Category: Azer News

A delegation led by Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandrokovic, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, paid tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev at the Alley of Honor in Baku, Azernews reports.

The delegation laid a wreath at Heydar Aliyev’s grave in memory of the architect and founder of the modern independent Azerbaijani state.

Later, the Croatian delegation visited the Alley of Martyrs, where they honored the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s independence and territorial integrity and laid a wreath at the ‘Eternal Torch’ monument.

During the visit, the guests also viewed the panorama of Baku from its highest point and were briefed on the history of the Alley of Martyrs, as well as the city’s ongoing development and reconstruction efforts.

The 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), held in Gabala, has become a defining moment in the evolution of the Turkic world. Bringing together leaders from across the Turkic geography, the summit not only reaffirmed shared values of history, language, and culture but also underscored a new stage of strategic integration among its member states. The discussions in Gabala highlighted the OTS’s growing role as an influential geopolitical bloc that bridges continents, connects transport corridors, and amplifies the collective economic potential of its members.

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the unity and growing influence of the Turkic world, noting that, “Today, the Organization of Turkic States has grown into one of the key geopolitical centers, and our shared history, ethnic roots, and languages unite us as one family.” He went on to illustrate the organization’s expanding synergy with a striking analogy: “If the strength of each Turkic state in the OTS is roughly 10, then the combined strength of eight Turkic states is not just 80. Together, they total 800 because their collective power exceeds the simple sum of their parts. This isn’t an exaggeration but a phenomenon grounded in scientific principles.”

MP Vugar Bayramov, in his remarks to Azernews, reflected on the significance of the summit, underscoring how President Aliyev’s vision and the overall outcomes of the meeting demonstrate the OTS’s rise as a major geopolitical force. He stated: “The speech of the Azerbaijani leader once again confirmed the formation of the organization as one of the serious geopolitical centers. As the Azerbaijani head of state noted, internal political and economic stability, significant geostrategic position, positive demographics and a young population, great opportunities in the transport and logistics sector, natural resources, as well as growing potential in the military and military-technical fields make the TEU an important actor in the global arena.”

Bayramov emphasized that the Turkic world today represents a region whose growth rate surpasses the global average: “The further deepening of strategic relations between the TEU member states creates new opportunities for economic development. This is also reflected in the creation of joint investment funds, an increase in mutual trade volumes, and extensive cooperation in the field of transport and logistics. Azerbaijan is a state that makes a special contribution to the strengthening of strategic cooperation and integration between the Turkic states. In recent years, both the deepening of economic cooperation between the Turkic states and the rapid development of their national economies have been recorded.”

In highlighting the economic strength of the Turkic world, he noted that “In 2024, the economy of the Turkic states grew by 5.4 percent. This significantly exceeds the global economic growth rate. The Turkic states, with a GDP of $2.11 trillion, have a 1.8 percent share in the global economy. In 2024, the total trade turnover of the Turkic states amounted to $1.17 trillion, which is 3.5 percent of the global trade turnover. This means that the Turkic world is becoming a new global power.”

Bayramov also drew attention to Azerbaijan’s central role in enhancing the region’s connectivity. “After the victory, President Ilham Aliyev repeatedly stated that the main part of Azerbaijan should be provided with unhindered access to Nakhchivan by land. The President stated that the Zangazur Corridor would be implemented and that it was only a matter of time,” he recalled, emphasizing the corridor’s strategic relevance.

He further noted that, “The Joint Declaration signed in Washington, D.C., which was signed thanks to the far-sighted policy of the President of Azerbaijan, confirmed the unhindered movement between the main part of our country and Nakhchivan. As noted at the Gabala meeting, the Zangazur Corridor is of great importance as a new transport artery and a second route within both the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor. This also means that the Turkic world will be connected by land transport in the very near future. The Turkic world is uniting, and it is developing further.”

To advance the restoration of the splendid Momine Khatun Mausoleum, a masterpiece of Azerbaijani national architecture, the management and experts from Atelier Erich Pummer GmbH have arrived in Nakhchivan, Azernews reports citing Nakhchivan Culture Ministry.

Geo-technical investigations are currently being conducted to study the condition of the ground around the mausoleum.

As a result of the drilling of engineering-geological wells, soil samples, both damaged and undamaged, will be taken and subjected to laboratory tests (granulometric composition, density, moisture, strength limit, consolidation coefficient). This will help determine the level and characteristics of the groundwater.

A technical report reflecting the results of the research and recommendations for ensuring the monument’s stability will be prepared by the company and submitted to the Nakhchivan Culture Ministry.

The Momine Khatun Mausoleum is one of the most distinguished landmarks in Nakhchivan.

Built in 1186 by Ajemi Abubakiroglu, the mausoleum honors Momine Khatun, the wife of Shamsaddin Eldeniz, the founder of the Azerbaijan Atabaylar state.

It is believed that Shamsaddin Eldeniz, Momine Khatun, and their son Mahammad Jahan Pahlavan were buried within the mausoleum, though the headstones in the vault were looted and removed.

The mausoleum is adorned with intricate geometric patterns and verses from the Quran. An inscription in Kufic script on the monument’s arch reads: *”We pass away, but only the wind is left behind us. We die, but only a work is left as a present.”*

The Momine Khatun Mausoleum was likely once part of a madrassa. Drawings and photographs from the nineteenth century suggest it was part of a larger religious and educational complex.

The structure consists of both underground and aboveground sections. Inside the dome, four circular medallions feature the names of the Caliphs.

The interior of the mausoleum is circular in shape, with Momine Khatun’s burial chamber located beneath the building, though access to it is no longer possible.

Four round medallions on the inner side of the dome bear inscriptions with the names of the Prophet Mohammed and the four Rashidun Caliphs-Abu Bakr, Omar, Osman, Ali-as well as his sons Hassan and Hussein.

This exceptional example of Azerbaijani architectural heritage was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List in Need of Urgent Safeguarding on September 30, 1998.

The first international Baku Tango Marathon – a three-day celebration of Argentine tango will take place in Baku from October 17 to 19 at the Dreamland Golf Club, Azernews reports.

The event is organized by the InTango school with the support of the Azerbaijan Dance Union (AzDC).

The founder of the first Argentine tango school in Azerbaijan, InTango, co-founder and chairman of the Argentine Tango Committee of AzDC, international competition laureate, teacher, and tango DJ, Ilham Osmanov, noted that tango is one of the most popular social dances in the world today, and Baku is no exception.

“We are creating this marathon for the music, for communication, and for the special silence between the notes where the dance is born. We want our guests to take home not only beautiful photos but also the feeling of being at home, so that the warmth of our city stays with them for a long time,” said Ilham Osmanov.

The marathon will bring together tangueros from more than 10 countries, including Turkiye, Georgia, Argentina, Italy, and others, making this event a significant contribution to the development of culture, urban tourism, and the international appeal of Azerbaijan.

The program includes performances by six DJs from different countries, each bringing their unique style, while all deeply respect the classical traditions of tango.

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

The third CIS Games, hosted for the first time by Azerbaijan, will conclude on October 8, Azernews reports.

On the final day of competition, the next medalists in rhythmic gymnastics will be determined.

The finals will take place at the Shaki Olympic Sports Complex and will begin at 12:00 .

The closing ceremony of the Games will also take place today. The event will be held at the Ganja Stadium and will start at 19:00.

Since its start on September 26, 1,624 athletes from 13 countries have been competing in the Games.

Azerbaijan is hosting the third Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games from September 28 to October 8, 2025, marking a significant event in the region’s sports calendar.

This multi-sport competition brings together athletes from CIS member states and invited countries, aiming to promote friendship, cooperation, and athletic excellence.

For the first time in the history of the CIS Games, competitions are being held across seven cities in Azerbaijan: Ganja, Mingachevir, Gabala, Shaki, Goygol, Yevlakh, and Khankandi.

Each city hosts events in different sports, with the second-largest city, Ganja, serving as the main hub and officially designated the CIS Sports Capital for 2025.

Around 23 sports are being contested across 12 venues, highlighting a broad and inclusive athletic program.

A total of 1,624 athletes from 13 countries are participating in the third CIS Games.

Event mascots Babir and Leyla are helping to generate enthusiasm among young fans.

On October 8, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a Croatian delegation led by Gordan Jandrokovic, Speaker of the Parliament, Azernews reports.

Noting that this was his first visit to Azerbaijan, the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament stated that the beauty of the capital Baku had made a deep impression on him.

Gordan Jandrokovic congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on his contributions and service to the Azerbaijani state and people. He also extended his congratulations regarding the outcomes achieved in Washington toward advancing the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Stating that relations between Azerbaijan and Croatia are at a high level, Jandrokovic emphasized the existing opportunities for further expanding interparliamentary ties. He noted the activities of interparliamentary friendship groups in both countries and underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation between various parliamentary committees.

Expressing gratitude for the congratulations, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the historic significance of the agreements reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The head of state praised the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Croatia. He underscored that Croatia has consistently supported the development of Azerbaijan’s relations with the European Union and NATO.

During the meeting, they stated that bilateral relations are developing based on principles of friendship and partnership with ample opportunities existing for cooperation in energy, investments, tourism, and other fields. They also discussed the prospects for advancing relations within international parliamentary organizations.

Initiated by the Azerbaijan Professional Film Directors Guild, with the support of the Azerbaijan Guild of Actors and the Azerbaijan Producers Guild, the Azerbaijan Film Academy has completed the acceptance of applications for the 2025 Qizil P?ri (Golden Fairy) professional film and television award competition, Azernews reports.

The application period ended on October 1. This year, 420 applications were submitted in 25 nominations, covering all categories outlined in the competition’s regulations.

The competition features leading figures of the Azerbaijani film industry, film studios, and television channels in the country.

The next stage will be the work of the selection committee, which will begin its activities on October 13, 2025.

Based on the review of the materials, a maximum of 5 nominees will be determined in each category.

The Qizil P?ri Award was established with the aim of encouraging professional achievements in the fields of cinema and television, supporting talented artists, and promoting the development of the national film industry.

The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) will establish a mobile base in the Hadrut settlement of the Khojavand district, Azernews reports.

Expansion work will also be carried out at ANAMA’s existing bases.

The agency has already completed the necessary preparatory work for these projects and has awarded the contract to Shamkir Tikinti-18 Open Joint Stock Company (OJSC). Under the agreement, the company will receive 1.9 million manats for the implementation of the assigned tasks.

It should be noted that Shamkir Tikinti-18 OJSC was registered in 2011. The company’s authorized capital amounts to 64,458 manats, and its legal representative is Vagif Chingiz oglu Abdullayev.

The 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), held in Gabala, Azerbaijan, marks a significant evolution in the bloc’s identity-transforming it from a forum focused on cultural heritage into a growing center of geopolitical and economic influence. With Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev delivering a wide-ranging opening address, the summit underscored the increasing alignment of the Turkic nations in areas such as security, connectivity, energy, and digital transformation.

“Today, the Organization of Turkic States has evolved from merely a platform for cooperation into one of the significant geopolitical centers,” President Aliyev declared, setting the tone for the summit. He emphasized the importance of shared ethnic and cultural roots, pointing out that these are not merely symbolic ties, but strategic assets in unifying member states’ positions on global issues.

Indeed, the summit reaffirmed that common historical legacies-rooted in language, traditions, and a shared Eurasian geography-are being transformed into actionable policies. This transition from cultural kinship to strategic alignment forms the backbone of what many analysts now see as an emerging regional power center with increasing relevance in global geopolitics.

Security cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. President Aliyev pointed to the strategic need for unity amid global instability, noting that “development cannot be achieved without ensuring security.” His proposal to host joint military exercises for OTS members in Azerbaijan in 2026 reflects a growing understanding within the bloc that hard power complements soft power in maintaining sovereignty and ensuring stability.

This follows Azerbaijan’s own recent military developments, including the 2020 victory in the Second Garabagh War and the 2023 counter-terrorism operations, which President Aliyev framed as a restoration of justice and sovereignty. The peace process with Armenia-highlighted by the initialing of a peace agreement in Washington-was portrayed not only as a national victory, but also as a contribution to broader regional peace.

Such developments serve as a model for conflict resolution within the post-Soviet space and underline the increasing importance of indigenous security architectures in regions often shaped by external powers.

The summit also highlighted economic integration as a central pillar of cooperation. President Aliyev described Azerbaijan’s role as a “vital bridge” in the East-West and North-South transport corridors, citing a 90% increase in cargo traffic along the Middle Corridor since 2022. Azerbaijan’s strategic investments in transport-such as the Port of Alat, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, and nine international airports-position the country as a regional logistics hub and connector between Central Asia and Europe.

The inauguration of the Zangazur Corridor was described as a geopolitical and economic milestone, simultaneously enhancing connectivity and reaffirming sovereignty. President Aliyev also called attention to the country’s growing energy portfolio, noting that Azerbaijan now supplies natural gas to 14 countries, and is prioritizing renewables with the aim of generating 40% of its energy from green sources by 2030.

This aligns closely with broader economic trends in the Turkic world. According to the Turkish Economic Review Q2 2025, prepared by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication , OTS countries collectively achieved an average GDP growth of 5.4%, significantly outpacing the global average of 2.3%. Countries like Kyrgyzstan (11.7%), Uzbekistan (7.2%), and Turkmenistan (6.3%) posted particularly high growth, reflecting expanding investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, and energy diversification.

Azerbaijan’s economy grew by a modest 1.5%, yet its trade surplus of $920 million and growing investments in digital and green infrastructure underscore its strategic role as a stable and resource-rich partner within the bloc.

The digital and green transformation agenda

The summit reaffirmed the commitment of member states to digital transformation and sustainability. President Aliyev highlighted ongoing efforts in digital governance and smart city development, particularly in the liberated territories of Garabagh and Zangazur. These initiatives reflect a regional pivot toward innovation-driven growth, with OTS countries investing heavily in green energy and digital infrastructure.

Kazakhstan, for instance, has allocated $3.2 billion toward renewables, while Uzbekistan has raised $1 billion through green bonds. Azerbaijan’s integration into a green energy corridor linking Central Asia with Europe demonstrates how energy and digital agendas are being aligned across the region.

Beyond economics and security, institutional consolidation and cultural unity remain core to the OTS’s identity. President Aliyev proposed commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress in Baku next year-a symbolic gesture that reinforces cultural solidarity while linking it to the modern political project of Turkic unity.

President Aliyev also acknowledged the growing role of informal summits in facilitating strategic dialogue, referencing last year’s summit in Shusha and this year’s gathering in Budapest. These formats allow for more flexible and focused engagement among member states, and could evolve into a model for future regional diplomacy.

The 12th Summit of the OTS confirmed that the Turkic states are no longer content with symbolic alliances-they are building a shared future rooted in tangible cooperation. From joint military exercises to integrated transport corridors and digital economies, the member states are acting with increasing coordination.

President Aliyev’s speech captured the essence of this evolution: “Our common history and ethnic roots, our languages unite us like one family.” But beyond rhetorical unity, the summit demonstrated actionable commitment across security, economic, and cultural domains.

In an era of geopolitical realignment and global uncertainty, the Organization of Turkic States is positioning itself not just as a cultural bloc, but as a strategic coalition with growing influence across Eurasia and beyond.

The state has ensured comprehensive conditions for the free and safe activity of all religious confessions, including Christian communities, in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

This was stated by Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, during his visit to the United States at a meeting with Utah Senate President Adam Stewart.

During the meeting, it was noted that Azerbaijan-US relations have entered a new and promising stage. Confidence was expressed that the Joint Declaration signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, the United States, and Armenia in Washington on August 8 represents a historic milestone in the peace process, contributing to interfaith harmony and coexistence.

Ramin Mammadov emphasized that promoting an environment of tolerance and ensuring peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths is a key direction of Azerbaijan’s state policy.

‘As a clear example, the official registration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Azerbaijan demonstrates the state’s commitment to interfaith tolerance and equal treatment,’ he noted.

The Committee Chairman also invited the President of the Utah Senate to visit Azerbaijan, which Adam Stewart gratefully accepted. Stewart praised Azerbaijan’s multicultural values and interfaith harmony, acknowledging President Ilham Aliyev’s contribution to preserving religious tolerance and cultural diversity.

Utah Senators Kirk Collymore and Mike McKell also participated in the meeting, where both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States in promoting dialogue among religions and cultures.