield that Iran had to, in other words, protect the nuclear effort, and what it’s doing, the havoc that it’s raising out there with Middle Eastern countries,’ he said.

According to the envoy, Tehran’s regional activities are increasingly isolating the country diplomatically.

‘What they’re doing is basically degrading. Any support they had in the region has been substantially degraded, because nobody wants them as a neighbor. Who would want this sort of activity?’ Witkoff added.

On March 11, 2026, the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Mrs. Aktoty Raimkulova, visited the headquarters of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) and held a meeting with the Secretary General of TURKPA, Mr. Ramil Hasan.

During the meeting, the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Professor Aktoty Raimkulova, informed about the initiatives implemented by the Foundation and emphasized that the shared values of the Turkic peoples serve as a spiritual cornerstone. She noted that the main objective of the Foundation is not only to preserve this ancient heritage but also to promote it with dignity on the international stage in line with modern challenges. The President of the Foundation also stressed that establishing close cooperation with TURKPA will contribute to strengthening the legal framework of the common cultural heritage and further deepening the unity of the Turkic world.

During the meeting with the delegation, the Secretary General of TURKPA, Mr. Ramil Hasan, informed about the preparations for observing the constitutional referendum to be held in Kazakhstan on March 15, 2026 and emphasized the significance of the reforms being carried out for the Turkic world. Highlighting the role of the organization in the legislative sphere, the Secretary General expressed readiness to cooperate with the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation within the framework of the permanent commissions, particularly in the preparation of model laws on the protection of cultural heritage and in supporting future joint initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding aimed at implementing joint initiatives to strengthen cultural and political ties among the Turkic states, as well as promoting the Turkic cultural and political heritage at the regional and international levels.

The military operation launched by the United States against Iran reportedly cost $11.3 billion over a six-day period, according to figures presented during a closed briefing for US senators by representatives of the Pentagon, AzerNEWS reports.

Chris Coons described the estimate as ‘roughly accurate’, while noting that the actual costs of the operation could be even higher than the disclosed amount.

According to Coons, the military campaign has been costing Washington more than $1.5 billion per day.

The operation is currently being financed using funds that were previously allocated by the US Congress to the Pentagon, while the White House has not yet submitted a formal request for additional funding.

Iraq has halted oil port operations following deadly attacks on two foreign oil tankers. Meanwhile, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are intercepting Iranian missiles and drones.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has outlined three conditions to end the war: recognition of Tehran’s legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and firm international guarantees against future aggression.

US President Donald Trump has pledged to protect oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran has warned that the world should prepare for oil prices to reach $200 per barrel.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump commented on the operation during a campaign rally in Kentucky on March 11, claiming that the military objectives had already been achieved.

‘You don’t like to say you’ve won too soon. We’ve won,’ Trump told supporters.

‘It was all over in the first hour,’ he added.

However, the US president indicated that military pressure on Iran could continue.

‘We don’t want to get out too quickly, do we? We have to get this done,’ Trump stressed.

Registration for marshals for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 is now open, AzerNEWS reports citing the Baku City Circuit Operations Company.

The race, scheduled for September 24-26, marks the 10th anniversary of Azerbaijan hosting a Formula 1 event. Volunteers joining the marshal program will become an integral part of this historic and unique race.

This is a rare opportunity for motorsport enthusiasts to experience the adrenaline and excitement of Formula 1 from the closest point to the track. Anyone aged 21 or older, from any country in the world, is eligible to join the marshal program.

Participants who successfully complete the program will be awarded an official international marshal license recognized by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). This license allows marshals to participate not only in races in Azerbaijan but also in Formula 1 Grands Prix and other motorsport events worldwide.

Last year, nearly 1,200 marshals contributed to the safe and successful organization of the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Azerbaijan Grand Prix, including over 100 international volunteers.