Category: Azer News

Araz-Nakhchivan has submitted its squad list to UEFA ahead of the Champions League Round of 16 second-leg match, which will take place in Portugal against Benfica, Azernews reports.

Head coach Yevgeny Kuksevich will travel with a total of thirteen futsal players, including two goalkeepers. The goalkeepers selected for the match are Emin Kurdov and Rovshan Huseynli.

The outfield players making the trip are Adalet Alakbarov, Ulvi Aliyev, Mirza Amirov, Jean Perruzo, Filipinho, Carlos Bertuola, Valerio Giovanni, Gudrat Gasimzade, Luicci Longo, Alex Rezende and Alex Teixeira.

The match is scheduled for December 5 at the Pavilhao Fidelidade arena in Lisbon and will begin at 21:30 Baku time. A team of referees from Serbia will officiate the game.

The UEFA Champions League is a continental tournament that brings together the best teams from Europe’s top domestic leagues.

It is widely regarded as the pinnacle of club football, attracting millions of fans around the world.

Clubs from UEFA’s member countries compete for the title, which is seen as the ultimate achievement for European club teams.

The format of the UEFA Champions League has evolved over time.

The current structure includes several stages: Qualifying Rounds, Group Stage, Knockout Rounds and Final.

The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League marks the 71st edition of Europe’s top club football competition, and the 34th since it was rebranded from the European Cup to the UEFA Champions League.

The final will take place on May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.

A performance of “Sleeping Beauty and the Dwarfs” has been showcased at the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre, Azernews reports.

The play was directed by Anar Babali and inspired by Charles Perrault’s well-known fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty.”

This time, the audience included children from an orphanage, who belong to vulnerable social groups.

The young theatre lovers watched the colourful and entertaining production with great interest. They later shared their positive impressions.

According to the staff, Tahira Mammadova, a speech therapist at the orphanage, noted that the fairy-tale performance with its happy ending had a positive effect on the children’s worldview and mood.

Such visits are part of the Musical Theatre’s ongoing social projects. These initiatives will continue regularly.

The Central Banks of Azerbaijan and South Korea have discussed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation, Azernews reports, citing a post shared by the Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), Taleh Kazimov, on his X account.

Kazimov said he held a meeting with Chang Yong Ri, Governor of the Bank of Korea, during his business trip to the Republic of Korea.

‘We discussed monetary policy and financial stability, payment systems, and issues related to sustainable finance. We also reviewed technological solutions and approaches being applied in the sector,’ he noted.

According to Kazimov, the meeting also involved an exchange of views on expanding institutional cooperation between the two central banks, including the sharing of expertise and knowledge in the field of central banking.

Google has updated its Circle to Search visual search feature, which can now help detect digital fraud using the AI Overview tool to analyze suspicious messages and online content, Azernews reports.

According to Google, one common tactic used by attackers is sending fraudulent messages via SMS, messaging apps, and social networks. These messages often include requests for money or links to malicious websites.

Such messages are frequently hard to identify, as they can look almost identical to legitimate communications. Now, if a user suspects a message is fraudulent, they can simply circle the relevant text using Circle to Search, and Google will provide an AI-powered review. The tool analyzes information from the web to determine whether the message is malicious and, if so, offers practical recommendations on how to proceed safely.

This feature is also available through Google Lens: users can take a screenshot of the suspicious text and upload it to the app for analysis.

This AI-powered approach marks a significant step toward real-time personal cybersecurity, giving users the ability to verify messages instantly without relying solely on antivirus software or external warnings. It’s like having a mini digital detective right on your phone.

Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum went to Kahramanmaras to inspect the newly constructed disaster housing. Speaking at the Emlak Konut Dogukent construction site, where 770 houses and workplaces have been built, Minister Kurum stated that 52,000 homes and workplaces have already been delivered in the city, and by the end of the year, this number will rise to 74,000.

Minister Kurum explained that at the Dogukent site, the homes were brought to completion within 10 months. He also noted that work is rapidly continuing in the city center at locations where commerce will thrive, such as Demirciler Bazaar, the Historical Covered Bazaar, Kasaplar Bazaar, and the Wholesale Market. He added that construction of a 17,500-seat stadium is ongoing.

As part of the century’s construction mobilization, a satellite city project in Altinova is being carried out, consisting of 11,000 homes across 550 blocks. Minister Kurum said:

‘When all these works are completed, our Kahramanmaras will rise again as a modern, climate-resilient, and environmentally friendly city representing the urbanization vision of the Turkiye Century. It will move toward the future with much more confident steps.’

Recalling that work is being carried out across 3,481 construction sites in 174 different areas of the earthquake zone with a workforce of 200,000 people, Minister Kurum said:

‘We continue this struggle 24/7 without interruption. Thank God, thanks to the determination, effort, and sacrifice we showed from the first minutes of the earthquake disaster, today in all 11 of our provinces, the last bricks are being placed, the last nails are being hammered. On November 15, with the presence of our President in Adiyaman, we proudly and joyfully shared the keys to the 350,000th home built in the earthquake zone with our people. As promised, we have now completed 80% of the 453,000 homes and workplaces we committed to. This month, as promised, we will deliver even more than the 453,000 homes to their rightful owners.’

Minister Kurum emphasized that Turkiye is successfully carrying out an unprecedented reconstruction process with the century’s construction mobilization:

‘The point we have reached today is very clear, and I say it frankly-it is a complete state-and-nation success story. Here, under the leadership of our President, the Republic of Turkiye has demonstrated an unprecedented struggle in the world. As promised, we have delivered homes and workplaces to our people. The Republic of Turkiye is a state capable of producing 23 homes per hour, 550 homes per day, with the knowledge, experience, and merit necessary. This is a very important experience. The fastest housing mobilization in the world is being implemented here. We visit many countries. Leaders from many countries visit our country, and all of them describe this success of the Republic of Turkiye with admiration. This success belongs to our nation. This success belongs to our state. This speed and determination is the clearest demonstration of the Republic of Turkiye’s strength. It is the magnificent result achieved through the leadership of our President and the unity of our nation.’

Minister Kurum stressed that this success in the earthquake zone offers hope for all of Turkiye:

‘It must be emphasized in bold letters: the massive step taken in the disaster zone is not just for one region or one city, but it is a step for the Turkiye Century. It is the step toward safe, resilient cities of the Turkiye Century. Every social facility produced here with earthquake-resistant, modern urban planning is being implemented alongside infrastructure works as long as Turkiye’s total 11,000-kilometer urban environment.’

Expressing pride in fulfilling the promises in the earthquake zone, Minister Kurum said:

‘Thank God, we are now delivering the last homes both in Kahramanmaras and in other earthquake-affected provinces. This brings us immense joy. By extending the strength and power of our state to 11 provinces, we have demonstrated this effort and have now reached the stage of completing our earthquake homes where the last bricks are laid, the last nails are hammered. We are turning on the lights of the last shops. We are experiencing the heartfelt satisfaction of keeping our promise that not a single citizen will be left homeless.’

Minister Kurum also mentioned the 500,000 social housing project to be built in 81 provinces:

‘With 500,000 social homes, including neighborhood mansions and family health centers, our project represents the pinnacle of a social-state understanding, being both earthquake-resistant and meeting all needs. Within this scope, we allocated a separate quota for the earthquake zone, to ensure citizens without homes could gain ownership. In Kahramanmaras, this includes 4,800 homes in the city center, 1,500 in Elbistan, 600 in Afsin, 400 in Pazarcik, 350 in Trkoglu, 250 in Nurhak, 180 in Göksu, 50 in Andirin, 35 in Ekinöz, and 30 in Çaglayancerit-a total of 8,195 homes that we will provide to our fellow citizens in Kahramanmaras. The construction of these homes is carried out simultaneously with our earthquake housing. Hopefully, next year, as part of the 500,000 social housing project, we will begin delivering the first social homes in Kahramanmaras and our 11 provinces. We are very pleased to give this good news and to complete these works rapidly.’

Armenian parliamentary speaker Alen Simonyan has once again presented Yerevan’s familiar narrative: that the government is ‘doing everything’ to secure the return of Armenians held in Azerbaijan. With confident language, he claimed that all detainees will eventually be brought home, pointing to the decrease in numbers since 2020 as proof that the government’s efforts are working. Simonyan even suggested that former separatist figures, including those who once held leadership roles in the self-proclaimed structure in Khankandi, would eventually return to Armenia.

This message is crafted to instill hope, yet it relies on a terminology that fundamentally distorts reality. Armenian officials and media insist on calling these individuals ‘prisoners of war,’ even though none of them were captured on the battlefield. They were not soldiers detained with weapons in their hands. They were the political and military elite of a separatist entity that operated illegally within Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory and were detained after the region was restored to Azerbaijani jurisdiction.

Despite this, the Armenian government continues to frame their detention as a humanitarian crisis, echoing claims made by figures like Siranush Sahakyan, who argued that individuals such as Ruben Vardanyan were held ‘only because they were Armenians.’ This narrative travels easily through Armenian diaspora organizations and lobbying structures that need symbolic causes to rally around.

The real question, however, is not whether these individuals will be released tomorrow. The real question is what their political value is, and for whom.

Inside Armenia, the detainees have become a domestic pressure tool. They provide emotional fuel for revanchist groups that accuse the government of surrendering national interests.

For Prime Minister Pashinyan’s administration, presenting periodic statements about ‘ongoing efforts’ helps absorb public frustration without committing to any real diplomatic strategy. Yerevan knows that a large-scale campaign for the release of these former separatist leaders could strengthen its internal opposition more than the government itself. This explains why its ‘appeals’ are largely rhetorical rather than practical.

On the Azerbaijani side, the legal process is clear. These individuals were charged with crimes that fall under serious articles of national legislation. Their trials and detention conditions follow the same rules applied to Azerbaijani citizens held on similar charges. For Baku, there is a categorical distinction between wartime prisoners of war and those imprisoned for political, military, or financial participation in a separatist regime. The former has been resolved. The latter cannot be equated with POWs, regardless of how forcefully Armenia insists on using that term.

What remains uncertain is the long-term trajectory. Will Baku ever consider releasing some of these detainees on humanitarian grounds or within a larger political package? Possibly, but not as a unilateral gesture and certainly not under external pressure. Any discussion on this issue will likely emerge only after a formal peace treaty is signed and regional relations enter a stable phase. Even then, any transfer would be gradual and symbolic, not sweeping.

For now, the Armenian government’s discourse on the detainees serves more as political theatre than policy. Yerevan raises the issue periodically to satisfy domestic expectations, knowing that the international negotiation track has placed it far down the agenda.

Neither the Washington draft nor current talks include this matter as a priority. The gap between rhetoric and action is intentional, and perhaps necessary, for the Armenian leadership to navigate its own political reality.

Until a peace agreement is finalized and the region enters a new stage, the detainees will remain where they are. Their fate will be decided not by emotional statements or media campaigns, but by the strategic logic of post-conflict diplomacy and the balance of interests between Baku and Yerevan.

The Azerbaijan Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced the ranking table for athletes of the national teams in Olympic sports as of December 1, 2025, Azernews reports.

Hasrat Jafarov, a Greco-Roman wrestler, leads the list with 480 points. Giorgi Meshvildishvili, Azerbaijan’s freestyle wrestler, ranks second with 460 points, while judoka Zelym Kotsoiev is in third place with 430 points.

The ranking also includes Ulvu Ganizade (Greco-Roman wrestling, 400 points), Eljan Haciyev (judo, 370 points), Osman Nurmaqomedov and Arseniy Djioyev (both freestyle wrestling, 340 points), Zelim Tckaev (judo, 330 points), Murad Ahmadiyev (Greco-Roman wrestling, 330 points), and Eldaniz Azizli (Greco-Roman wrestling, 320 points).

Recall that Ulvu Ganizade was in first place in the ranking list as of November 1, 2025.

Hasrat Jafarov (both Greco-Roman wrestling) ranked second place, while Giorgi Meshvildishvili (freestyle wrestling) placed third. All three athletes scored 400 points.

Olympic judo champion Zelym Kotsoiev ranked with 350 points. Meanwhile, freestyle wrestler Osman Nurmagomedov was in fifth place, earning 340 points.

The list also included Zelim Tckaev (judo, 330 points), Eldeniz Azizli (Greco-Roman wrestling, 320 points), Eljan Hajiyev (judo, 310 points), Murad Ahmadiev (Greco-Roman wrestling, 250 points), and Arseniy Djioyev (freestyle wrestling, 250 points).

The Azerbaijan State Song Theatre in Azerbaijan has presented a striking performance, “One Sea Story”, in a neon aesthetic, Azernews reports.

Designed to appeal to a broad audience, the production aims to offer a fresh, innovative perspective on the evolving practices of theatrical art.

“One Sea Story” is distinguished by its visually poetic approach, blending rhythm, dance, and narrative into a cohesive experience.

The musical production seamlessly merges neon lighting, dynamic stage imagery, and a vivid maritime atmosphere.

The stage came alive with vibrant colours that intertwined to create a unique visual effect, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

The project was led by Ulviya Babirli, with Tahmina Humbatova as the director.

The creative team included artists Elmira Fariz and Ryavan Karimi, while the musical editing was overseen by Ali Jafarzadeh.

The cast featured prominent performers such as Zaur Aliyev, Diana Khozino, Samira Alakbarova, and Ilaha Alizade.

The audience was immersed in the rhythm of the waves, the fluidity of the water, and the palpable energy of the actors’ movements, evoking an enthusiastic and positive response from those in attendance.

Starting from the next academic year, state universities in Georgia will be banned from admitting foreign students, Azernews reports.

However, according to Education Minister Givi Mikanadze, the ban does not apply to private universities, which will retain the ability to accept international students at their discretion.

‘State universities should prioritize national interests. Private universities will continue to operate as usual and can admit international students. Starting next academic year, state universities will no longer have the option to enroll foreign students,’ Mikanadze said.

In the 2024/25 academic year, the total number of students enrolled in Georgian universities reached a record high of 187,800, of which 37,100 were international students-an increase of 21% compared to the previous year.

Observers note that the move could have significant implications for Georgia’s higher education sector. While private universities may benefit from attracting international students, state institutions could face challenges in maintaining diversity and global collaboration. Experts also suggest that the decision may reflect a broader trend of prioritizing domestic education and aligning higher education with national strategic goals.

A master class has been held at the Mingachevir State Drama Theater, Azernews reports.

The event was held as part of the project “Professional Theater Lessons in the Regions,” organized by the Culture Ministry’s Scientific, Methodological and Qualification Center for Culture (MEMIM).

The classes were conducted by Honored Artist Gasim Nagi and theater expert, MEMIM employee Daglar Yusif.

During the lessons, issues such as repertoire selection, the author’s concept, acting techniques, stage culture, and the execution of specific stage movements were discussed.

The project, which has been implemented since October 2024, aims to enhance the professionalism of theater companies, foster an active creative environment, familiarize participants with contemporary trends in theater arts, and promote experience exchange.

Earlier, master classes were held at the theater in Gusar, Lankaran, Gakh, and Gazakh, as well as within the “M?d?niyy?t rzgari” project at the theaters of Agdam and Fuzuli.

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