Category: Azer News

Uzeyir Hajibayli’s immortal operetta “The Cloth Peddler” has once again presented at the Baku Music Academy’s Opera Studio in a production by the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, Azernews reports.

For more than a century, this work has been staged with great success in theaters across Azerbaijan and has consistently enjoyed the love of audiences.

The operetta combines lively music, humor, and elements of social and domestic satire, making it relevant and appealing to audiences of all generations. The plot unfolds at the beginning of the 20th century and tells the story of Asgar, a young wealthy man who dreams of marrying for love. Under the strict Eastern traditions of the time, when young people could not freely meet, Asgar devises a clever plan. Disguising himself as a fabric merchant (arshin), he goes from house to house in order to meet his future bride and get to know her better.

Along the way, he meets Gulchohra, a beautiful and intelligent young woman from a well-to-do family. A mutual affection develops between them, but misunderstandings and comical situations follow one after another. The interference of relatives, the objections of the older generation, the cunning schemes of Soltan bey and Suleyman bay, as well as chance encounters with other characters, add humor and dynamic energy to the story.

A special role is played by Telli and Asya, each with her own character and dreams, while the image of Jahan khala embodies the traditional wisdom of the older generation. Through a series of jokes, songs, and dances, the characters overcome all obstacles and misunderstandings. In the finale, Asgar and Gulchohra are united, affirming the triumph of true love, sincerity, and freedom of choice, while the audience delights in musical numbers rooted in Azerbaijani folk culture. Other couples also find their own happiness along the way.

The main roles in the performance were played by Fakhmin Ahmadli (Asgar), Honored Artist Jahangir Gurbanov (Soltan bay), Honored Artist Tural Aghasiyev (Suleyman bay), People’s Artist Gulyaz Mammadova (Telli), Gunel Hajiyeva (Gulchohra), Aysel Ibrahimova (Asya),People’s Artist Gulustan Aliyeva (Jahan khala) and Sadig Melikov (Veli).

The musical director and conductor of the performance was Honored Art Worker Sevil Hajiyeva, the stage director was Honored Art Worker Hafiz Guliyev, and the choreographer was People’s Artist Medina Aliyeva.

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

As one of Baku’s key historical and cultural areas, Icherisheher attracts both residents and visitors seeking information about its monuments, museums, and ongoing cultural life.

Its ancient city walls, narrow cobblestone streets, and historic architecture offer a unique glimpse into Azerbaijan’s rich past.

Icherisheher has gradually developed into a key venue for cultural events, exhibitions, and educational programs showcasing the nation’s heritage.

To make information about these monuments, museums, and activities more easily accessible, the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve Administration has launched a new official website using modern technologies, Azernews reports.

The website has been renewed in line with innovative requirements in terms of both functionality and design, with modern working principles and new features implemented through updated software and specially developed algorithms.

The online resource offers a detailed and well-structured database of monuments and museums, as well as a comprehensive and up-to-date database of events to be held in the Icherisheher area, based on a modern calendar system. Users can access the calendar to participate in programs of interest depending on the format of the events and obtain information about upcoming projects.

Thanks to its simple and modern interface, the new website provides users with easy and fast access to information. In addition, multilingual support makes the website an accessible platform available in Azerbaijani and English.

The website can be visited via its official web address to explore it in detail.

Baku’s historic core, Icherisheher, is distinguished by its exceptionally rich cultural heritage shaped over thousands of years, its distinctive urban fabric, and its rare architectural monuments.

Historical records and archaeological studies indicate that human settlement in the territory of Icherisheher dates back to the Bronze Age.

Over the centuries, a complex street network, a planning system enclosed by fortress walls, and the strategic integration of the coastal landscape transformed Icherisheher into a remarkable example of advanced urban planning.

The Maiden Tower, the Shirvanshahs’ Palace Complex, the defensive walls, mosques, caravanserais, and traditional residential buildings collectively create the architectural unity of this historic ensemble.

In 2000, Baku’s Old City (Icherisheher), together with the Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshahs’ Palace Complex, was included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, marking the first recognition of an Azerbaijani site as possessing outstanding universal value.

A literary and musical evening has been held at the Baku Book Center to celebrate the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year, Azernews reports.

At the beginning of the evening, Gunel Anargizi, director of the Baku Book Center, emphasized that the celebration of such significant days in a peaceful and secure environment is the result of President Ilham Aliyev’s far-sighted policies, the heroism of our martyrs, and the dedication of our veterans.

The holiday evening continued with a rich concert program. Works by Azerbaijani and European composers, as well as folk songs, were performed by the Azerbaijan State Choir Capella and the Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra named after Gara Garayev.

The event was further enlivened by a graceful waltz presented by the dance ensemble of Children and Youth Development Center No. 3 and a joint performance of the “New Year Song” by the Azerbaijan State Choir Capella and the choir of the Art Gymnasium under the National Conservatory.

During the event, poems by Rasul Rza, Mirvarid Dilbazi, Nigar Rafibayli, Musa Yaqub, and Zahid Khalil were recited. The live performances, delivered with professionalism, were met with great interest and enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Baku Book Center was officially opened to visitors on September 1, 2018. The main goal of the Center is to encourage people in reading book as a bearer of cultural, spiritual values, and useful knowledge.

Here, booklovers can also take part in presentations of books, literary and musical evenings, meetings with cultural and art workers, thematic master classes, and much more.

The Center also organizes events with the participation of international organizations and diplomatic missions.

By the decision of the CIS Executive Committee, Baku Book Center has been awarded the diploma “For the great work in development of domestic book distribution and international book exchange in 2018.”

All newly constructed, renovated, or extensively repaired residential and non-residential buildings in Azerbaijan will be subject to mandatory energy efficiency certification, Azernews reports.

The requirement is outlined in amendments to the Law on the ‘Efficient Use of Energy Resources and Energy Efficiency,’ which has been approved by President Ilham Aliyev. These amendments designate a specific executive authority responsible for managing the energy efficiency information system, overseeing state control of energy efficiency and resource use, maintaining registries for energy auditors and audit organizations, organizing the certification of building energy efficiency, and conducting mandatory energy audits when necessary.

Additionally, the decree mandates that information regarding energy efficiency service providers, the status of energy services, and evaluations of efficiency potential be made publicly accessible. This measure aims to enhance transparency, facilitate oversight, and promote awareness within the energy sector.

The Milli Majlis has ratified an agreement between Azerbaijan and Somalia on the mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports, Azernews reports.

A draft law approving the ‘Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia on mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports’ was submitted for discussion and subsequently adopted in one reading.

The agreement, signed in Kampala on October 15, 2025, aims to further develop diplomatic relations between the two countries and facilitate official visits. Under its terms, citizens of Azerbaijan and Somalia holding valid diplomatic passports are exempt from visa requirements for entry, exit, and transit through the territory of the other state. Such stays may not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. For stays longer than 90 days, a visa and relevant permit must be obtained in accordance with the host country’s national legislation.

The document also regulates the legal status of diplomatic passport holders and their family members working in diplomatic missions, consulates, and international organizations. In addition, it establishes procedures for mutual information exchange and the issuance of new travel documents in cases where diplomatic passports are lost or replaced.

At the same time, the agreement preserves the right of both parties to impose restrictions on entry, duration of stay, or declare individuals undesirable in line with their domestic legislation, to safeguard national security, public order, and public health.

According to the provisions, the agreement will enter into force on the 90th day after the exchange of final written notifications confirming the completion of internal procedures by both sides. It is concluded for an initial period of five years and will be automatically extended for successive five-year terms.

International Mugham Center has hosted a concert titled “Kiçik D?niz kç?si, 3” (3 Malyaya Morskaya Street), organized by the Baku Contemporary Music Society, Azernews reports.

The concert program, performed with the participation of the Cadenza Contemporary Orchestra, featured works by Azerbaijan’s contemporary composers-Turkar Gasimzade, Ayaz Gambarli, Tahir Ibishev, and Said Gani.

This year’s edition of the traditional “Kiçik D?niz kç?si” concert, held annually at the end of the year, featured performances of Ayaz Gambarli’s “Magnolia” and “Impulse”, Tahir Ibishev’s “Shebeke” and “Detached from Light”, Turkar Gasimzade’s “There Were Noises and Bluish-Yellow Lights”, as well as Said Gani’s “Pareidolia” and “Postludium”.

Notably, three pieces, including “Magnolia”, “Shebeke”, and “Postludium” were performed for the first time.

The compositions were performed by Sanyber Sultanova (cello), Khumay Hajizade (viola), Afag Garayeva (piano), Khumay Gasimzade (piano), Regina Mejidova (soprano), the BCMS ensemble, and the Cadenza Orchestra. The orchestra was conducted by Samir Asadov, with artistic direction by Turkar Gasimzade.

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

The new composition of the Supervisory Board of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) of Azerbaijan has been approved, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, the new composition of the Supervisory Board is as follows:

Head of the Department of Notary, Registration and Registry of the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan

Head of the Department of Finance of Social Spheres of the Ministry of Finance of Azerbaijan

Director of the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population of Azerbaijan

Member of the Board of Directors of the “Legal Analysis and Research” Public Union

Member of the Board of Directors of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum

Chairman of the Presidium of the “Simurg” Azerbaijani Cultural Association

Member of the Board of Directors of the “Zafar” Martyr Families Support Public Union”.

Baku Music Academy (BMA) has hosted a roundtable dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the prominent scholar and public figure, one of the founders of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), State Prize laureate, Honored Scientist, Academician Yusif Mammadaliyev, Azernews reports.

People’s Artist, Rector of the Baku Music Academy and Professor Farhad Badalbayli highly praised the Academician’s scientific and public activities and shared his views with the participants on the values Yusif Mammadaliyev contributed to Azerbaijani science.

A documentary film “Life Formula” was screened as part of the event. Filmed in 2005, the documentary is dedicated to the life, scientific work, and contributions of Academician Yusif Mammadaliyev to Azerbaijani science.

Associate Professor, PhD in Art Studies Turan Mammadaliyeva, in her presentation titled “Academician Yusif Mammadaliyev: Sketches for a Portrait,” spoke about the Academician’s family and scientific activity. She also recited excerpts from his letter to his daughter Sevda and from the poem “Confession,” and spoke about Yusif Mammadaliyev’s love for the tar. She concluded her presentation with a musical performance of Gara Garayev’s “Prelude in A major.”

The work “My Country” by Asaf Zeynalli was performed by Gullubeyim Mammadova, laureate of international competitions and lecturer at the Department of Solo Singing and Opera Training, accompanied by Shahla Guliyeva.

At the event, a presentation titled “My Memories of Academician Yusif Mammadaliyev” was delivered by his niece, Professor of the Department of Methodology and Special Pedagogical Training, Honored Teacher Lala Mammadaliyeva.

After a presentation titled “Memories of Prominent Scholars about the Scientific Discoveries of Academician Yusif Mammadaliyev,” the moderator of the event, Head of the BMA research laboratory “Study of Azerbaijani Professional Music of the Oral Tradition and Its New Directions: Organology and Acoustics,” Associate Professor and PhD in Art Studies Nurida Ismayilzade, presented a short film featuring speeches by Corresponding Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Ayaz Afandiyev and academicians Hajibey Sultanov, Maharram Mammadov, and Telman Aliyev.

The speeches particularly emphasized that Academician Yusif Mammadaliyev gained fame for his contributions to petrochemical science, especially for discovering a new method for producing high-octane aviation fuels. The establishment of a number of scientific institutions and organizations in the republic is associated with his name.

The event was also attended by the Academy’s Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation, Honored Art Worker, Doctor of Philosophy and Professor Gulnaz Abdullazade; Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Honored Teacher, PhD in Pedagogy and Professor Narmine Guliyeva; as well as members of Academician Yusif Mammadaliyev’s family, staff of the research laboratory, and teachers and students of the Baku Music Academy.

bp, as the operator under the agreement on the exploration, development and production sharing for the Ashrafi-Dan Ulduzu-Aypara area in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea, has announced the publication of the draft environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the ADUA project seismic survey programme, Azernews reports.

According to bp, the draft EIA has been prepared and released on behalf of the contractor parties as part of the approved work programme. The document outlines the planned seismic survey activities, assesses potential environmental and socio-economic impacts, and details proposed mitigation and monitoring measures aimed at minimizing or eliminating adverse effects.

The EIA covers a planned 2D high-resolution seismic survey, which is expected to be short-term, lasting up to twenty days. The survey will be conducted in the north-western part of the ADUA block, in water depths of twenty to forty metres, and is scheduled to take place between February and April 2026.

bp noted that the main objective of the survey is to collect detailed subsurface data to a depth of around one thousand five hundred metres to support the planning of future exploration wells. The data will help identify shallow geological hazards such as faults, shallow gas accumulations and other subsurface features that may pose risks to drilling operations and well integrity.

Stakeholder consultations form a key part of the EIA process, with bp emphasizing that feedback from interested parties is essential to ensure that both the project design and the assessment reflect a broad range of views.

The full draft EIA document and its non-technical summary are available in Azerbaijani and English on bp’s official website.

The international congress reaffirmed Moscow’s status as a global center of expertise in business tourism, bringing together professionals from 37 BRICS and Global South countries. The event welcomed nearly twice as many participants as last year – a total of 2,500 industry specialists. Its diverse program covered topics such as successful MICE destinations, the effectiveness of business events, the future of neurotechnologies and the experience economy, while also enabling a record number of business meetings, Azernews reports.

Participants from 37 countries

Moscow hosted the concluding events of the international business tourism forum – the Meet Global MICE Congress (MGMC). Held on December 17-18, the congress brought together more than 2,500 industry professionals, representatives of relevant government bodies, associations, corporate clients, and business event organizers from different countries. This is almost double last year’s number and six times higher than the first forum.

Congress participants arrived in the capital from 37 foreign countries and Russian regions – twice as many as the year before. Around 70 percent of attendees were top executives and decision-makers, which created the opportunity to negotiate and establish partnerships directly during the event.

Among the participants were: Tushar Keisharvani, Board Member of the India Convention Promotion Bureau; Marcus Lee, CEO of China Travel Online; Rukayya Kassim, Head of Conferences and Conventions at Visit Qatar; Jose Andreas Runkat, Chairman of the Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association; Prodjeni Pater, Chairperson of the Association of African Exhibition Organizers; Dharmendra Jain, Founder of Kenya’s Actnable AI; Mint Leong, President of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association; and Dusan Borovchanin, former CEO of EXPO 2027 in Serbia. Representatives of the tourism authorities of Egypt, Jordan, the Maldives, Nepal, Tanzania, and Uzbekistan also attended.

Guests held more than 8,000 business meetings within the expo zone, aimed at building new connections, finding clients, and shaping event plans for future periods.

Two intensive days

For participants, 15 business sessions were organized across several thematic tracks: ‘Conferences and Exhibitions,’ ‘Destinations and Associations,’ ‘Global Trends and Analytics,’ ‘Meetings and Intensives,’ ‘Business,’ and ‘Technologies.’ Plenary sessions, panel discussions, case sessions, presentations, keynote speeches, and training programs helped to fully uncover the main theme of MGMC-2025 – ‘Unity through Open Diversity: New Opportunities for Global Growth.’

Speakers addressed the impact of personalization, gamification, hybridization, the experience economy, artificial intelligence and neurotechnologies on the MICE industry. They also focused on the multiplier effect of mega-events, the profile of today’s client and contractor, how national identity is reflected in the global exhibition industry, success formulas and promotion channels for business destinations, and outbound corporate events for Asian regions.

A platform for business

MGMC-2025 featured more than 130 exhibitors from BRICS and Global South countries, including MICE operators, associations, congress and exhibition bureaus, transport companies, and hotels seeking to enter growing markets and increase brand recognition. In addition to Russian participants, a large share of exhibitors came from the Middle East (30%) and Southeast Asia (23%).

Dedicated stands showcased the ‘Made in Moscow’ and ‘Moscow Tea Ceremony’ projects.

Key participants in the Hosted Buyers Program included representatives from the Middle East (over 27%), India (25%), and China (15%). In total, 200 industry professionals came to Moscow to explore opportunities for hosting events, hold B2B negotiations, and discover the city as both a business and cultural-entertainment destination.

The first Meet Global MICE Congress was held in Moscow in autumn 2023 and became the largest international event in the field of business tourism in Russia. Last December, the forum was held under the BRICS Edition format, bringing together more than 1,300 business tourism representatives from BRICS and Global South countries and enabling business dialogue with 17 nations. The main theme – ‘Global Challenges and Trends in the MICE Industry: Moving Towards Sustainable Development Through the Lens of BRICS Experience and Knowledge’ – was discussed within 13 business sessions.

The Moscow City Tourism Committee continues to build a strong, sustainable brand for the capital as a key tourism destination not only in Russia, but also internationally. Moscow most frequently welcomes visitors from China, India, CIS countries, and the Middle East. To strengthen international ties, the city organizes business missions, presents its tourism potential at industry exhibitions, and develops projects and events tailored to both local and international travelers.