Category: Azer News

Scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) have made an important breakthrough in the field of quantum metrology by developing a new generation of strontium optical clocks. These devices can measure the passage of time with an accuracy that was previously considered almost impossible. The clock is so stable that its error would be less than one second over a period twice the age of the universe, AzerNEWS reports.

How was such accuracy achieved?

A group of researchers led by Zhi-Peng Jia demonstrated the operation of the USTC Sr1 optical clock, whose systematic uncertainty is only 9.2 × 10?¹?. This achievement places the Chinese device on the same level as the most advanced clocks developed by leading institutions such as the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It may also open the way to redefining the international definition of the second in the SI system of units.

The main component of the system is strontium-87 atoms, which are trapped in a one-dimensional optical lattice created by laser light. Their quantum state is measured using an ultra-stable laser with a wavelength of 698 nanometers. To reach this extreme level of precision, scientists developed innovative techniques to reduce factors that normally distort atomic oscillations. One of the most difficult challenges was eliminating the light shift caused by the optical lattice.

Special attention was also given to magnetic effects. By using magnetically insensitive atomic transitions, researchers reduced the influence of external magnetic fields by more than 22 times compared with traditional methods. Careful calibration allowed the team to minimize errors caused by magnetic shifts. As a result, the system demonstrates remarkable frequency stability, proving that the clock can operate reliably for extremely long periods.

Why is this important?

The capabilities of such devices go far beyond simply measuring time. Thanks to their extraordinary sensitivity to gravitational potential, optical clocks like the Sr1 can be used in relativistic geodesy-a technique that allows scientists to measure differences in height with millimeter-level precision by detecting tiny variations in gravity.

This technology could help monitor tectonic plate movements, groundwater changes, and volcanic activity, providing new tools for studying Earth’s dynamic processes.

In addition, ultra-precise optical clocks may play an important role in fundamental physics. Scientists hope to use them to search for dark matter, detect low-frequency gravitational waves, and measure extremely small variations in fundamental physical constants. Some researchers even suggest that networks of optical clocks placed around the world could act as a new type of planet-scale sensor, capable of detecting subtle changes in space-time itself.

Azerbaijan’s archaeology holds many secrets, revealing a past full of mysteries and discoveries to researchers.

In an interview with AzerNEWS, the director of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Philosophy in History, Associate Professor Farhad Guliyev, discussed a recent discovery that promises to reshape our understanding of the region’s ancient history.

He shared details of the discovery, the artefact’s significance, and how such finds help us better understand the lives and cultures of our ancestors.

Q: What discoveries in recent years do you consider the most significant?

A: In recent years, research conducted by the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) has yielded interesting results. First and foremost, the main result of the research conducted in Taghlar Cave by an international expedition led by Japanese archaeologist Yashihiro Nishiyaka and Azerbaijani archaeologist Azad Zeynalov, based on an agreement signed with the University of Tokyo, can be considered a noteworthy discovery. In 2025, paleoanthropological remains were discovered.

These are believed to be the remains of a Neanderthal, approximately 80,000 years old; the find is currently being analyzed in Japan.

The relevance of this issue lies in the fact that approximately 50,000-60,000 years ago, Homo sapiens and Neanderthals actively interacted and interbred in the Middle East. This region, including the Caucasus, became one of the main “hybridization zones” after humans left Africa. Without hybridization, modern humans would not have been able to disperse over such vast territories, nor would they have developed such rapid immunity to diseases different from those prevalent in the African region.

This discovery could provide important information about Neanderthal populations in the region during the period preceding hybridization. This topic is of great interest to global scientific circles. A tomb dating from 1231-1295 may rightfully be considered one of the most valuable discoveries by Azerbaijani archaeologists in 2025.

The ruins of the ancient city of Kharaba Gilan are located in Nakhchivan, approximately one kilometer northeast of the village of Kalantar Diza in the Ordubad district. Bahlul Ibrahimli, who led an expedition to Nakhchivan, discovered mummified burials with clothing during his research in the tombs. This form of burial has nothing in common with Islamic traditions. So far, according to the accepted primary working hypothesis, these burials belong to the Buddhist tradition.

It is known that the Ilkhanids (Khulagids) finally converted to Islam at the very end of the 13th century. Very interesting finds of mummified human remains and equally interesting well-preserved garments made from fashionable fabrics from the reign of the Chingizids in Western Asia. Another notable monument is the ancient settlement of Tavatepe, located near the village of Ashagi Kesemen in the Agstafa district and belonging to the Khojaly-Gedabay culture (13th-7th centuries BC, Late Bronze Age – Early Iron Age). Bakhtiyar Jalilov, together with the University of Catania (Italy), conducted archaeological excavations at the Tavatepe settlement. During the excavations, a ritual sanctuary dating back approximately 3,500 years, more than 100 well-preserved ceramic samples, pintaderas (seals for various purposes), a fireplace, and anthropomorphic figurines were discovered.

In 2025, Taleh Aliyev conducted archaeological excavations at the Torpaggala settlement in the village of Leleli in the Kakh district. According to the research, the most intensive settlement of this area dates back to the late antiquity and early Middle Ages.

Near the village of Demirchi in the Shamakhi district, archaeological research was conducted under the direction of Akif Guliyev at the Atbatan necropolis, dating back to the early Middle Ages. More than ten stone cist burials were studied. During excavations this year, silver drachmas belonging to the Sassanid ruler Khosrow II Parviz (590-628) were also discovered.

The Khinalig Archaeological Expedition, led by Idris Aliyev, conducted exploratory excavations in the Guba district at sites dating back to the ancient and early medieval periods, as well as at the Bronze Age site of Bargushad. Key finds include coins from the Caliphate period, various beads, silver and bronze bracelets, a bronze earring, a signet ring, and a Chinese bronze mirror dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

The entire complex dates to the 8th-9th centuries. The bronze mirror is the first such find in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus. According to preliminary estimates, an iron helmet, a spearhead, and silver plates dating to the 6th-7th centuries were discovered at another excavation site, suggesting that these items belonged to the Khazar tribes.

Jeykhun Eminli conducted archaeological research at the Bilgah necropolis, located in the village of Urakeran in the Yardimli district. It is worth noting that the Bilgah necropolis is one of the most important sites for the study of Atropatena, a state that played a significant role in the history of Azerbaijani statehood. Research conducted under the direction of Safar Ashurov in the Mount Beshbarmag State Historical-Cultural and Nature Reserve revealed that the Beshbarmag Complex spans both the Early Bronze Age and the medieval period.

At the Alisha Fortress, located in the village of Alasha in the Astara district, excavations led by Mikayil Mustafayev uncovered fortress walls, additional rooms, an artificial reservoir, and infrastructural elements such as a line of clay pipes. Ceramic samples, including fragments of ornamented tiles, indicate that the monument dates back to the 11th-14th centuries.

Q: Have any significant finds been discovered in the liberated territories?

A: I have already reported on a new find in Taghlar. In addition, other research is being conducted in the liberated territories, yielding interesting results. Research continues at the Uzerliktepe site, the only Middle Bronze Age settlement in the South Caucasus, which is remarkable for both its size and the thickness of its cultural layer. It should be noted that, after research conducted here in the 1950s, it remains a mystery why the study of this majestic and unique site was discontinued during the Soviet period.

The Fuzuli-Khojavand Iron Age Archaeological Expedition, led by Zaur Hasanov, conducted research at the Yedditepe burial mound, located between the liberated villages of Mirzajamalli and Merdinli in the Fuzuli district. The work was carried out with the joint participation of scientists from Korea and Switzerland.

Archaeological surveys and excavations were conducted at Tugh State Historical, Cultural and Natural Reserve in the Khojavand district under the leadership of Natig Alishov, with the support of the State Tourism Agency.

Research has continued at the Shahbulag Complex. During the work conducted by Tevekkul Aliyev, the high density of stone structures, utility pits, tandoors, and a wide variety of ceramic vessels revealed evidence of the vibrant life of Shakhbulag during the medieval period. Chronologically, the upper cultural layer of the excavated site dates back to the 11th to early 13th centuries, while the underlying layer dates back to the 9th to 10th centuries. As a result of research conducted by Shamil Najafov on the territory of the Khojaly Historical and Archaeological Complex, the site of a mausoleum adjacent to the Khojaly turbe was discovered within the necropolis. It had no visible above-ground features and was located at a depth of approximately 70 cm.

Furthermore, another burial mound dating to the Bronze Age was discovered within the necropolis. In January 2025, under the leadership of Arif Mammadov, archaeological research continued at the Red Church, a monument dating to the Albanian period and part of the Tugh Nature Reserve.

Furthermore, under his leadership, the East Zangazur Archaeological Expedition conducted research in the village of Sharifan in the Zangilan district. The discovered artifacts confirmed that the monument dates back to the 13th-15th centuries and provided important scientific data for the study of medieval religious and architectural traditions and the social life of the region.

Some foreign detractors, seeking to distort the history of our people, have claimed that a Muslim population appeared in Karabakh only in the 18th century, during the formation of the khanates. However, research conducted in Shahbulag, the Khojaly necropolis, and Sharifan refutes these falsified claims. Under the leadership of Vusal Hasanov, an expedition was organized to study Albanian-period monuments accidentally discovered during construction work in the village of Zar in the Kalbajar district. Research conducted by the Forensic Archaeology Department is also noteworthy.

Together with a working group of the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons, research was conducted in the liberated territories of the Aghdam, Aghdere, Khojaly, Shusha, and Askeran districts to search for Azerbaijani citizens missing during the First Karabakh War. Excavations were conducted in the Aghdam, Shusha, Khojaly, Aghdara, Kalbajar, and other districts; human skeletons and fragments, presumably belonging to citizens killed or missing during the First Karabakh War, were discovered at various sites.

Q: What is the purpose of resuming scientific research in Icherisheher and Gala?

A: Archaeological excavations conducted in Icherisheher during the Soviet period contributed to the formation of a certain scientific understanding of Baku’s past. However, at that time, archaeometric research was not as advanced as it is today, and the limited research conditions within the reserve meant that many questions remained unanswered.

Currently, a general agreement has been reached regarding the initiative to begin scientific research in the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve. In other words, planned archaeological excavations are planned in both Icherisheher and Gala, the results of which will be analyzed in scientific laboratories (primarily those related to radiocarbon dating).

Fragmentary studies of monuments or cultural layers revealed during construction and improvement work no longer meet modern scientific requirements and pose serious challenges to the development of tourism. Modern, systematic archaeological research is needed, involving various scientific disciplines.

Q: Which international partners are involved in the Institute’s current projects? Are there any joint expeditions planned with international research centers?

A: After the Republic of Azerbaijan gained independence, especially since the early 2000s, joint archaeological research began with various scientific centers around the world. In recent years, international research has noticeably intensified and diversified across various scientific fields.

Thus, the following international archaeological expeditions can be noted: Azerbaijan – Germany (Azykh Cave in the Khojavand district, Janavartepe in the Aghjabadi district, Aghalyktepe in the Agstafa district); another international expedition to study the Azykh Cave, conducted jointly with scientists from Denmark; Azerbaijan – Italy (Tavatepe monument in the Aghstafa district); Azerbaijan – Korea – Switzerland (Yedditepe monument in the Fuzuli district); Azerbaijan – Korea (Salbir territory in the city of Gabala); Azerbaijan – Japan (Taghlar Cave in the Khojavand district); Azerbaijan – Kazakhstan – Turkiye (Yedditepe monument in the Imishli district). Azerbaijan – USA (Bilgah necropolis of the ancient period in the Yardimli district).

Archaeological research in Azerbaijan is generating significant interest among international scientific centers in the context of studying the history of the human civilization.At the same time, international archaeological expeditions create conditions for familiarization with new scientific technologies, mastering them, and training young archaeologists with modern knowledge.

Furthermore, our archaeologists participate in research conducted in other countries and in scientific conferences. In particular, the work of the Azerbaijani-Turkish International Archaeological Expedition, led by Muzaffar Huseynov, is noteworthy. It is conducting research in the Merkez, Karakoyunlu, and Aralik districts of Igdir Province (Turkiye).

Our archaeologists have also participated in international scientific and research events in Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Japan, China, North Macedonia, the Vatican, Portugal, Poland, and other countries. Scientists from Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Japan, Denmark, Sweden and a number of other countries held scientific seminars and presentations at our Institute.

In recent years, as a result of archaeological research conducted in the country and the strengthening of international ties, our institute has increased the number of published scientific articles. At the closing session of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, the results of a statistical analysis of scientific institutions’ publications abroad were announced.

In 2025, the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology was the scientific institution that published the largest number of papers in journals included in the SCOPUS database.

No other research institute in the humanities and social sciences can compare with the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology in terms of the number of publications abroad. All this is one of the most striking examples of the integration of Azerbaijan’s archaeology into the global arena.

Q: What projects for the preservation of archaeological and anthropological heritage are planned in the coming years?

A: First of all, in collaboration with the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, digital registration of material culture samples discovered during archaeological research in the 20th and 21st centuries and stored in the institute’s and museum collections has begun. Such work has been ongoing for a long time in many developed countries, and we must strive to close the gap in this area.

A digital database should be created for each find, the data from which can then be subjected to analytical analysis using artificial intelligence technologies. In the long term, the results of such analysis will open up broad opportunities for understanding the processes of formation of archaeological cultures, the vectors of their dissemination, and transformation.

Similarly, there is a serious and urgent need for the digital registration of anthropological material and, in general, the creation of an anthropological archive. Work in this direction is also underway.

For more than a century, hazelnuts have been the quiet backbone of a peculiar corner of global agriculture: a crop that is simultaneously niche and indispensable, prized by chocolatiers and nut lovers alike. Yet in 2025, climatic volatility laid bare the fragility of that system. Severe spring frosts ravaged hazelnut orchards across Trkiye, the world’s dominant producer, pushing global supplies towards contraction and prices into uncharted territory. In the wake of these shocks, Azerbaijan’s hazelnut industry has emerged as one of the unlikely beneficiaries.

According to official export data, Azerbaijan shipped 18,700 tonnes of hazelnut kernels in 2025, earning $169.86m in foreign exchange, roughly 34 percent more than the $126.7m earned in 2024. Although the shipment volume was slightly smaller than the previous year, the average export price jumped sharply, from about $6,555 per tonne to $9,096 per tonne, a near 39 percent rise.

The reason for this value surge is simple: supply elsewhere has collapsed. Trkiye, which normally accounts for around 65-70 percent of global hazelnut production, suffered one of the worst frost events in decades, particularly across key Black Sea growing regions such as Ordu and Giresun. Reports suggest losses of up to 50-75 percent in high-altitude orchards, with total output projected as much as 30-40 percent below normal.

That has driven nut prices in Europe well above historical norms. Wholesale hazelnut prices shot up by roughly 30-34 percent in the aftermath, with some commodity trackers reporting values around pound 9,400 (about $10,900) per tonne, a level that has left confectionery buyers nervously recalibrating costs.

Trkiye is the world’s dominant hazelnut exporter, controlling approximately 60%-75% of global supply. Other top exporters, following far behind, include Chile, Italy, the United States, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Major markets for these exports include Germany, Italy, and France.

Given this fact, global impact has been felt far from the orchards. Major buyers such as chocolate producer Ferrero, which sources large shares of hazelnuts for products like Nutella and Ferrero Rocher, have described the situation as one of “unprecedented volatility” and moved quickly to diversify sources beyond Trkiye.

For Azerbaijan, this crisis has created a commercial opening. Positioned among the top ten hazelnut exporters globally, the country has been steadily building its reputation for quality kernels. In the first half of 2025 alone, hazelnut shipments from Azerbaijan rose by nearly 28 percent in volume and almost 48 percent in value compared with the same period in 2024.

Beyond crude export figures, the shift signals a deeper market repositioning. Global analysts note that climatic pressures are likely to make agricultural markets even more volatile in the years ahead, affecting everything from cocoa and coffee to nuts and fruit. Hazelnut markets, long dependent on a single dominant producer, have proved especially vulnerable to weather extremes, a trend some observers say reflects the wider risks of climate change on food systems.

There are strategic lessons, too. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has previously highlighted that Azerbaijan, while a significant producer, has yet to capitalise fully on processed hazelnut exports, such as pastes, oils and confectionery ingredients, which carry higher global value than raw kernels. As buyers seek alternative sources, Baku may find more room not only to sell raw tonnage but also to move up the value chain.

The distribution of Azerbaijani hazelnuts also tells a shifting story. Russia remained the largest single destination in 2025, although exports there contracted by over 26 percent. European markets, particularly Germany and Italy, absorbed larger shares, with exports to Germany rising by more than 30 percent and commanding premium prices above $11,000 per tonne. Smaller but fast-growing markets such as Switzerland and Trkiye itself also expanded Azerbaijani purchases markedly.

Even so, weather and price dynamics have left their imprint everywhere. Turkish hazelnut exports overall, for instance, have shown declines in both volume and revenue against 2024, reflecting not just frost damage but also shifting demand amid higher costs.

Whether Baku can sustain this “unexpected” momentum and move beyond raw kernels into branded and processed products will depend on both policy choices and the continuing evolution of global supply chains. Perhaps, the opportunity is there. With climate volatility likely to remain a defining feature of agricultural trade, the world’s hazelnut map may look markedly different a decade from now.

On March 11, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held an expanded meeting with President of the European Council Antonio Costa, during an official luncheon.

During the conversation, they hailed the development of relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union across various fields. In particular, they noted that dialogue on security, energy, and transport issues has been successfully advancing. The sides also touched upon the meetings held earlier in Azerbaijan within the framework of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council and highlighted the importance of the discussions conducted in this format.

Azerbaijan’s contribution to Europe’s energy security as a reliable partner was emphasized, with its gas exports to ten European countries cited as part of this contribution.

The meeting also included discussions on transport, logistics, and connectivity, highlighting Azerbaijan’s important regional role in these areas. They underlined the importance of the TRIPP as part of the Middle Corridor. The sides also discussed the European Union’s participation in the restoration and reconstruction of the Nakhchivan railway line as a continuation of this project.

The participants exchanged views on the prospects for expanding trade relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union based on preferential tariff principles.

The progress made within the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia was also noted, with the European Union ready to contribute to advancing the peace process.

During the conversation, they also discussed prospects for cooperation in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the establishment of data centers.

At the end of the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev and President of the European Council Antonio Costa adopted a joint press statement.

1. On 11 March 2026, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa met in Baku, the Republic of Azerbaijan.

2. Emphasizing the strategic importance of the Azerbaijan-EU partnership, the Presidents expressed their commitment to further deepening political dialogue and practical cooperation, building on the positive momentum of recent high-level meetings, including in the areas of security, energy and transport. This cooperation reflects the shared interest of both sides and contributes to the promotion of peace, stability, connectivity and sustainable development in the wider Black Sea, South Caucasus and Central Asia regions.

3. They reaffirmed that relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Union are grounded in mutual respect, equality and shared benefit, in full respect of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.

4. The Presidents reiterated their commitment to the swift finalisation of negotiations on a new comprehensive bilateral agreement, which would provide a solid legal framework to further develop relations. They also underlined the importance of adopting renewed Azerbaijan-EU Partnership Priorities and making full use of existing dialogue mechanisms, including the Azerbaijan-EU Cooperation Council, to further advance the bilateral agenda in all areas.

5. Reaffirming their shared strategic objective of a peaceful, stable, interconnected and prosperous South Caucasus free of dividing lines, the Presidents welcomed the recent positive regional developments, notably the historic momentum in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process. They welcomed the outcomes of the 8 August 2025 Washington Summit and the subsequent steps taken towards the normalisation of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The President of the European Council reiterated the EU’s full support for efforts of the two countries aiming to achieve sustainable peace in the region through bilateral dialogue.

6. The Presidents highlighted Azerbaijan’s large-scale post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts in its Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur regions. Acknowledging the scale of the challenges, particularly landmine contamination, they called for increased international support while noting that the European Union is the leading international donor in humanitarian de-mining.

7. The Presidents underscored that implementation of the ‘Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development’ offers opportunities to expand Azerbaijan-EU cooperation in respective priority areas, including in trade, connectivity, investment, economic resilience and the clean energy.

8. The Presidents emphasised Azerbaijan’s key role in regional connectivity, notably through the Middle Corridor, strengthening transport, trade, energy and digital links between the Black Sea, the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation with Azerbaijan on connectivity under the Global Gateway, other relevant mechanisms, including support to railway modernisation in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan, alongside ongoing efforts on the implementation of TRIPP. They welcomed the establishment of a High-Level Working Group on Economic Cooperation to strengthen Azerbaijan-EU economic cooperation and investments under the Global Gateway initiative.

9. Recalling longstanding critical energy partnership, the Presidents acknowledged Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable partner in the diversification of Europe’s energy supplies and committed to the further implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership in the field of energy signed in 2022. They underlined the value of the Southern Gas Corridor and Green Energy Advisory Council and the potential to expand energy cooperation in renewables, including wind and solar power, as well as electricity interconnection initiatives, such as the Black Sea Submarine Cable project.

10. Welcoming the successful outcomes of the twenty-ninth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) held in Baku in November 2024 under the presidency of the Republic Azerbaijan, the Presidents reaffirmed their readiness to enhance cooperation on climate change and environmental protection.

11. The Presidents welcomed Azerbaijan’s hosting of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, to be held in May 2026 as a significant contribution to global efforts on sustainable urbanization and resilient urban development and expressed readiness to leverage this Forum to deepen Azerbaijan-EU cooperation in respective areas.

12. The Presidents emphasised the benefits of closer cooperation in defense and security, to address emerging threats such as organised crime, terrorism, extremism, illicit trafficking in weapons and drugs, money laundering, human trafficking and irregular migration.

13. The Presidents underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation in digital transformation and innovation. They recognized the increasing significance of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, and expressed readiness to enhance cooperation in this domain with a view to fostering innovation, economic resilience and development, as well promoting sustainable and growth-oriented digital ecosystems.

14. The Presidents reaffirmed the importance of people-to-people contacts including through enhanced mobility. They welcomed continued implementation of the Visa Facilitation Agreement, with a view to further facilitating mutual travel, and committed to strengthening cooperation in education, culture, youth and research.

15. The leaders discussed the main current geopolitical issues, including the latest developments in Iran and Ukraine.

A freight train carrying Russian grain to Armenia departed today from the Bilajari Railway Station operated by Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), passing through Azerbaijani territory as part of an ongoing transit route, AzerNEWS reports.

According to information, the cargo train consists of 11 wagons transporting a total of 1,023 tons of grain. The train will continue its journey to the Boyuk Kesik Railway Station, where it will cross into Georgia before proceeding toward Armenia.

The latest shipment follows another delivery on March 9, when a freight train with 7 wagons carrying 488 tons of Russian grain was dispatched to Armenia via the same transit route.

So far, more than 21,000 tons of grain (302 wagons) have been transported from Russia to Armenia through Azerbaijan. In addition, 610 tons of fertilizer (9 wagons) have also been delivered using the same corridor.

On March 11, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta arrived in Azerbaijan for a visit, AzerNEWS reports.

At Heydar Aliyev International Airport, President José Ramos-Horta was welcomed by Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov and other officials.

Azerbaijan has officially revealed its entry for the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, AzerNEWS reports, citing the contest’s official website.

Jamila Hashimova (JIVA) will represent the country with the emotional ballad “Just Go,” whose official music video has premiered on the Eurovision Song Contest’s YouTube channel.

“Just Go” explores themes of love, heartbreak, and inner strength. The song tells the story of someone rediscovering themselves and turning a new page in life after experiencing disappointment in a relationship. JIVA’s powerful vocals and emotional performance play a central role in conveying the message of resilience and personal renewal.

The song was written and composed by Fuad Javadov, a composer and producer who has worked on numerous musical projects in both Azerbaijan and the United States. The official music video was directed by Farhad Ali.

Fuad Javadov was born in 1961 in Baku. He studied at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory named after Uzeyir Hajibayli and has been active in the music industry for many years. Since moving to the United States in 1995, he has released five music albums and composed music for film and television projects. He currently lives in Los Angeles.

JIVA, whose real name is Jamila Hashimova, is an Azerbaijani singer known for her strong vocal abilities and sincere stage performances. Her artistic journey began in 2003 when she finished second at the Baku Autumn competition. In 2007, she participated in the Show Time project.

Throughout her career, she has taken part in a number of musical projects. She performed with the renowned RAST ensemble led by Rashad Hashimov and appeared on stage at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival. Later, as the lead vocalist of Hazz Band, she blended jazz elements with contemporary pop music.

Since 2017, JIVA has continued her career as a solo artist, releasing songs in pop, dance, and R and B genres in Azerbaijani, Russian, and English. In 2025, she achieved another major milestone by winning The Voice of Azerbaijan as part of the team of Roya Aykhan.

The singer is not new to the Eurovision stage. Back in 2011, JIVA reached the top three in Azerbaijan’s Eurovision national selection, marking an early connection with the contest that would eventually lead her to represent the country internationally.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in Vienna, Austria. The first semi-final is scheduled for May 12, the second semi-final for May 14, and the grand final for May 16, 2026.

JIVA will perform “Just Go” in the first half of the Second Semi-Final on May 14.

It is noteworthy that Azerbaijan reached the Top 5 in five consecutive contests – 3rd in 2009, 5th in 2010, 1st in 2011, 4th in 2012, and 2nd in 2013.

On 4 February 2025, ITV announced that Mamagama was internally chosen to represent Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, with the song “Run with U”.

Mamagama performed in the first semifinal on 13 May 2025, where they failed to qualify for the grand final.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the AK Party group meeting, delivering a forceful message on the ongoing war in the Middle East, particularly concerning the US, Israel, and Iran. Erdogan urged an immediate halt to the conflict, saying, ‘We are continuing our efforts to silence the weapons’, AzerNEWS reports.

Highlighting the humanitarian toll, Erdogan recalled that 175 female students were killed in Iran on the first day of attacks, adding, ‘Some high-ranking Iranian figures, including Khamenei, were assassinated. Iran’s infrastructure has suffered serious damage. The Iranian people are now struggling to survive every day. These developments are causing great devastation both geographically and economically.’

The President also commemorated the 105th anniversary of Trkiye’s National Anthem, describing it as the most eloquent symbol of the nation’s shared values and freedom. ‘These are the fundamental values that led the national struggle to victory, laid the foundation of the Republic of Trkiye, and formed the essence of the Turkish nation: the call to prayer, the Quran, martyrdom, the flag, and freedom,’ Erdogan said.

Emphasizing unity and inclusivity, Erdogan stressed Trkiye’s stance on regional conflicts: ‘We have never looked at the people of our region, including our brotherly Iranian people, as ‘this one is Shia, this one is Sunni, this one is Turk, this one is Kurd,’ and we never will. For us, there is only humanity. We stand by anyone who is wronged or suffering. We reject discrimination based on race, sect, religion, language, or origin.’

Erdogan extended a call to all Muslims, declaring: ‘We do not have a religion like ‘Sunnism or Shiism.’ We have only one religion, and that is Islam. Hz. Ali is ours, Hz. Omar is ours, our mother Hz. Aisha is ours, and our mother Hz. Zeynep is ours.’

He warned that the attacks on Iran are having broader regional and global consequences, particularly by driving up oil prices, saying, ‘Already, not just the countries involved in the conflict, but the entire world is preparing to pay the price.’

World-class athletes from 39 countries have participated in the 2026 FIG Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus World Cup (AGF Trophy), AzerNEWS reports, citing the Azerbaijan Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The competition took place at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku.

Azerbaijan was represented by Nikita Simonov, Aydin Alizade, and Rasul Ahmadzade in the men’s events, and by Deniz Aliyeva and Nazanin Teymurova in the women’s events.

The first two days of the competition were dedicated to qualification rounds, while the final two days featured the medal-winning performances.

In the men’s vault, Nazar Chepurniy (Ukraine) won gold, Wataru Tanigawa (Japan) took silver, and Aleksey Usachev, competing as a neutral athlete, claimed bronze.

On the pommel horse, David Ivanov (Bulgaria) earned gold, Kilan Van der Aa (Belgium) took silver, and Jesse Moore (Australia) won bronze.

In the horizontal bar event, Tang Chia-hung (Chinese Taipei) secured first place, Milad Karimi (Kazakhstan) came second, and Angel Barajas from Colombia finished third.

In the women’s uneven bars, Mana Okamura (Japan) won gold, Kayliya Nemur (Algeria) took silver, and Shoko Miyata (Japan) earned bronze.

In the floor exercise, Mana Okamura again won gold, Anna Kalimikova, competing as a neutral athlete, took silver, and Sevgi Kayisoglu (Turkiye) won bronze.

Founded in 1956, the Azerbaijani Gymnastics Federation comprises seven gymnastics disciplines recognised by the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG).

The federation has been experiencing a revival since 2002. The restructured federation has brought gymnastics to a completely new level. The high-level organisation of the gymnastics events did not go unnoticed.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has included the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation (AGF) in the list of meritorious federations.

For many years, the AGF has been included in the FIG list of the Top 10 gymnastics federations.