Category: Azer News

An ehibition of handmade crafts titled ‘From Khari Bulbul to Tulip: Bonds of Brotherhood’ has opened in Bursa, Trkiye.

The ehibition is dedicated to Azerbaijan’s Victory in the Karabakh War and November 8 – Victory Day. Its main aim is to showcase the shared cultural heritage of the two brotherly nations, highlight women’s creativity in traditional handicrafts and promote national artistic traditions, while further strengthening Azerbaijani-Turkish friendship and solidarity through culture.

The ehibition was organized on the initiative of the Bursa-Azerbaijan Innovation and Solidarity Association (BAIDD), with the support of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, the Bursa City Council and the Federation of Turkish-Azerbaijani Associations (TADEF).

Artists Ramila Ozden and Amina Yilmaz made particularly significant creative and artistic contributions to the ehibition.

The displayed works reflect the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan and Anatolia, featuring traditional national ornaments, intricate patterns and artistic elements that highlight the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between the two peoples.

The opening ceremony continued with an artistic programme.

The ehibition will remain open to visitors until November 8, Victory Day.

An interesting milestone is set to be recorded in UEFA Champions League history, as two Turkish head coaches will face each other for the first time in the competition’s main stage while managing opposing teams.

The fifth round of the league phase will see Shakhtar Donetsk take on Fenerbahçe, bringing Arda Turan and Emre Belözoglu together on opposite sides of the touchline.

The two coaches shared a long history as teammates in the Turkish national team during their playing careers. Arda represented Trkiye from 2006 to 2017, while Emre played for the national side between 2000 and 2019. Both were members of the Turkish squad that reached the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2008.

Their paths crossed again in 2012 at Spanish club Atlético Madrid. Emre joined the Madrid-based side from Fenerbahçe that summer, where Arda was already playing. One of their most memorable achievements together came on August 31, 2012, when Atlético Madrid defeated Chelsea 4-1 in the UEFA Super Cup final.

Ahead of the upcoming encounter, Arda Turan also spoke about his relationship with Emre Belözoglu. He described his fellow coach as someone who holds a special place in his life, saying they had maintained a big-brother and younger-brother relationship since their playing days.

Turan revealed that facing Fenerbahçe had been a childhood dream. He also stressed that he had no negative feelings towards the Istanbul club.

He described the prospect of facing Belözoglu in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge as a particularly special occasion.

‘Regardless of the result, this match will be one of the most beautiful memories of my life. Emre’s children are like the children of my own siblings to me. I wish him and his family all the very best,’ Turan said.

The Shakhtar Donetsk-Fenerbahçe match is scheduled for November 25 at Stamford Bridge in London, England. Kick-off is set for 23:00 Baku time, with Arda Turan and Emre Belözoglu preparing to face each other as rival head coaches.

The 21st round of the Azerbaijan Premier League has been designated the ‘Victory Round’ to mark the sith anniversary of the historic victory achieved in the 2020 Patriotic War.

The Professional Football League of Azerbaijan announced the decision.

Under the initiative, Azerbaijan’s national anthem will be performed before all matches scheduled for November 6-8 as part of the 21st round.

The initiative aims to commemorate the anniversary of the victory and honour the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan has emphasised the importance of expanding cooperation with Central Asian countries in artificial intelligence, digital connectivity and technological innovation as part of efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen regional partnerships.

Deputy Minister of Economy Samad Bashirli made the remarks at the Second Tian Shan Forum, organised by the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Institute in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The forum, held under the theme “Expanding Sustainable Connectivity and Quality Investment in Central Asia,” brought together government officials, representatives of international financial institutions, business leaders and academics to discuss regional economic cooperation and investment opportunities.

Speaking during a session titled “Investments in Technological Advancement, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Connectivity,” Bashirli described Central Asia as one of Azerbaijan’s priority regions for economic partnership.

He highlighted the role of digital transformation in diversifying Azerbaijan’s economy and improving the competitiveness of its non-oil and gas sector.

The deputy minister also outlined measures being implemented to encourage innovation in Azerbaijan, alongside joint projects undertaken with countries across the region.

Bashirli stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships in innovation and artificial intelligence, introducing advanced technologies across different sectors of the economy and expanding exchanges of knowledge and expertise.

Discussions at the forum also addressed opportunities to deepen regional cooperation in trade, energy, transport and logistics.

Participants examined the development of digital trade, the application of artificial intelligence in economic activities and measures to strengthen human capital.

The forum additionally provided an opportunity to exchange views on attracting investment to Central Asia and expanding economic ties among participating countries.

Azerbaijan plans to allocate ?434 million ($255.29 million) in 2027 to finance the modernisation and reconstruction of the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery, one of the country’s key strategic industrial facilities.

The funding is envisaged in the draft law “On the State Budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2027”, which has been submitted for discussion to the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship.

The proposed allocation reflects the government’s continued commitment to upgrading the country’s oil refining infrastructure, improving industrial capabilities and strengthening the technological base of the domestic energy sector.

The Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery, operated by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), plays a central role in meeting domestic demand for petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel fuel and other refined oil products. Its modernisation is also important for improving production efficiency, enhancing product quality and aligning refinery operations with increasingly demanding environmental and technical standards.

The reconstruction programme forms part of Azerbaijan’s broader efforts to develop its energy infrastructure and increase the competitiveness of its downstream oil and gas industry.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Emergency Situations, Colonel-General Kamaladdin Heydarov, met with a Belarusian delegation led by the Minister of Emergency Situations, Major-General of the Internal Service Vadim Sinyavski, who is visiting Azerbaijan to attend the 21st Men’s and 12th Women’s World Fire and Rescue Sports Championships in Baku.

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, Heydarov thanked the guests for taking part in the world championships and highlighted the importance of hosting such a prestigious international sporting event in Azerbaijan. He epressed confidence that the competition would strengthen professional ties among rescuers from member countries of the International Sport Federation of Firefighters and Rescuers and promote the development of fire and rescue sports.

Noting the consistently epanding high-level relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus, Heydarov said that the emergency management agencies of the two countries had established a long-standing and effective cooperation framework. He emphasized the importance of regular contacts and echanges of eperience in preventing emergencies and dealing with their consequences.

The Azerbaijani minister epressed confidence that Sinyavski’s visit and the signing of a regulation on cooperation and information echange between the two countries’ emergency ministries would contribute significantly to epanding the echange of operational information and epertise in emergency response.

For his part, Sinyavski praised the high standard of organization of the World Fire and Rescue Sports Championships in Baku.

He also highlighted the mutual benefits of cooperation between the relevant emergency management agencies of Azerbaijan and Belarus amid the rapid development of bilateral ties. The minister pointed out that visits at various levels, meetings and signed agreements had made a significant contribution to strengthening relations. Sinyavski epressed confidence that the talks held during the current visit and the newly signed document would pave the way for further epanding cooperation between the two ministries.

The meeting also featured an etensive echange of views on issues of mutual interest.

Following the talks, the two ministers signed a regulation on cooperation and information echange between the Crisis Management Center of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Republican Center for Emergency Management and Response of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Belarus.

Later, Sinyavski presented Heydarov with the “For Promoting Life Safety” badge in recognition of his significant contribution to improving the protection of the population and territories against natural and man-made emergencies, as well as strengthening cooperation with Belarus’s Ministry of Emergency Situations.

A video highlighting AIRE 2026, the 1st Azerbaijan International Real Estate Ehibition, has been shared on the social media accounts of President Ilham Aliyev.

An event titled ‘Our Victory History – A Chronicle of Pride’ was jointly organized by the Nariman Narimanov Memorial Museum and the No. 2 Technical-Humanities Lyceum named after H. Mahmudbayli.

According to the museum, the event began with the national anthem of Azerbaijan, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country.

The gathering brought together cultural professionals, teachers and students of the lyceum, officers and cadets of the Baku Military College, as well as students from the Bulbul Secondary Special Music School and Secondary School No. 226.

As part of the programme, participants recited patriotic poems, performed musical pieces and presented literary and artistic compositions dedicated to Azerbaijan’s victory, national pride and patriotic spirit.

The event aimed to honour the country’s victory history, pay tribute to the fallen heroes and promote patriotic values among the younger generation.

American technology companies are showing growing interest in investing in Azerbaijan’s data centres and artificial intelligence infrastructure, according to Matthew Bryza, a former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan and member of the Board of Directors of the Jamestown Foundation.

Speaking to Azerbaijani local media outlet, AZERTAC, Bryza, who is also a partner at the US private equity firm Abbott Capital, said the interest had become particularly evident during the recent Azerbaijan Investment Forum.

He noted that his discussions with Azerbaijani government representatives, American companies, potential investors and business partners had highlighted opportunities for epanding US investment in the country’s technology sector.

‘Azerbaijan has a particularly favorable geographical position in terms of the location of data centers and other infrastructure related to artificial intelligence. Because the country is close to Central Asia, which is a large and rapidly developing market. The closer the infrastructure, especially data centers, are located to the market, the lower the latency in data transmission. As a result, the productivity and efficiency of data connections increase.

“At the same time, Azerbaijan is also a convenient place for processing data coming from Central Asia and transferring it to European markets. Investors and the Azerbaijani authorities still need to conduct a number of discussions to determine whether such investments will be economically viable. However, this is undoubtedly a promising area, especially given the opportunities of the Alat Free Economic Zone,” Bryza said.

The former ambassador also identified mining as another non-oil sector with considerable investment potential.

He pointed to the activities of Anglo Asian Mining PLC, which has operated in Azerbaijan for several decades and is developing copper mining projects in the country.

“In particular, the Anglo Asian Mining PLC company, which has been operating in Azerbaijan for several decades, has quite promising projects in the field of copper mining in the country. The company is also considering similar investment opportunities in Armenia,” he noted.

Bryza also highlighted opportunities in Azerbaijan’s processing and industrial manufacturing sectors, particularly through the Alat Free Economic Zone.

According to him, Abbott Capital Management would be interested in facilitating connections between potential American investors and businesses operating within the economic zone.

He further emphasised the potential for stronger cooperation between US venture capital and private equity funds and Azerbaijani startups.

“I believe that US venture capital and private equity funds, like my company, can strengthen cooperation with Azerbaijani startups. In this process, individuals like me and companies like Abbott Capital can play a mediator role. We see Azerbaijan as a developing regional actor with strategic and investment interests in a wide geography. We are talking about a geography that etends from Azerbaijan to Central Asia through the Caspian Sea, and in the other direction through Armenia and Georgia to Turkey and Europe, as well as to the Middle East region, especially including Syria, in the south. Investment events such as the Azerbaijan Investment Forum that I mentioned are also of great importance in establishing relations between investors and partners in Azerbaijan,” Bryza said.

The former diplomat also drew attention to the potential of digital technologies to improve logistics operations along the Middle Corridor, which connects Asia and Europe through the Caspian region.

He noted that digital solutions developed in the United States and other countries could help simplify documentation procedures and improve the efficiency of cross-border cargo transportation.

‘These solutions include electronic or digital bills of lading, as well as a number of other documents that can ensure a more seamless movement of goods and services transported to and through the territory of Azerbaijan,’ Bryza added.

On November 4, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and their daughter Leyla Aliyeva visited AIRE 2026, the 1st Azerbaijan International Real Estate Ehibition, at the Baku Epo Center.

Organized by PASHA Property Management, the ehibition brings together 61 companies, including 47 local and 14 foreign entities.

By an Order of the head of state, 2026 was declared the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture in Azerbaijan. The organization of the ehibition once again demonstrates the attention paid at the state level to the development of the real estate, architecture and construction sectors in Azerbaijan.

The ehibition provides a platform for people seeking to purchase homes, improve their living conditions or invest in real estate, as well as major investors, company representatives and industry professionals. It also plays an important role in promoting dialogue among real estate market participants, facilitating the echange of eperience and eploring new opportunities for cooperation.

President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and their daughter Leyla Aliyeva toured the stand of PMD Group.

Operating since 2013, PMD Group is engaged in real estate investment, project development and management across the residential, commercial and public and social infrastructure sectors. The company provides a range of services across its core areas of operation, including construction and project management, architecture and design, real estate management, sales and leasing, and logistics and warehousing.

PMD Group and its subsidiaries have built Victory Park in the capital and implemented numerous major projects across Baku, the Absheron Peninsula and the liberated territories, with other projects currently underway.

PASHA Real Estate Group, part of PASHA Holding, operates in real estate investment, project development and property asset management. The Group implements projects in Azerbaijan and five other countries – Trkiye, the United States, Montenegro, Georgia and Uzbekistan – in cooperation with prestigious international brands.

As one of Azerbaijan’s leading real estate companies, PASHA Real Estate Group contributes to shaping Baku’s modern architectural landscape through projects that meet international standards and are implemented in cooperation with renowned international architectural firms.

The Group’s activities include real estate project development, the management of hotel, residential and commercial properties, and cooperation with international hotel brands.

The head of state, the First Lady and their daughter also viewed the Sea Breeze stand, where they were briefed on ongoing work and future projects.

Sea Breeze covers an area of more than 1,000 hectares, with plans to epand it to 1,850 hectares. More than 50 projects have already been completed or are currently under way. The development is now home to more than 60,000 residents. Upon its full completion, the population is epected to reach 500,000.

One of the major projects being implemented in the area is Fire Island, which covers more than 200 hectares. The project envisages the development of modern infrastructure in line with international standards, including the construction of a Formula 1 racing circuit approimately 5.5 kilometres long, featuring 18 turns.

Sea Breeze’s flagship project is Caspian Dream Liner, an apartment hotel comple located on an artificial peninsula.

The Crescent, covering approimately 50 hectares, is one of Sea Breeze’s largest and most prominent projects. The development envisages the construction of five-star hotels. The area will also feature shopping streets with branded stores, a multifunctional arena and a tower reaching a height of 323 metres.

The main goal is to continue developing Sea Breeze as a modern city of international standing, attract foreign investment, create new jobs and contribute to the growth of Azerbaijan’s tourism sector and overall economic potential.

With nearly 15 years of eperience, Baku City Residences specializes in the construction and sale of residential and commercial real estate. The company’s projects combine modern architecture, convenient locations and comprehensive infrastructure. Quality, design and the requirements of modern urban living are key priorities in project implementation.

The company has already completed several projects. Looking ahead, it plans to develop the Baku Bay project in the waterfront district of Baku White City.

President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their daughter Leyla Aliyeva visited the stand of the State Housing Development Agency (MIDA) at the ehibition.

The Agency was established to improve housing conditions for citizens across the country. Its primary focus is on constructing affordable, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient residential complees for low- and middle-income families.

During its operations, MIDA has implemented 20 projects nationwide – seven in Baku, three in Garabagh, and 10 across Ganja, Absheron, Sumgayit, Lankaran, Shirvan, Yevlakh, Nakhchivan, Shamkir, and Salyan. In addition to residential buildings, these projects include schools, kindergartens, and medical centers.

The Agency has completed five subsidized housing projects in Baku and si in the regions. Currently, MIDA has begun construction on three of si ongoing projects across the capital and regions, while three other residential complees are in the design phase.

The head of state, the First Lady, and their daughter Leyla Aliyeva then visited the stand of Fortis Development. With over 10 years of eperience, the company specializes in residential and commercial construction, the restoration of historical and architectural monuments, facade renovation, and the landscaping of public spaces. To date, the company has completed landscaping work at Shahriyar and Saadat parks in Baku, improvement works in the Balakhani settlement, and the repair and restoration of the Pir Hasan shrine in Mardakan and the Imam Mosque in Amirjan. It also restored more than 40 buildings in Baku ahead of COP29.

Chapman Taylor, a company specializing in architecture, planning and interior design, was founded in London in 1959. It has undertaken projects in more than 100 countries and won over 300 architectural awards. The company has developed master plans for Shusha, Jabrayil, Khankendi, and Nakhchivan and designed numerous residential and public buildings in Baku, Ganja, Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Gusar.

The firm has completed housing blocks, facade renovations, and social infrastructure projects in Shusha, Jabrayil, Khankendi, Fuzuli, and Aghdam, with several projects currently underway.

The United Arab Emirates’ MODON Holding, the authority responsible for industrial cities and technology zones, is also represented at the ehibition with a large pavilion. The organization specializes in innovation-driven activities and implements various programs aimed at digitizing production processes and transitioning to modern standards. Its support mechanisms include consulting services, financing programs, measures to promote local content, and the provision of industrial infrastructure and ready-to-use production facilities. At the ehibition, MODON presented the concept for a development plan for the area around Boyukshor Lake.

The Baku White City project is one of the world’s most prominent eamples of modern urban development. Launched on December 24, 2011, with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, the project is designed around the principles of environmental sustainability and smart urban development. The latest advances in urban planning have been applied throughout the project. Previously known as Black City, the area had been polluted by oil industry waste for more than 150 years. At the initiative of the President of Azerbaijan, a unique environmental rehabilitation project has transformed the area into a modern residential district. For the first time in the CIS, residential buildings have been designed in accordance with BREEAM, an international environmental assessment and certification standard, and CRREM requirements for assessing carbon-related risks. With its spacious internal streets, green spaces and contemporary international sculptures, Baku White City has become one of the capital’s most modern destinations for work, living and leisure.

As part of the project’s epansion, a concept for a new museum dedicated to the history of Azerbaijan’s oil industry was developed in collaboration with SOCAR. The museum is planned to feature an ehibition hall, a library, offices, a restaurant, cafes, and a 90-meter observation tower offering views of the city.

A flagship landmark of Baku White City is the Gilavar comple, which combines public and commercial spaces, yacht club facilities, and a 49-story residential tower reaching approimately 185 meters in height. The project was designed by ADEC in collaboration with the American architectural firm SOM, which designed the Burj Khalifa.

Public art installations across Baku White City include the Garabagh Horses sculpture comple by renowned American sculptor Robert Summers; seven clock-themed artworks created specifically for the project by world-famous artist Konstantin Grcic; the bronze sculpture Beyond the Clouds by acclaimed sculptor Joseph Klibansky; and Search for Enlightenment, a sculpture by contemporary British artist Simon Gudgeon.

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is a key state-owned enterprise driving the spatial and economic transformation of the Maldives. It is involved in developing smart, inclusive and sustainable cities and managing major development projects. Its ehibition stand showcases initiatives including a centralized Industrial Village designed to support logistics, the high-capacity Southern Harbour Trade Zone and other projects.

Through its participation in the ehibition, HDC is presenting investment opportunities in the Maldives beyond tourism, highlighting commercial real estate, green technologies, smart utility infrastructure and maritime trade.

Silk Development is one of Georgia’s leading companies specializing in residential and hotel projects. Silk Towers in Batumi is among its flagship developments. At the ehibition, the company is presenting a portfolio of residential, luury hotel and mied-use projects, including properties designed by internationally renowned architects, as well as investment models focused on long-term value and high returns. Silk Development’s participation aims to epand its presence in the Caspian region and establish direct contacts with investors, strategic partners and brokers.

Luna Garden, a mied-use residential comple covering 6.7 hectares near the Koroglu metro station and Boyukshor Lake, features nine buildings, with 60 percent of the territory reserved for green spaces. A new entrance to Koroglu station will open directly within the comple.

Operating in Azerbaijan’s construction sector since 2003, Kristal presented its ‘city within a city’ concept through projects such as City Garden Narimanov, Park Yasamal, and Highland Residence. At the ehibition, Kristal introduced its modern panel facade system designed to improve thermal insulation and energy efficiency.

President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and Leyla Aliyeva also visited the stand of the Garabagh Revival Fund.

The Fund provides financial support, attracts investment, promotes public-private partnerships, and implements public awareness projects aimed at the reconstruction of liberated territories. At the ehibition, the Fund presented its book project, ‘Garabagh Revival: A Story of Azerbaijani Renaissance.’ Commissioned by the Foundation, the book highlights the realities of Garabagh and the restoration and reconstruction projects carried out under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan.

The stand also features information about Pearls of Garabagh, an educational game introducing the region’s historical and cultural heritage, restored monuments and infrastructure built since the Victory; Garabagh Quiz, an interactive quiz on the region’s history, culture, prominent figures and the Patriotic War; and Deadly Legacy, a documentary commissioned by the Foundation to draw international attention to the threat posed by landmines.