Category: Azer News

By Alimat Aliyeva

WhatsApp developers have launched an updated version of the
“Information” section, making it more visible and user-friendly.
The redesigned feature now appears at the top of personal chats and
user profiles, with a refreshed interface that emphasizes quick
updates and easy interaction, Azernews
reports.

The updated section allows users to share short messages and
emojis to instantly communicate their status or availability.
Recipients can respond directly to someone’s “Information” by
clicking the corresponding notification within the chat, making
conversations more dynamic and context-aware.

“In a world where everything changes every second, the
Information section lets you quickly show others why you can’t chat
or what you want to share—sometimes just a smiley and a short
phrase is enough,” the developers explained.

By default, status updates remain visible for 24 hours, but
users can adjust the duration in the settings. Advanced privacy
options allow you to choose who can see your updates—either all
contacts or everyone.

The rollout begins this week on mobile devices and will
gradually be available to all users.

This update could change the way people interact on WhatsApp,
turning the simple status feature into a mini communication hub.
From sharing moods and quick reminders to signaling availability
for calls or meetings, the feature adds a subtle but useful layer
of expressiveness to everyday chats. Some users have already
suggested creative uses, such as sharing daily motivational quotes,
short tips, or even interactive emojis to engage friends and
colleagues.

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Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.

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The musical comedy “If Not That One, Then This One” by the
outstanding Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, has been
presented at Baku Music Academy’s Opera Studio,
Azernews reports.

First premiered in 1911 at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera
and Ballet Theater, this timeless work has endured for over a
century, continuing to captivate audiences with its vibrant
portrayal of Baku life at the beginning of the 20th century.

Directed by the Honored Artist Hafiz Guliyev, this new
production masterfully balances the spirit of the original with
dynamic modern staging. Guliyev’s direction emphasized the lively
dialogues and the fast-paced, engaging nature of the narrative
while preserving the essence of the classic.

Honored Artist Sevil Hajiyeva took charge of the musical portion
of the performance, leading the ensemble through Uzeyir Hajibayli’s
unforgettable melodies.

The story follows Meshadi Ibad, a wealthy yet miserly man who
hopes to marry the beautiful Gulnaz. However, Gulnaz’s heart
belongs to Sarvar, a poor but educated and honorable man, creating
a dramatic conflict. Amidst this love triangle, the audience is
treated to a series of comedic schemes, misunderstandings, and
witty exchanges. Each character brings a distinct personality to
the stage, and every scene feels like a vivid snapshot of life.

Despite the play’s century-old origins, its themes remain
strikingly relevant today. The timeless conflict between love and
materialism, tradition and progress resonates with modern
audiences, who laughed and applauded throughout the
performance.

The musical comedy affirms that true feelings transcend
calculations, and that progressive ideals are stronger than rigid
traditions.

The performance featured prominent soloists and emerging talents
from the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater,
including People’s Artists Azar Zeynalov (Meshadi Ibad) and Akram
Poladov (Rustam Bay).

The cast also included Honored Artists such as Gulustan Aliyeva
(Senem), Jahangir Gurbanov (Gochu Asgar), and Alakbar Aliyev
(Hasanguli Bay), as well as talented soloists like Atesh Garayev
(Sarvar) and Gunel Hajiyeva (Gulnaz).

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On November 18, “Azerkhalcha” OJSC, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in
Albania and Tirana Art Gallery, with the support of Tirana City
Municipality, held the next exhibition of Azerbaijani carpets in
Europe at Tirana Art Gallery.

The exhibition is dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the
inclusion of the traditional art of carpet weaving in the UNESCO
Representative List of intangible cultural heritage with the direct
initiative and support of the first vice-president of the Republic
of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva. The next day, on November 19, a
meeting and master classes were held between students of art
faculties of various educational institutions and Azerbaijani
artists.

The special event organized to mark the opening of the “May your
hands remain well!” exhibition was attended by officials of
Albanian state institutions, members of parliament, representatives
of the diplomatic corps in Tirana, media representatives,
representatives of science and academic circles, artists and
cultural figures, as well as members of Azerbaijani, Turkish and
other communities living in Albania.

The “May your hands remain well!” carpet collection includes
traditional carpets from the Karabakh, Guba and Shirvan carpet
weaving schools woven in the workshops of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC, as
well as works from various special collections. These include one
carpet from the “44” collection of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC in
collaboration with Rashad Alekperov, two carpets from the
“Architect of Memory” and “Woman” collections with Aydan Salahova,
one carpet from a joint project with Faig Ahmed, three exclusive
carpets from the “Pomegranate Symphony” collection with young
artist Samira Allahverdiyeva, and two – “Nakhchivan” and “Qarabagh”
carpets by Rufat Ismayil in collaboration with “AFFFAIR”. In
addition, the exhibition will feature two carpets by the Albanian
artist Xhevahir Kolgji, who in his works connects East and West and
thus tries to destroy the borders.

The exhibition was declared open by the Azerbaijani Ambassador
to Albania, Anar Huseynov. The Diplomat informed about the history
of carpet weaving, which is one of the vivid examples of
Azerbaijan’s ancient and rich cultural heritage, and the state’s
care for the development of this art in our country. The ambassador
noted that the purpose of the exhibition is to convey the culture
and truth of Azerbaijan to local residents through art. The
two-month exhibition will contribute to the rapprochement of the
peoples of Azerbaijan and Albania. He thanked the municipality of
Tirana for the conditions created for the exhibition.

During his speech, Chairman of the Board of Directors of
“Azerkhalcha” OJSC, Honored Artist Emin Mammadov congratulated the
event participants on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the
November 8 Victory Day and the magnificent victory, which we
recently celebrated and which is written in golden letters in the
centuries-old history of our people, and spoke about the history of
the organization. The Chairman said that the main goal of
“Azerkhalcha” OJSC is to preserve the tradition of carpet weaving
and further develop this art. He stressed that Azerbaijani
folk-applied art and its branch, carpet weaving, occupy a special
place in the history of the national culture of our people.
E.Mammadov spoke about the short history of various carpets
displayed at the exhibition and spoke about the future plans and
main goals of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC.

Then, Director of The Art Gallery of Tirana Edith Pula and
Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Azerbaijan
Besart Kadia, who visited his homeland for this exhibition,
continued the event with their speeches.

In order to promote the art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan to
the world, protect our national spiritual heritage, adapt it to the
modern era and pass it on to future generations, and support the
promotion of the art of carpet weaving, the “Qarabakh” and
“Nakhchivan” carpets, belonging to the joint “A New Look at
Cultural Heritage” collection of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC and “AFFFAIR”,
were donated to the Tirana Art Gallery by “PASHA Holding” and
“PASHA Bank”. These carpets will continue to be displayed in the
gallery’s permanent collection. At the same time, another example
of ”Nakhchivan“ carpet was presented by ”Pasha Holding” to the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania as a gift.

The process of weaving a real Azerbaijani carpet was
demonstrated and master classes were held for the visitors of the
exhibition. Participants of the exhibition have the opportunity to
make their own loops on the carpet. A special certificate of
“Azerkhalcha” OJSC was also presented to everyone who participated
in the weaving process of the Azerbaijani carpet. The exhibition
will last until January 20.

The International Mugham Center (IMC) has hosted another
spectacular event within “Azerbaijani Mugham” project,
Azernews reports.

The music evening themed “Destgah Mugham”, focused on the
performance of “Shur”, one of the most classical and beloved
mughams in Azerbaijani music.

The concert featured performances by Rauf Jafarov, Sarhan
Mirzoyev, and Yusif Jafarbayli, all of whom are laureates of the
Mugham Television Contest. The event was accompanied by the IMC’s
musical ensemble, under the direction of tar player Rashad
Ibrahimov. The concert program aroused great interest among the
k

Being one of the oldest musical styles in the East, mugham music
never ceases to amaze music enthusiasts around the globe, serving
as a major element in uniting people.

The mugham contains seven main modes – Rast, Shur, Segah (are
especially common), Shushtar, Bayaty-Shiraz, Chahargah, Humayun,
and three collateral kinds – Shahnaz, Sarendj, and Chaargah in some
other form.

“Shur” is considered one of the fundamental mughams in
Azerbaijan’s professional musical tradition, known for its ability
to express a wide range of emotions, including joy, light sorrow,
nostalgia, and spiritual depth. It is often described as the
“mugham of heartfelt warmth” and is frequently associated with
feelings of love and emotional connection.

The “Azerbaijani Mugham” project’s primary objective is to
preserve and develop the classical tradition of Azerbaijani mugham,
ensuring its legacy is passed on to future generations. In today’s
rapidly changing world, the importance of such initiatives is
especially profound.

For young performers, participating in these programs provides
them with a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind mugham,
helping them master its intricate stylistic elements while
maintaining a living link between tradition and modernity.

Through this project, emerging talents are given a platform to
grow, and audiences have the opportunity to immerse themselves in
the richness of Azerbaijan’s national musical heritage time and
again.

The International Mugham Center (IMC), a prominent cultural
landmark in Baku, has become a symbol of the city’s identity,
distinguished by its unique architectural design and prime
location.

The center was established on the initiative of the First
Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, in accordance with the presidential
decree dated April 6, 2005.

The center, which laid its foundation that same year and is
known as one of Baku’s unique architectural projects, opened its
doors in 2008.

The Mugham Center regularly organises large-scale music
festivals and concerts by highly acclaimed cultural figures.

The Center also takes important steps towards bolstering
cultural ties with Turkiye, Poland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Morocco,
and other countries.

The International Mugham Center is determined to further expand
its work and promote Azerbaijani musical culture.

Numerous projects are being carried out by the center in the
direction of studying and promoting mugham art.

In 2025, the Mugham Center became the first cultural institution
in Azerbaijan to be awarded “international” status by
legislation.

This new status contributes to improving the financial
well-being of the people working at the center, which has been one
of the leading concert institutions in Baku for many years.

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