Category: Azer News

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.

President of the International Canoe Federation (ICF), Tomas Konjetsko, and the President of the European Canoe Association (ECA), Jan Zungrana, have visited Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

The leaders of the international canoeing organizations met with officials at the Azerbaijan Canoe and Rowing Federation. They were briefed on the working conditions at the federation’s administrative headquarters.

Following this, Tomas Konjetsko and Jan Zungrana, together with the local federation team, visited the Baku Canoe and Rowing Sports Club located along the city’s boulevard.

The guests toured the training facilities and observed rowers in action during their daily practice sessions on the Caspian Sea.

The Azerbaijan Canoe and Rowing Federation (AKAF) serves as the official authority for canoeing and rowing sports in Azerbaijan. Its responsibilities include organizing national championships and fostering the growth of these sports, such as canoe slalom.

AKAF works in partnership with the International Canoe Federation (ICF) and operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The Azerbaijan Canoe and Rowing Federation regularly organizes national championships for academic rowing, kayak, and canoe to identify talented athletes.

The International Canoe Federation (ICF) is the global governing body for canoeing and kayaking sports.

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, the ICF sets the rules of the sport, organizes international competitions such as World Championships and World Cups, and works to promote canoeing worldwide.

The ICF also collaborates with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to manage canoeing events at the Olympic Games, develops athlete programs, and supports national federations to grow participation at all levels, from grassroots to elite sport.

The European Canoe Association (ECA) operates under the umbrella of the International Canoe Federation (ICF) and is responsible for promoting, organizing, and regulating canoe sports across European countries.

Established in 1993, the ECA oversees competitions in disciplines such as sprint, slalom, marathon, paracanoe, and wildwater racing at the European level.

It organizes European Championships, cups, and development programs, while also supporting national federations to grow participation, improve athlete performance, and ensure compliance with international standards.

Aztelekom, a telecommunications company operating under AZCON Holding, has launched a new phase in strengthening the resilience of its telecom infrastructure by expanding the use of renewable energy solutions.

As reported by AzerNEWS, according to the company, solar energy systems have been installed for the first time at GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) Optical Line Terminal (OLT) stations located in the villages of Qarasaqqal and Mollak?nd in the Kurd?mir District. The initiative introduces an alternative power supply to support critical telecommunications infrastructure.

As part of the project, 5 kW solar energy systems were installed at both OLT stations.

In Qarasaqqal village, the existing OLT station is now powered by solar panels integrated with two groups of 12V/100A AGM batteries, ensuring reliable backup energy.

Meanwhile, in Mollak?nd village, a 5 kW solar power system equipped with four 48V/50A lithium batteries has been deployed and put into operation. Planning, construction, and commissioning of both installations have been fully completed.

The newly implemented systems are designed to strengthen energy supply stability, reduce the risk of service disruption during external power outages, and ensure the continuous operation of the GPON network.

In addition to improving operational resilience, the adoption of renewable energy solutions is expected to optimize operating costs and reduce carbon emissions.

Aztelekom plans to gradually expand the use of renewable energy sources across other regions throughout 2026, further enhancing the sustainability and reliability of Azerbaijan’s telecommunications infrastructure.

Adriatic Pearl Youth U19 Tournament, a World Cup-level competition for young boxers, has concluded in Budva, Montenegro, AzerNEWS reports citing the Azerbaijan Boxing Federation.

A total of 369 boxers from 32 countries participated in the tournament.

The Azerbaijani national team claimed an impressive haul at the event, which featured athletes from 18 countries: 1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals.

Rza Rzayev, competing in the 70 kg category, dominated the competition, defeating all his opponents. In the final, he triumphed over Maxim Kirillov with a 4:1 victory (30:27, 28:29, 29:28, 29:28, 29:28), earning the top spot on the podium.

Other Azerbaijani boxers also shone, with Heydar Azmammadov (85 kg) taking silver, while Vusal Khalilov (65 kg) and Zaur Samadov (90 kg) each secured bronze medals.

With this strong performance, the national team finished third overall in the team standings.

Boxing is known as one of the oldest sports in the history of humankind.

The earliest evidence of boxing dates back to Egypt around 3,000 BC.

This sport was introduced to the ancient Olympic Games by the Greeks in the late 7th century BC.

In 1924, the International Amateur Boxing Federation (FIBA) was established.

Since 1946, it has been referred to as the International Boxing Association (AIBA). Boxing made its Olympic debut at the 1904 Games in St. Louis.

In 1926, the boxing championship was held for the first time in Azerbaijan, where national boxers took first place.

Since 1992, the Azerbaijani Boxing Federation has become a full member of the International Boxing Association (AIBA).

Azerbaijani boxers have won many prestigious awards at many international championships.

Aghasi Mammadov has entered Azerbaijan’s history of boxing as the first national boxer, as a gold medallist at the world championship.

Another Azerbaijani boxer, Fuad Asadov, was among the medallists at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.

Many times, Azerbaijan has been chosen as the host country for major boxing championships.

The AIBA Youth World Championships were held in Baku in 2019. This world championship was the first licensed youth tournament to qualify for the 2010 Olympic Games held in Singapore.

The country also hosted the 2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships, which was the first major qualifying event for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Israel’s military says it has targeted a site it claims is critical to Tehran’s plans to develop a nuclear weapon during attacks on Iran in recent days, AzerNEWS reports.

In a post on X, it said Israeli warplanes had struck the Taleghan site, a ?facility at the Parchin ?military complex about 30km (19 miles) southeast of Tehran, which it said was used by Iran ‘to advance critical capabilities in developing nuclear weapons’.

The site was targeted in previous attacks by Israel in October 2024. The Israeli military claimed Iran had recently begun rehabilitating the site.

Iran, however, has repeatedly denied pursuing nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes.