Category: Azer News

SOCAR AQS (Absheron Drilling Company) is participating in tenders for the implementation of drilling projects in Iraq as part of its strategy to expand its international operations.

Azernews reports that the information was shared by Elvin Nasibov, country manager of SOCAR AQS for Trkiye, during the IADC Drilling Caspian and Black Sea 2026 conference and exhibition held in Baku.

According to Nasibov, SOCAR AQS is actively involved in several regional tenders, with Iraq standing out as a key market. He stated that the company is currently participating in a tender together with Crescent Petroleum, one of the region’s private operators, for the drilling of an exploration well in Iraq. The project scope includes a ‘1+4’ well program, with the first well designated for exploration. If the results meet the operator’s expectations, four additional wells will be drilled.

In parallel, SOCAR AQS is also taking part in another tender in cooperation with the Basra Oil Company (BOC). This project involves drilling operations using rigs with a capacity of 2,000 horsepower and will be implemented through direct rig operations.

Nasibov emphasized that ongoing projects in Trkiye and Iraq highlight SOCAR AQS’s growing international footprint and operational expertise. He noted that these activities reaffirm the company’s commitment to delivering safe and high-quality drilling services both within the region and globally.

The open court hearing continued on February 5 regarding the criminal cases of Armenian citizens Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, who are accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the planning and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, the forcible seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes committed as a result of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.

In the court proceedings, which began on January 17 of last year and have continued for over a year, the final court decision (verdict) regarding the accused individuals was announced. During the court session held at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev and composed of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (with reserve judge Gunel Samadova), each of the accused was provided with an interpreter in a language they understood, as well as lawyers for their defense. The session was attended by the accused, their defense counsel, a portion of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, prosecutors representing the state prosecution, and Rufat Mammadov, the Head of the Apparatus of the Cabinet of Ministers, appearing as a victim on behalf of the Azerbaijani state.

The court decision announced that, taking into account the proposal of the state prosecutors, no punishment was assigned to Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Babayan, and David Manukyan regarding actions creating a threat to aviation safety for which they were found guilty, due to the expiration of the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution. It was noted that although the accused Arkadi Gukasyan and Bako Sahakyan were charged with crimes carrying a life sentence and those charges were proven during the judicial investigation, they cannot be sentenced to life imprisonment according to the requirements of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan because they had reached the age of 65 by the time the verdict was issued.

The charges filed against the accused Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan, Madat Babayan, Melikset Pashayan, Garik Martirosyan, Davit Allahverdyan, Vasili Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, Levon Balayan, and Erik Gazaryan under Article 228.3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan were reclassified to Article 228.2.1 of the same Code. Furthermore, Articles 218.1, 218.2, 279.1, and 279.2 of the Criminal Code were removed from the charges pertaining to Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and David Manukyan. Additionally, Articles 279.1 and 279.2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan were removed from the charges brought against Arayik Harutyunyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Madat Babayan, Melikset Pashayan, Garik Martirosyan, Davit Allahverdyan, Vasili Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, Levon Balayan, and Erik Gazaryan.

Subsequently, the presiding judge announced that Harutyunyan Arayik Vladimiri (Vladimirovich) was found guilty of planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, genocide, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to life imprisonment to be served in prison.

Mnatsakanyan Levon Henrikhi was found guilty of planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to life imprisonment to be served in prison.

Manukyan David Azati was found guilty of planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to life imprisonment to be served in prison.

Ishkhanyan Davit Rubeni was found guilty of planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, genocide, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, assassination attempts on the life of a state or public figure, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to life imprisonment to be served in prison.

Babayan David Klimi was found guilty of planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to life imprisonment to be served in prison.

Arkadi Arshaviri (Arshavirovich) Gukasyan (Ghukasyan) was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, genocide, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, assassination attempts on the life of a state or public figure, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Bako Sahaki Sahakyan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, genocide, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, assassination attempts on the life of a state or public figure, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Madat Arakeli Babayan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, genocide, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, assassination attempts on the life of a state or public figure, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 19 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 19 years of imprisonment, with the first 8 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Garik Grigori Martirosyan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment, with the first 8 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, extermination of the population, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 16 years of imprisonment, with the first 6 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Levon Romiki Balayan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, extermination of the population, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 16 years of imprisonment, with the first 5 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Vasili Ivani Beglaryan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, forced displacement of the population, persecution, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment, with the first 5 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Gurgen Homerosi Stepanyan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, extermination of the population, forced displacement of the population, persecution, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment, with the first 5 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Erik Roberti Gazaryan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, forced displacement of the population, persecution, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment, with the first 5 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state – including the aforementioned criminal association – on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals – Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan – are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.

US Vice President J.D. Vance has sharply criticized Iran’s system of governance, arguing that real decision-making power in the country rests not with its elected president but exclusively with the supreme leader, a structure he said severely complicates diplomacy, Azernews reports.

‘The person who makes decisions in Iran is the supreme leader. The president is not really important. The foreign minister also talks to the supreme leader, and we mainly communicate with him,’ Vance said, according to US media.

He stressed that this political model places negotiations in what he described as an ‘absurd situation,’ noting the absence of a clear, transparent decision-making mechanism on the Iranian side. According to Vance, this makes meaningful diplomatic engagement far more difficult than with other rival powers.

Drawing a comparison, Vance said US President Donald Trump is able to establish direct contact even with leaders of countries considered adversaries by Washington. ‘Trump can pick up the phone and call Putin or Xi. It is even possible to speak directly with the leaders of countries with which we have hostile relations. But it is strange that we cannot speak to the president of Iran,’ he said.

Vance added that President Trump intends to keep all options on the table in dealing with Tehran. He emphasized that the US administration will pursue non-military avenues wherever possible, engaging in dialogue with all relevant actors.

However, he warned that if diplomatic efforts fail and Trump concludes that military force is the only viable option, ‘then he will ultimately choose that option.’

Leyla Aliyeva met with Afghan women’s rights activist and researcher Zarqa Yaftali today, in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

During the meeting, Leyla Aliyeva noted that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been implementing numerous significant projects covering education, healthcare, and social support for many years, contributing to the creation of equal opportunities for vulnerable segments of the population both in the region and internationally.

The discussions revolved around the opportunities for cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation**, adding that** the activities of the Foundation headed by Zarqa Yaftali have ensured access for over 100,000 women and children to education and legal protection.

The meeting underscored the shared goals of implementing global humanitarian initiatives and addressed the importance of protecting women’s rights and ensuring sustainable education.

On February 4, the grand opening of the exhibition “The Superheroes of Wildlife” by renowned British and Australian sculptors Gillie and Marc Schattner took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azernews reports.

The Baku project is the largest exhibition ever presented by the artists. Known as devoted advocates for wildlife conservation, Gillie and Marc have turned their art into a vital platform for nature protection. The exhibition not only brings attention to the pressing issues facing the natural world but also offers viewers a perspective filled with courage and hope.

Sculptor Gillie Schattner shared that the primary mission of the exhibition is to promote wildlife conservation and spread messages of love through art.

“Our goal is to inspire the audience to protect endangered animals, based on our experiences from traveling around the world. We study, observe, draw, and depict animals. All the sculptures displayed in the exhibition are based on real animals we have encountered in nature,” Schattner explained.

Mark Schattner, the other half of the artistic duo, also spoke about the significance of nature preservation in Baku and Azerbaijan as a whole.

“Through our conversations, we learned about the valuable initiatives Azerbaijan is undertaking in wildlife conservation and environmental protection. This was one of the key reasons that drew us to the country, as there is a deep and sincere connection to nature here,”he said.

In his opening speech, Anar Alakbarov, Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center, mentioned that nearly 100 works by Gillie and Marc Schattner are being showcased in the exhibition. He noted that the artists’ works have been displayed in many countries around the world.

Anar Alakbarov highlighted the uniqueness of the project, which underscores the significant role of the artists’ efforts in nature conservation. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the realization of the project at the Heydar Aliyev Center and extended special thanks to Mehriban Aliyeva, the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, for her substantial support in bringing the project to life.

The exhibition “The Superheroes of Wildlife” addresses the future fate of endangered species. It introduces two inseparable heroes, a rabbit-woman (Rabbit Woman) and a dog-man (Dog Man), whose adventures embody the idea that “we may be different, but by creating harmony with one another, we can care for nature.”

The exhibition features a combination of paintings and both small and large-scale sculptures, inviting the audience to reflect on our collective responsibility in protecting nature. Through this, the artists call upon the world to embrace wildlife with love and fight for its preservation.

The Baku exhibition is not just a story about protecting the living world; it also speaks to compassion, courage, and unity.

Preparations, both organisational and substantive, are ongoing for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, which is set to take place in Baku this May.

As reported by Azernews, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yalchin Rafiev, shared the latest updates regarding the event during a conversation with journalists at the ‘Non-Aligned Movement Youth Week’ in Baku.

He noted that, for the first time, a summit of world leaders will be held as part of the forum’s format.

“We aim to ensure that the forum is organised at a high level. This urban planning forum features a complex format, including numerous events, assemblies, sessions, and dialogues. We are working to showcase our national urban planning experience,” Rafiev said. “As you know, innovative urban planning methods are being employed in the recently liberated territories. Our goal is not only to present our national experiences to the world but also to use this opportunity to create a platform for discussions on contemporary architectural and urban planning issues.”

The Deputy Minister emphasised that the forum would provide a significant opportunity to share Azerbaijan’s expertise and contribute to global discussions on sustainable urban developm

The Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan, acting on behalf of the country’s leadership, has begun preparations for a phased transition to a 12-year general education system, Azernews reports.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Education and Science during a press conference. Officials noted that the reform will include the development of new curricula, the modernization of schools to meet updated requirements, and public awareness campaigns to explain the changes to students, parents, and educators.

At the initial stage, the new system will be piloted in 180 modern schools across the country, allowing authorities to assess its effectiveness before a nationwide rollout.

According to officials, the reform aims to align Tajikistan’s education system with international standards and significantly improve the quality of education.

Interestingly, many countries that have adopted a 12-year education model have reported better student readiness for higher education and the labor market – something Tajikistan hopes to achieve as it continues to modernize its education sector.

Gara Garayev (1918-1982) remains one of the most celebrated composers in Azerbaijani music history.

His compositions have been performed and admired globally, capturing the full range of human emotion through his rich and dynamic musical language.

February 5, 2026, marks the 108th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding composer.

Gara Garayev’s musical education began at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory, where he studied composition and folk music from 1933 to 1938. He further honed his craft at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory, studying under the guidance of A. Alexandrov, and later with the legendary Dmitri Shostakovich. Garayev’s exposure to such eminent figures in the world of classical music shaped his unique style and bold approach to composition.

His prolific output spanned nearly every genre of musical art, including symphonic works, chamber pieces, operas, and ballets. His compositions often blended the deep roots of Azerbaijani mugham with elements of jazz, blues, African rhythms, and Western classical techniques, including the 12-tone method.

The legendary composer wrote over 110 musical works in his lifetime, leaving behind a legacy that resonated with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

At the tender age of 20, Gara Garayev composed his first cantata, “The Song of the Heart,” inspired by the poetry of Rasul Rza. The piece was performed in Moscow’s renowned Bolshoi Theater the very same year, marking the start of his illustrious career. By 1941, Garayev had returned to Baku and began imparting his vast knowledge to aspiring musicians at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Society.

The late 1940s and early 1950s saw the emergence of some of Gara Garayev’s most significant works, influenced by the poetry of Nizami Ganjavi, Azerbaijan’s greatest literary figure. His symphonic poem “Leyli and Mejnun” and the symphonic suite “Seven Beauties” are standout pieces, with the latter being adapted into a ballet in 1952. Staged under choreographer P. A. Gusev, “Seven Beauties” was groundbreaking as the first-ever Azerbaijani ballet, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s classical music history.

Gara Garayev’s work wasn’t confined to the stage; he also explored more contemporary issues through music. His 1958 ballet, “Path of Thunder,” tackled the topic of racial conflicts in South Africa, showing Garayev’s sensitivity to global issues and his ability to convey powerful messages through his compositions.

That same year, he composed the score for the documentary film “A Story About the Oil Workers of the Caspian Sea,” which highlighted the lives of those working in Azerbaijan’s oil industry.

In his final years, Gara Garayev’s music continued to influence generations of musicians and composers. His untimely death in 1982 at the age of 64 marked the end of an era for Azerbaijani classical music, but his legacy endures.

In recognition of his monumental contributions to music and culture, Gara Garayev was posthumously honored in 2018, when Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared the year the 100th anniversary of his birth.

A House-Museum dedicated to his life and work opened in Baku, offering visitors a chance to experience the composer’s personal belongings, photographs, and other significant artifacts from his life.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved technical assistance worth 2 million USD to support the implementation of the ‘Private Capital Mobilization Indicator Preparation and Implementation’ project. Azerbaijan, as one of the developing countries, is participating in this project.

As reported by Azernews, citing the bank, the project will be financed through the Special Technical Assistance Fund. It aims to develop a comprehensive methodology for Private Capital Mobilization (PCE) and apply it to various projects in ADB’s member countries. This initiative covers a broad region, including not only Azerbaijan but also Central Asia, South and Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

The technical assistance will also strengthen ADB’s analytical base in private capital mobilization projects, contribute to knowledge dissemination, and enhance potential across the bank’s operational departments and member countries. Special attention will be given to enhancing the bank’s ability to systematically measure and stimulate private sector involvement in development projects.

The expected impact of the project aligns with ADB’s long-term objectives for private sector development. These goals include expanding private sector participation in the development of Asia and the Pacific and creating sustainable mechanisms to mobilize private capital and foster private sector growth.

As a result of this technical assistance, ADB anticipates the strengthening of its institutional capacity to support private sector development through more efficient operations and enhanced mechanisms to increase potential in this area.

The countdown has entered its final stage for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, with only a few days remaining until the world’s top winter athletes gather in Italy, Azernews reports.

The prestigious sporting event hosted by Italy is just days away from its official opening.

The Azerbaijan national team is continuing its preparations at an intensive pace, aiming to deliver a strong performance at the Games. Azerbaijan will be represented at the Olympics by alpine skier Anastasiya Papatoma and figure skater Vladimir Litvintsev.

Azerbaijan has yet to win a medal at the Winter Olympic Games. The country made its Olympic debut as an independent state in 1998 at the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Since then, Azerbaijan has taken part in every edition of the Winter Games, but none of its athletes have reached the podium so far.

The nation’s best result to date came at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, where Yuliya Zlobina and Aleksey Sitnikov finished 12th in the ice dance competition of figure skating.

At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, Azerbaijan was represented by two athletes. In the figure skating events, Vladimir Litvintsev placed 18th, while Yekaterina Ryabova finished 15th.

Azerbaijan secured its first-ever qualification for the Winter Paralympic Games in February 2022.

Mehman Ramazanzade earned a quota place in the cross-country skiing sprint event at the Beijing Paralympics. However, a serious injury sustained during training shortly before the opening ceremony prevented him from making his official Paralympic debut.

The Winter Olympic Games will be held from February 6 to 26, followed by the Winter Paralympic Games from March 6 to 15.

Competitions will be staged across several regions of northern Italy, with Milan serving as the main metropolitan hub and Cortina d’Ampezzo hosting many of the alpine events. Additional venues in Bormio, Livigno, Val di Fiemme, and Anterselva will welcome athletes in disciplines that require world-class mountain and snow conditions. The Games are expected to feature around 2,900 athletes from more than 90 countries, competing for medals in 16 sports and over 110 events.

Traditional Olympic winter sports such as alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, Nordic combined, figure skating, ice hockey, curling, speed skating, and short track will once again take center stage. Freestyle skiing and snowboarding will showcase dynamic, youth-oriented disciplines, while the sliding sports of bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge will add speed and technical precision to the program.

A major highlight of the Milano-Cortina Games will be the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering, a discipline that perfectly reflects the Alpine character of the host regions. Its inclusion marks the Olympic movement’s continued evolution and its efforts to connect with new generations of athletes and fans.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place in Milan, symbolizing the connection between modern city life and mountain heritage, while Cortina d’Ampezzo, which previously hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics will once again play a central role in welcoming the world.