Category: Azer News

Organized by the Azerbaijan Equestrian Federation, the final group-stage matches of the chovqan (Azerbaijani polo) tournament for the 12th President’s Cup were held on December 20 at the Bine Equestrian Center, Azernews reports.

On the last day of the group stage, the first match took place between the “Polad” and “S?rh?dçi” chovqan teams and ended in a 1:1 draw.

In the second match of the day, the “Elit” chovqan team defeated the “Buta Golden” team with a score of 4:2.

Based on the results of the matches, in Group A, the “Pola” team took first place, “S?rh?dçi” came in second, and “Z?f?r” secured third place.

In Group B, the “Elit” team finished first, “Embawood” second, and “Buta Golden” third.

According to the tournament regulations, the top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals.

In the semifinals, the first-place team from Group A will face the second-place team from Group B, while the first-place team from Group B will play against the second-place team from Group A.

For reference, the semifinal matches will be held on December 22 starting at 15:00. The games “Polad” vs. “Embawood” and “S?rh?dçi” vs. “Elit” are expected to draw significant attention from spectators.

The winner of the 12th President’s Cup will be determined in the final match on December 24 at 15:00. On the same day, the teams defeated in the semifinals will compete for third place.

The implementation of the amnesty declared on the occasion of the ‘Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty,’ initiated by President Ilham Aliyev, has officially begun, Azernews reports.

The amnesty act is being implemented first at Prison No. 4. As part of the initial stage, 22 female inmates have been released from the unserved portion of their sentences. Among them are two women serving sentences while caring for minor children.

It is noted that, under the preliminary list of the amnesty act, around five thousand people are expected to be released from imprisonment, while the sentences of more than three thousand individuals will be reduced by six months.

Overall, the amnesty is set to cover more than ten thousand people, including those serving punishments not related to deprivation of liberty.

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The implementation of an amnesty act initiated by President Ilham Aliyev has officially begun.

As reported by Azernews, the amnesty is being carried out at correctional facilities operated by the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice.

It is recalled that the initiative to declare the amnesty was put forward by President Ilham Aliyev, after which the Milli Majlis (Parliament of Azerbaijan) adopted a decision approving the amnesty act.

Under the amnesty, individuals who participated in combat operations to defend Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity – including the Patriotic War and the anti-terror operation conducted on September 19-20, 2023 – as well as close relatives of those killed or missing in action, persons who became disabled as a result of Armenia’s military provocations against civilians, and other categories such as women, persons aged 60 and above, individuals who were minors at the time of committing a crime, and certain other groups, will be exempted from punishment or criminal liability.

The document also stipulates that a number of individuals convicted of crimes posing no significant public danger, less serious offenses, or crimes committed through negligence and sentenced to imprisonment will be released or have the remaining portion of their sentences reduced.

The amnesty act is expected to be the largest in Azerbaijan’s history in terms of the number of beneficiaries. It is anticipated that more than 20,000 people will be covered by the amnesty.

Of these, over 5,000 inmates are expected to be released from imprisonment, sentences will be reduced for more than 3,000 prisoners currently serving custodial sentences, more than 7,000 inmates will be released from restriction-of-liberty sentences, nearly 4,000 individuals will be exempted from non-custodial or suspended sentences, and more than 1,000 people will be freed from criminal liability.

The implementation of the amnesty act is expected to take four months.

For the past four years, the organization of systematic, consistent, and unified activities around media literacy at the end of each year has become an important tradition in Azerbaijan. At a time when digitalization is rapidly deepening and the scale of information production and consumption is significantly expanding, media literacy – grounded in the principles of security, responsibility, and reliability – has gained particular relevance.

As reported by Azernews, these remarks were made today by Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, during his speech at the conference titled ‘Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence, and Media Literacy.’

Ismayilov emphasized that this approach is not only vital for participants in the information sphere but also shapes a broader value system and behavioral model for society as a whole.

‘In a modern information environment where data reaches wide audiences within seconds in real time, this year we are also marking the 150th anniversary of the Azerbaijani national press,’ he noted. ‘Based on the relevant decree of President Ilham Aliyev, the large-scale celebration of this anniversary is of great importance for an in-depth analysis of the historic role of the national press, its place in shaping public opinion, its educational traditions, and its contribution to preserving and developing statehood ideals. At the same time, this jubilee creates broad opportunities to review the development path of the national press founded with the ‘Akinchi’ newspaper and to define new responsibilities facing the media amid the challenges of the global information environment. The rich historical legacy of the national press demands even greater responsibility in the modern era.’

The Executive Director pointed out that the rapid expansion of the digital media environment, the tendency for speed to outweigh accuracy, and the growing influence of social media platforms on public opinion have turned information exchange into a process based on collective responsibility.

‘Under these conditions, regardless of the source, ensuring the accuracy, objectivity, and public value of information comes to the forefront as a priority,’ Ismayilov said. ‘Against the backdrop of global information threats and new realities, protecting the country’s information environment and ensuring citizens’ access to accurate, reliable, and objective information is of particular importance. The responsible provision of socially significant information by media entities and the process of increasing media literacy among the population function as complementary and mutually reinforcing mechanisms. Especially at the current stage of rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies, safeguarding a healthy information environment, adhering to ethical standards, and promoting accurate information are of strategic importance.’

Ismayilov stressed that strengthening media literacy should be viewed as a shared responsibility not only of professional journalists but also of the wider audience as information consumers. Critical thinking skills, along with the ability to assess the source and purpose of information, are among the key factors ensuring societal resilience.

‘In the fight against disinformation – one of the most serious threats on the global agenda – increasing media literacy and implementing continuous, systematic awareness-raising activities on evaluating media content have been identified as priority areas in Azerbaijan,’ he said. ‘The inclusion of the concept of media literacy in the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan ‘On Media,’ which entered into force in 2022, and the assignment of state measures in this field to the Media Development Agency represent important institutional steps in this direction.’

He added that enhancing media literacy is a multifaceted and complex process, requiring coordinated and targeted cooperation among families, the education system, state institutions, non-governmental organizations, and media entities.

Events held within the framework of Media Literacy Week aim to strengthen this cooperation, encourage initiative, and promote a responsible approach within the media environment. Based on successful international experience, the Media Development Agency is implementing phased and consistent measures to improve media literacy skills in society. As a result of these programs, more than 2,000 young people in over 25 regions have been engaged to date; informational sessions have been organized for over 3,000 students in more than 20 secondary schools to expand media literacy education; and educational and promotional materials have been prepared and presented to the public in cooperation with media organizations.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is deepening its engagement with Azerbaijan and other CAREC member states through the second phase of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Integrated Trade Agenda 2030, with a strong focus on accelerating digital trade. This move reflects a broader strategic shift by the bank and participating countries toward modernising trade systems, reducing structural bottlenecks, and strengthening regional economic resilience amid global trade fragmentation.

Under Sub-project 3: Accelerating Digital Trade, ADB is supporting Azerbaijan alongside Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The initiative seeks to digitise trade processes, facilitate cross-border transactions, and align national systems with international digital trade standards – an area where many CAREC economies remain at an early or uneven stage of development.

Funded by $900,000 in technical assistance from Korea’s e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund, the sub-project focuses on three core objectives: accelerating the implementation of electronic trade documents, promoting internationally recognised model rules and standards for digital trade, and establishing systems to manage cross-border information and payment flows. While modest in financial terms, the project’s strategic value lies in its potential to unlock efficiencies across customs, logistics, finance, and regulatory coordination.

According to ADB, despite the adoption of national digital strategies in many CAREC countries, the practical rollout of electronic trade documentation and harmonised standards remains incomplete. Persistent challenges include limited interoperability between national systems, data privacy and cybersecurity concerns, incompatible digital payment platforms, and gaps in trade connectivity infrastructure. These shortcomings continue to raise transaction costs and slow cross-border trade, particularly for landlocked economies in Central Asia.

For Azerbaijan, participation in this initiative aligns closely with its ambition to position itself as a regional logistics, transport, and digital trade hub connecting Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe. As trade routes such as the Middle Corridor gain prominence, the efficiency of digital customs, e-documents, and cross-border payments becomes just as critical as physical infrastructure. In this context, ADB’s emphasis on pilot projects, knowledge sharing, and institutional capacity building could help Azerbaijan accelerate reforms already underway and ensure compatibility with neighbouring markets.

Beyond trade facilitation, the digital agenda also supports broader policy priorities. ADB notes that the initiative will contribute to the green transformation of regional trade, reducing paperwork, streamlining logistics, and supporting climate solutions under the CAREC 2030 Integrated Trade Agenda, the Regional Action Program on Climate Change, and the Baku Declaration on CAREC Partnership on Climate, Innovation, and Trade. Digitalisation, in this sense, is framed not only as an efficiency tool but also as an enabler of more sustainable trade practices.

The strategic importance of CAREC was underscored in November 2025 in Bishkek, where ADB announced plans to invest more than $10 billion through 2030 to support CAREC-related projects and initiatives. Speaking at the 24th CAREC Ministerial Conference, ADB President Masato Kanda described the bank’s vision of CAREC as ‘economically resilient, environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and digitally connected,’ signalling a long-term commitment to regional integration.

During the conference, CAREC ministers endorsed the Bishkek Declaration, launching negotiations on trade and investment facilitation aimed at lowering barriers, boosting investment flows, and expanding cooperation in emerging areas such as digital trade and the green economy. This political backing is crucial, as digital trade reforms often require not only technical solutions but also legal harmonisation and sustained intergovernmental coordination.

Since its launch in 2001, the CAREC Program has mobilised about $54 billion in investments for regional projects, making it one of the most significant platforms for economic cooperation across Central and South Asia.

The CAREC Business Forum held ahead of the ministerial meeting further highlighted the growing role of the private sector, with discussions focused on transforming CAREC corridors into engines of economic growth, digital innovation, and climate resilience. Looking ahead, the success of ADB’s digital trade initiatives, particularly for countries like Azerbaijan, will depend not only on how effectively pilot projects translate into scalable reforms but also on the strength of political and institutional partnerships.

The recent visit of ADB President Masato Kanda to Azerbaijan on November 14, 2025, underscores the strong relationship between Azerbaijan and the bank. During his visit, Kanda met with President Ilham Aliyev to discuss ADB’s strategic support for the country’s development priorities, with a focus on transforming Azerbaijan into a regional hub for connectivity, trade, and energy linking Central Asia and Europe.

Kanda also held discussions with Prime Minister Ali Asadov on potential areas of collaboration aimed at attracting private investment, boosting innovation, and creating new jobs. Meetings with Minister of Finance Sahil Babayev, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, and Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev focused on ongoing and future ADB projects, highlighting the bank’s comprehensive engagement across public policy, infrastructure, and digital transformation.

Beyond high-level meetings, Kanda toured key infrastructure projects, including the Icherisheher metro station, part of the upcoming Baku Metro Expansion Project, and an ADB-financed modern warehouse facility that has improved food accessibility, affordability, and safety. He also met with smallholder farmers adopting resilient agricultural practices, reflecting ADB’s multi-sectoral approach to inclusive development.

Azerbaijan has been a member of the ADB since 1999, with the bank investing around $5.6 billion in the country – $4.4 billion in the public sector and $1.2 billion in the private sector. Major investments have targeted transport ($1.5 billion) and energy ($1.7 billion), underlining the country’s strategic role as a regional connectivity and energy hub.

The high-level engagement between ADB and Azerbaijan signals that political support and institutional alignment are in place to ensure that CAREC’s digital trade reforms and related initiatives can be implemented effectively. If these reforms succeed, the CAREC digital trade agenda could significantly reduce trade frictions, enhance regional competitiveness, and better integrate participating countries into global value chains.

The next CAREC Ministerial Conference, scheduled for Mongolia in 2026, will mark the program’s 25th anniversary – an opportunity to evaluate whether CAREC’s growing focus on digitalisation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships is delivering tangible economic outcomes across the region.

The book “Asaf Zeynalli: Selected Works”, prepared by the Culture Ministry’s Scientific, Methodological and Qualification Center for Culture (MEMIM) has been released, Azernews reports. The presentation of the book took place at the Music College of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory.

The event was attended by Vugar Humbatov, MEMIM Acting Director, PhD in Art Studies and Associate Professor; Nazim Kazimov, director of the Music College, Honored Art Worker, and researcher of Asaf Zeynalli’s heritage, professor; and Alovsat Aghalarov, chief editor of the Azerneshr publishing house and Honored Journalist.

Speakers highlighted the significant contribution of Asaf Zeynalli (1909-1932), a prominent representative of Azerbaijan’s compositional school, to the country’s musical culture. The book was described as an important contribution to popularizing the composer’s legacy.

The edition, created based on materials from the State Literary and Artistic Archive named after Salman Mumtaz, includes notes on folk songs and dances in the composer’s works. Additionally, the musical community is presented with the composer’s “East” piece for violin and piano, as well as the work “Layla, besiyim, layla” for cello and piano for the first time.

The book’s foreword author and event organizer, PhD in Art History and Honored Cultural Worker Saadat Takhmirazgizi, provided information on the works included in the publication.

During the artistic part of the event, a documentary film titled “Asaf Zeynalli” (2016) was shown. The composer’s works were performed by the faculty, students of the Music College, and students of the Central Art School named after G. Garayev, as well as MEMIM staff member Lala Khalilli.

Relatives of Asaf Zeynalli – Elshana Aghasiyeva, Associate Professor at Baku Slavic University, and Elmira Yusufova, who joined the event online from Sydney, Australia expressed their gratitude to the project organizers.

The book project, published by Azerneshr with the support of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry was led by Vugar Humbatov, a PhD in Art Studies and Associate Professor. The editors were the MEMIM team members: sector head and Honored Artist Neymat Mursalov, lead methodologist and PhD candidate at Baku Music Academy Lala Khalilli, editor Elvin Guliyev, a member of the Azerbaijan Composers’ Union, and designer Vugar Bakhtiyarov, the center’s lead specialist.

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

India and New Zealand have announced that they have reached a free trade agreement (FTA) expected to boost bilateral trade by hundreds of millions of dollars and deepen economic ties between the two countries, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

New Delhi and Wellington confirmed the breakthrough on Monday, stating that the agreement is scheduled to be formally signed in the first quarter of next year, following a final legal review of the negotiated text.

The announcement comes at a time when governments worldwide are seeking to diversify their trade relationships amid uncertainty caused by sweeping U.S. tariffs introduced under President Donald Trump. These policies have accelerated a global push toward bilateral and regional trade deals as countries attempt to reduce exposure to protectionism.

Under the agreement, India will gain zero-duty access for all of its goods exports to New Zealand. In return, Wellington will receive duty concessions and market access for approximately 70% of India’s tariff lines, covering nearly 95% of New Zealand’s exports to India on a phased basis, according to officials.

New Zealand aims to significantly expand exports of dairy alternatives, fruit, wool, and wine to the Indian market, with strong growth also expected in horticulture, wood products, and sheep wool. On the Indian side, sectors set to benefit most from tariff-free access include textiles and apparel, engineering goods, leather and footwear, and marine products.

As part of the broader partnership, New Zealand has committed to investing $20 billion in India over the next 15 years, India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry said. The agreement is also expected to ease access for skilled Indian professionals to New Zealand’s labor market, addressing workforce shortages in key sectors.

India has intensified efforts to diversify its export destinations as part of a wider strategy to protect its economy from global shocks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored this approach earlier this month during trade talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi, alongside discussions on geopolitical tensions.

Despite expanding ties with multiple partners, India continues to pursue a careful balance between Eastern and Western economies. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated on Monday that, in addition to the New Zealand deal, India is also working on trade agreements with the United States and Canada.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a post on X that exports to India are projected to rise by $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion annually over the next two decades as a result of the agreement. ‘Boosting trade means more Kiwi jobs, higher wages, and greater opportunities for hard-working New Zealanders,’ he said.

However, the deal has faced domestic criticism. New Zealand First, a right-wing populist party, warned that the agreement ‘gives too much away, especially on immigration,’ according to a statement cited by The New Zealand Herald.

The agreement also touches on sensitive areas for India. In response, New Delhi excluded dairy imports-such as milk, cream, whey, yoghurt, and cheese-from the deal, along with several animal and agricultural products including goat meat, onions, and almonds.

President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order granting one-time financial assistance to low-income families, Azernews reports.

As of December 30, 2025, each family receiving targeted state social assistance will receive AZN 200 on the occasion of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, the Cabinet of Ministers, and the Ministry of Finance have been instructed to address all matters arising from the implementation of this order.

On December 21, the presentation of the documentary film Harmony, which reflects the traditions of coexistence and tolerance among representatives of different religions in Azerbaijan, took place at the Nizami Cinema Centre. The film is a joint project of the State Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Work with Religious Organisations, the Fund for the Promotion of Moral Values, and the Baku Media Centre.

Azernews reports via Azertag that Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Centre, attended the presentation of the film.

The film was screened first, followed by remarks from Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations, who shared his views on the production. He noted that through the example of three close friends representing different religions, the film demonstrates the attitude of the Azerbaijani people towards diverse faiths and nations. He said that for centuries and millennia, the Azerbaijani people living in this region have preserved multicultural values, mutual respect, living side by side, and the tradition of passing these principles on to future generations. Today, representatives of different religions live, work, and create together in Azerbaijan, which he described as one of the clearest examples of the wisdom of the Azerbaijani people. The committee chairman also emphasised that as a result of the policy pursued by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, multicultural values did not remain merely a tradition of the Azerbaijani people. He further highlighted that in the territories liberated from occupation, all places of worship have been restored through the joint efforts of President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva.

Fuad Mammadzade, the director of the film and one of its scriptwriters, said that through the characters of Nigar, Jamila, and Sofia, who are the main protagonists of the film, they sought to convey a reality that is natural for Azerbaijan.

He stated that Azerbaijan is one of the rare countries in the world where Muslims, Jews, and Christians live together as one family. Through the stories of these women, the filmmakers aimed to deliver the message that such coexistence is truly possible.

It should be noted that the documentary film produced by the Baku Media Centre was created to highlight the opportunities established in Azerbaijan for the coexistence of followers of different religions and to promote harmony among faiths. The film’s chief producer is Arzu Aliyeva, the producer is Orman Aliyev, the director is Fuad Mammadzade, the scriptwriters are Fuad Mammadzade and Ramil Alakbarov, the cinematographer is Ziya Babayev, and the composer is Hafiz Ibrahimli.

Filming took place at religious places of worship in various regions of Azerbaijan, as well as at the festival Colours of Difference, held in Baku on 5 November, which aimed to promote and encourage the exemplary environment of tolerance, multiculturalism, harmony among religions, solidarity, cultural diversity, and values of coexistence that have developed in the country.

The film highlights the tolerant environment in Azerbaijan through the daily lives and interpersonal relationships of three friends belonging to different religions. Against the backdrop of their lifestyles, family relations, religious practices, and friendships, the film conveys to the audience the atmosphere of mutual understanding, trust, and cultural diversity prevailing in Azerbaijan.

The family lives, religious practices, and long standing relationships of the protagonists demonstrate how they live in conditions of cultural diversity and peace. Through this documentary, the promotion of tolerance, mutual respect, and multicultural values in society is emphasised, along with the essence of the state policy implemented by Azerbaijan to preserve and develop harmony among religions.

Preserving the history of Azerbaijan and conveying the truth as it is has been a priority for the Baku Media Centre since its establishment. During this period, the centre has produced a number of films that have attracted wide public interest, including Target is Baku, Heritage, Taghiyev, The Final Meeting, Eternal Assignment, We, and Shusha, You Are Free. Following the documentary Under One Sun, Harmony is another production that reflects the manifestations of Azerbaijan’s tradition of multiculturalism in everyday life through real human stories.

Within the third stage of the cooperation memorandum signed between Georgia’s Shota Rustaveli National Theatre and the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre, Georgian theatre director David Sakvarelidze has visited Baku, Azernews reports.

A meeting was held with the creative team of a new production of William Shakespeare’s tragedy “King Lear”, to be staged under Sakvarelidze’s direction.

During the meeting, Ilham Asgarov, director of the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre and Honoured Cultural Worker, outlined that the theatre’s international relations are successfully developing in line with the Culture Ministry’s roadmap. He noted that memorandums signed with several national theatres abroad are yielding tangible results:

“Thanks to President Ilham Aliyev’s successful policies, Azerbaijan has established productive cooperation with many countries. Cultural ties are also flourishing. Our National Drama Theatre has signed cooperation memorandums with a number of prestigious theatres worldwide. The memorandum with Georgia’s Shota Rustaveli National Theatre was signed on February 22, 2025. In the first stage, the theatre’s artistic director, world-renowned Georgian director Robert Sturua, and director Giorgi Tevzadze visited Baku, where Sturua conducted a masterclass. In the second stage, our play Shukriya was performed with great success on the Rustaveli stage. Now, in the third stage, we are honoured to host David Sakvarelidze, a celebrated Georgian director known internationally for his innovative productions.”

Asgarov added that in 2026, Azerbaijan will celebrate the 70th jubilee of People’s Artist Nureddin Mehdikhanli:

“On this occasion, David Sakvarelidze will stage a benefit performance of King Lear featuring Mehdikhanli. I am confident this production will become a major project of global significance.”

Expressing his delight at being a guest of the National Drama Theatre, Sakvarelidze highlighted the strong ties between the two neighbouring nations:

“I am very pleased to be here in this beautiful country and theatre. Georgia and Azerbaijan have always been close, with deep mutual respect and affection between our peoples. The cooperation between our theatres is a source of great joy. This memorandum is a significant step toward the future. I believe King Lear will not only thrive on this stage but also find success on many stages around the world.”

People’s Artist Nureddin Mehdikhanli expressed gratitude for the attention to his creative work, noting that he has devoted 50 of his 70 years to the theatre:

“Turning to Shakespeare and King Lear is no coincidence-it is both a test and a challenge. I am grateful for the recognition of my work and I believe this production will be highly successful.”

The premiere of King Lear, prepared in a new stage adaptation by writer-translator Kamran Naziri, is scheduled for April. That same month, the Rustaveli Theatre troupe will perform Robert Sturua’s production of Prometheus on the stage of Azerbaijan’s National Drama Theatre.

David Sakvarelidze is a renowned Georgian theatre and opera director, arts manager, and composer. He studied at the Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film University before continuing his education in Milan and London.

A student of legendary director Peter Brook, Sakvarelidze has worked with the English National Opera in London, the New York Theatre, and Milan’s Piccolo Theatre. He has served as artistic director of the Sukhumi State Theatre and general director of the Georgian National Opera Theatre.

He is also president of the Georgian National Centre of UNESCO’s International Theatre Institute. In 2011, he was awarded the Georgian Presidential Order of Honour.

The Shota Rustaveli National Theatre in Tbilisi is a cornerstone of Georgia’s cultural life. Established in 1887 as the Artists’ Society, the theatre quickly became a hub for creativity and performance. In 1921, it was officially named after Georgia’s national poet, Shota Rustaveli.

Over the decades, the Rustaveli Theatre has staged both classical works and modern productions, hosting Georgian and international directors, actors, and playwrights. It remains a leading institution for drama and performance in the Caucasus region.

The Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre stands as the country’s oldest and most distinguished stage.

Its origins trace back to March 10, 1873, when educator Hasan bey Zardabi and students of the Baku Real School presented Mirza Fatali Akhundov’s comedy The Vizier of the Lankaran Khanate. That performance is widely recognised as the starting point of professional Azerbaijani theatre.

By the end of the 19th century, organised groups such as the First Muslim Drama Troupe (1896) and the Union of Artists (1897) helped establish a lasting theatrical tradition. The institution was granted State Theatre status in 1919, and in 1959 it was elevated to the rank of Academic Theatre, underscoring its national significance.

In recent decades, the theatre has broadened its international presence, signing cooperation agreements with leading theatres abroad. It continues to foster cultural exchange through touring productions, creative workshops, and collaborative projects, reinforcing its role as a vital ambassador of Azerbaijani performing arts.

The court proceedings in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia continued on December 22 at the Baku Military Court, with the hearings moving into the stage of final statements by the defendants.

According to Azernews, defendants David Babayan and Levon Mnatsakanyan delivered their final addresses to the court.

During their statements, the defendants presented arguments they said contradicted the claims put forward by the prosecution.

It should be noted that the trial concerns Armenian citizens accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the planning and waging of an aggressive war, genocide, and violations of the laws and customs of war. The charges also include terrorism, financing of terrorism, the violent seizure and retention of power, as well as other serious criminal offenses committed as a result of Armenia’s military aggression.

The court proceedings are ongoing.