Category: Azer News

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Azerbaijan on October 6 to participate in the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Azernews reports.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has stated that the opposition’s alleged attempt to incite unrest and overthrow the government has failed, calling it the fifth such effort in recent years.

Azernews reports that speaking at a briefing held at the ruling Georgian Dream party’s headquarters, Kobakhidze claimed that members of the former ruling United National Movement (UNM) party had tried to stage a ‘Maidan-style’ uprising in Georgia, referencing the 2014 protests in Ukraine.

‘As is now clear, the attempt to overthrow the government has failed,’ he said. ‘Over the past four years, this marks the fifth attempt to organize a so-called ‘National Maidan’ in our country.’

The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Georgia, where opposition groups have accused the government of democratic backsliding, while the ruling party has pushed back with accusations of foreign interference and attempted coups.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 was recorded in the Caspian Sea early this morning, Azernews reports.

According to the Republican Seismological Service Center, the tremor occurred at 05:36 local time.

It should be noted that the Caspian Sea region lies within a seismically active zone influenced by the ongoing collision between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Although Azerbaijan is not typically associated with large-scale earthquakes, small to moderate tremors are relatively common, especially in offshore and coastal areas.

Earthquakes in the Caspian Sea usually occur at shallow depths and are often not strongly felt on land. However, seismologists monitor these events closely as part of ongoing efforts to understand regional seismic activity and assess potential risks.

The city’s War Memorial Center quietly removed an exhibit honoring a three-generation military legacy-ignoring both local history and the lasting geopolitical imprint of the MacArthurs.

Something is off at Milwaukee County’s War Memorial Center (WMC). For decades, the institution rallied veterans and civilians around a simple credo-‘honor the dead by serving the living.’ Today, many in that community feel alienated. The spark: a quiet decision in February 2024 to remove the ‘MacArthurs of Milwaukee’ exhibit, which celebrated Judge Arthur MacArthur, General Arthur MacArthur Jr., and his son, General Douglas MacArthur-two Medal of Honor recipients whose family ties to the city once animated the very identity of the memorial.

The exhibit, dedicated on April 26, 2017 and loaned by the VCRT MacArthur Forum, was taken down without prior notice, according to the Forum. WMC leaders have suggested that commemorations should emphasize all veterans rather than focusing on individual heroes. But that framing misunderstands what the MacArthur collection did for the Memorial. It did not crowd out broader remembrance; it deepened it-placing the names on the Honor Roll Pool, the statue in MacArthur Square, and the center’s own origin story in a narrative arc that visitors could see and touch. Douglas MacArthur himself endorsed the creation of the WMC during an April 1951 visit to Milwaukee; when the Memorial opened five years later, his words were etched in marble beside the pool: ‘In tribute to those who did their duty as God gave them the light to do that duty.’

Milwaukee has marked that connection across generations. In 1979, Jean Faircloth MacArthur, the general’s widow, traveled to the city for the first MacArthur Memorial Week and the dedication of his statue in MacArthur Square. In 2014, the Veterans Community Relations Team organized a second MacArthur Memorial Week, moved the statue to Veterans Park on Lake Michigan, and launched what became the annual Kiwanis MacArthur-Nimitz Patriotism Luncheon in Memorial Hall. Three years later, the WMC unveiled the MacArthur family exhibit-positioning it as a permanent, living extension of the Memorial’s mission.

The removal achieved little beyond discord. Veterans who saw the display as a point of civic pride now see a blank wall. No equally compelling replacement has emerged. The episode culminates at a precarious moment for the WMC, which faces existential questions about governance and financing, even as the Milwaukee Art Museum looms as a potential inheritor of the lakefront complex. An institution with survival on the line should be looking for ways to unite its core constituency, not to fracture it.

This is not antiquarian fussing over a bronze likeness or a nameplate. The MacArthurs matter for reasons that reach far beyond Milwaukee. As Supreme Allied Commander in Japan from 1945 to 1951, Douglas MacArthur played a pivotal role in one of the most consequential transformations of the 20th century, guiding a defeated imperial military state into a democratic ally that now anchors U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific. In the shadow of China’s maritime buildup, Japan’s role-militarily restrained yet increasingly forward-leaning-owes something to MacArthur’s statecraft and to the constitutional and civic architecture put in motion under his watch. Recognizing that legacy isn’t hero worship; it’s historical literacy.

None of this argues for a Memorial that celebrates one family at the expense of every other veteran. It argues for telling Milwaukee’s story in full. The MacArthurs are part of that story-woven through the center’s courtyard inscriptions, its programming, and its public art. Removing the exhibit without community consultation suggests not a philosophy of inclusion but a philosophy of subtraction: if everyone is honored in the abstract, no one is honored in particular.

There are straightforward remedies. First, restore the exhibit or, if space or curatorial direction has shifted, reinstall an updated, well-interpreted version that connects the MacArthur lineage to the broader tapestry of Wisconsin service. Second, establish a transparent process for adding, recontextualizing, or retiring displays, with input from veterans’ groups and lending partners. Third, publish a coherent plan for the WMC’s financial and institutional future. Absent such steps, the Memorial risks drifting toward a future decided for it rather than one it decides for itself.

Milwaukee’s veterans deserve a home that remembers with precision and speaks with confidence. The War Memorial Center can be that place again. However, it will require leadership that views the MacArthur legacy not as a distraction from the mission, but as a doorway into it-a means to teach visitors why this lakefront building exists at all and why the words carved in stone there still hold meaning.

Editor’s note: This article reflects concerns raised by stakeholders over the removal of the ‘MacArthurs of Milwaukee’ exhibit and the families’ historical ties to the War Memorial Center.

The fifth day of the 11th Baku International Book Fair was marked by a rich and engaging program, leaving a memorable impression on attendees, Azernews reports.

The Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), the official media partner of the fair, is actively participating with its own exhibition stand, which has attracted significant interest from visitors.

As part of the event, Chairman of AZERTAC’s Board Vugar Aliyev met with Vasif Qurbanzade, Head of the Book Industry Department at the Ministry of Culture and a writer-publicist. Their discussion focused on the state of book publishing in Azerbaijan, promoting reading habits among youth, and the media’s role in supporting these efforts.

During the fair, Mr. Aliyev also visited the stands of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, ‘Sharq-Qarb’ Publishing House, and the F. Kocharli Republican Children’s Library. In a meeting with Sevil Ismayilova, Director of ‘Sharq-Qarb,’ both sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation between the publishing house and AZERTAC, and discussed opportunities for expanding their partnership.

In a conversation with Shahla Gambarova, Director of the Republican Children’s Library, an agreement was reached to jointly implement projects with AZERTAC aimed at children with autism and other special needs.

Later, the AZERTAC delegation visited the stand of the State of Qatar, the fair’s Guest of Honor. There, the agency’s leadership was introduced to various elements of Qatari culture, including books, brochures, and cultural artifacts on display. A demonstration of poetry generation using artificial intelligence also captivated visitors.

World Teachers’ Day was marked with a formal ceremony in Nakhchivan on October 5, recognizing the vital role of educators and celebrating achievements in the education sector.

Azernews reports that the event began with participants laying flowers at the monument of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the main square of Nakhchivan city, honoring his legacy.

The official ceremony continued at the conference hall of the Nakhchivan Military College, where attendees observed a moment of silence in memory of Heydar Aliyev and the nation’s martyrs. The National Anthem of Azerbaijan was then played.

Key officials delivered speeches, including Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic’s Minister of Education Elxan Najafov, Presidential Representative Office official Tukazban Guliyeva, Head of the Humanitarian Affairs Department at the Cabinet of Ministers Tarverdi Mammadov, and Director of the Nakhchivan Girls’ Lyceum Ilaha Farajova. They congratulated teachers on their professional holiday and wished them continued success.

Speakers highlighted the region’s significant educational progress in recent years. Notably, the 2024-2025 academic year saw the highest examination results recorded in the last 30 years.

During the event, several educators were awarded honorary diplomas by the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Ministry of Education for their outstanding contributions. Schools were also recognized with certificates of appreciation for excellence in teaching and student development. Selected teachers received the “Advanced Educator of the Republic of Azerbaijan” badge and accompanying certificates.

The event concluded with a cultural program celebrating the teaching profession.

A fire broke out at the AAAF Park residential complex in Khirdalan city, Absheron district, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.

Azernews reports, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), the incident was reported via the ministry’s 112 emergency hotline. In response, units from the State Fire Protection Service and the Special Risk Rescue Service were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

The fire originated in a technical room located in the basement of an 11-storey residential building, where several electricity meters were installed. Thanks to the rapid and effective intervention of firefighters, the blaze was quickly brought under control before it could spread to residential apartments or other areas of the building.

In total, 68 electricity meters and approximately 3 linear meters of electric cables running through a utility shaft were damaged in the fire. The affected technical room measured approximately 2 square meters.

As a precautionary measure, emergency personnel safely evacuated 15 residents from the building, including 3 children.

Thanks to prompt action by fire crews, all communication lines running through the shaft, parked vehicles in the underground garage, and residential units were successfully protected from fire damage.

The International Barbecue Festival held in Shamakhi has officially wrapped up today, marking the end of an exciting culinary celebration, Azernews reports.

For the first time in Azerbaijan, the festival brought together renowned chefs from over 30 countries, transforming Shamakhi into a global hub of flavor and cultural exchange. As with the opening day, the event continued to attract large crowds, with vibrant presentations and mouth-watering displays creating a memorable experience for all attendees.

The festival was organized with the support of the Shamakhi District Executive Authority, the Nasimi Gardens Complex, the “Abqora” restaurant, and internationally certified culinary judge Sahib-David Israfilov.

This international culinary event, rich with impressive barbecue showcases, aimed to foster cultural exchange, promote Azerbaijan’s renowned hospitality, cuisine, and cultural values to the world, and boost the country’s gastronomic tourism.

The festival grounds featured a variety of themed pavilions where both local and international chefs presented unique dishes, offering guests a taste of diverse culinary traditions.

Today’s program also included live masterclasses by famous chefs, guided tours of restaurant pavilions, and exquisite demonstrations of both Azerbaijani and international cuisine.

One of the highlights of the second day was the Azerbaijani National Cuisine Show, where international chefs reimagined and prepared traditional Azerbaijani dishes in their own signature styles. These performances offered a creative and flavorful tribute to Azerbaijan’s culinary heritage on an international stage. World Teachers’ Day was marked with a formal ceremony in Nakhchivan on October 5, recognizing the vital role of educators and celebrating achievements in the education sector.

Azernews reports that the event began with participants laying flowers at the monument of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the main square of Nakhchivan city, honoring his legacy.

The official ceremony continued at the conference hall of the Nakhchivan Military College, where attendees observed a moment of silence in memory of Heydar Aliyev and the nation’s martyrs. The National Anthem of Azerbaijan was then played.

Key officials delivered speeches, including Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic’s Minister of Education Elxan Najafov, Presidential Representative Office official Tukazban Guliyeva, Head of the Humanitarian Affairs Department at the Cabinet of Ministers Tarverdi Mammadov, and Director of the Nakhchivan Girls’ Lyceum Ilaha Farajova. They congratulated teachers on their professional holiday and wished them continued success.

Speakers highlighted the region’s significant educational progress in recent years. Notably, the 2024-2025 academic year saw the highest examination results recorded in the last 30 years.

During the event, several educators were awarded honorary diplomas by the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Ministry of Education for their outstanding contributions. Schools were also recognized with certificates of appreciation for excellence in teaching and student development. Selected teachers received the “Advanced Educator of the Republic of Azerbaijan” badge and accompanying certificates.

The event concluded with a cultural program celebrating the teaching profession.

Today, water scarcity and mismanagement are among the most critical challenges confronting the world. Climate change, population growth, and inefficient infrastructure have made water security a top priority for governments globally. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in strategic planning, innovative technologies, and integrated governance.

Azerbaijan, like many countries, is not immune to these pressures. With increasing demand, regional disparities in water access, and aging irrigation systems, the nation stands at a pivotal crossroads. The recent Baku Climate Action Week 2025 offered a rare window into Azerbaijan’s evolving water strategy-and the urgency behind it.

Aliagha Azizov, Head of the Science and Innovation Sector at the State Water Resources Agency, laid out Azerbaijan’s ambitious digital roadmap for water management. The development of a National Strategy for the Efficient Use of Water Resources aims to modernize how the country controls, protects, and allocates its vital water resources.

‘The accuracy of data is key,’ Azizov emphasized, underlining that a comprehensive digital platform will serve as the backbone of this strategy. The platform will integrate data collection, processing, and analysis of all water bodies in Azerbaijan-from rivers and reservoirs to canals and pipelines.

This is a significant shift from the fragmented, analog systems that dominate water governance in many countries. Moreover, plans for a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Water Atlas will provide transparent, real-time access to water-related data for researchers, the public, and decision-makers.

Azizov’s remarks also signaled a shift toward basin-level water management, a globally recognized best practice. The strategy calls for integrated oversight of both internal and transboundary water sources. This approach is especially relevant for Azerbaijan, where agriculture remains the largest water consumer.

By aligning water allocation with hydrological realities, and by improving real-time monitoring through sensor technologies, Azerbaijan is poised to enhance both water efficiency and agricultural productivity. The target? Minimizing water losses and leakages in drinking and irrigation systems by 2040, and ensuring 100% metering in drinking water networks. This aligns with international best practices that treat every drop as a data point-something essential for countries grappling with water stress.

ADB Support: A regional vision with global partners

Water challenges are rarely local in scope. Transboundary rivers, shared aquifers, and cross-border climate impacts require multilateral cooperation. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Azerbaijan’s water reform journey. Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, ADB’s Country Director for Azerbaijan, noted that Azerbaijan could count on the bank’s support for modernizing irrigation infrastructure, integrating artificial intelligence into water data systems, and implementing its national strategy.

‘Water problems are not just climate-related-they are also political,’ noted Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, ADB Country Director for Azerbaijan. Citing examples from South Asia, she emphasized how subsidy policies and governance models can directly undermine water sustainability. Importantly, Durrani-Jamal highlighted the role of satellite monitoring and risk mapping to identify ‘hot spots’ of flood, drought, and scarcity. Such advanced tools enable a shift from reactive crisis management to predictive, long-term water governance.

Building on this, Ilhama Gadimova, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, stressed that water reform cannot succeed without transforming agricultural water use. She underscored that sustainable irrigation and smart water management are no longer optional but essential.

‘Sustainable water management is impossible without innovation and cooperation,’ Gadimova said, calling for increased regional dialogue and cross-sector collaboration to achieve these goals.

Together, these perspectives illustrate the multifaceted nature of water challenges in Azerbaijan-where political will, technological innovation, and cooperative governance must intersect to ensure water security for the future.

The Ministry of Agriculture is investing in digital education and AI applications within farming. These innovations are already yielding real changes, demonstrating that the future of agriculture in Azerbaijan is data-driven. Gadimova suggested that the country could soon be viewed as a model for others seeking to digitize their agricultural water systems. Her comments point to an important reality: water reform is not a sectoral issue-it is a national challenge. Solutions must encompass education, technology, governance, and infrastructure. These insights from Deputy Minister Gadimova align closely with Aliagha Azizov’s emphasis on the strategic development of key regions like Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur, highlighting how coordinated efforts across sectors and regions are essential to advancing Azerbaijan’s water management goals.

Azizov noted that Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur represent significant untapped potential in water resources. With ongoing reconstruction and resettlement, these regions are being positioned as models for integrated, secure, and efficient water systems. Developing these regions’ water infrastructure is not just a logistical task-it is a strategic imperative for ensuring water security and regional stability.

The vision presented during Baku Climate Action Week 2025 is comprehensive and forward-thinking. Yet, turning strategy into impact will require institutional coordination, sustained financing, and public engagement. With a mix of international support, domestic innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, Azerbaijan has the opportunity to build a resilient water system that supports its economic, environmental, and social goals.

In a world where water scarcity is becoming the new normal, Azerbaijan’s steps toward digital transformation and integrated water management could serve as a valuable blueprint for others.

Final bouts in the boys’ boxing category are underway at the 3rd Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games, with Azerbaijani athletes making a strong showing, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijan’s Ali Aliyev claimed gold in the 48 kg weight class after defeating Azamjon Hasanov of Tajikistan in a decisive bout.

Earlier, another Azerbaijani boxer, Gardash Rahimov, secured the national team’s first gold medal of the tournament by defeating Uzbekistan’s Utkirbek Norkosimov in the 46 kg division.

Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its medal tally as the Games progress.