Category: Azer News

International Mugham Center has gathered music lovers to celebrate one of the Azerbaijan’s most treasured artistic traditions, AzerNEWS reports.

The concert program “Mugham Destgahs”, held as part of the “Azerbaijani Mugham” project, left the audience spellbound.

The Azerbaijan State Orchestra of Folk Instruments, under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor Mustafa Ashurov, as well as soloists from the International Mugham Center performed some of the most expressive and evocative destgahs, totally captivating the audience.

Highlights of the evening included “Zabul-Segah”, performed by Nisbet Sadraeva and Huseyn Melikov, and “Bayati-Kurd”, performed by Sabina Arabli and Mirlalam Miralamov.

The audience really enjoyed the concert. They applauded warmly and listened with full attention to every performance.

Mugham as a form of Azerbaijani folk music is deeply rooted in the spiritual culture of the East. It is one of the oldest genres and the basis of the Azerbaijani oral classical music tradition, along with song and dance folklore. Included in the UNESCO List of Masterpieces of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity, mugham is the embodiment of the soul of the Azerbaijani people, a reflection of their traditions and customs. In total, there are seven main types of modes: Rast, Shur, Segah, Shushter, Chargah, Bayat-Shiraz, Humayun and several secondary ones. Their performance requires high masterly training and special talent.

Mugham regulates the harmonious balance of a person, awakens affection and love for life, and finally, it is a monument of art that has played a significant role in the development of spiritual values ??of mankind for centuries. In this sense, mugham is a symbol of love and wisdom. The mysterious world of mughams has always attracted the attention of scientists around the world. Musicologists, literary scholars, historians, scientists and philosophers of the Middle Ages have conducted many scientific studies on this unique form of art.

The International Mugham 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 design of the building was based on the elements and shapes of the tar, an Azerbaijani musical instrument used in performing mugham. The center was built with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

In 2024, the Mugham Center is the first cultural institution in Azerbaijan to be awarded “international” status by legislation.

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

It 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.

Azerbaijan Championship in Rowing (academic rowing), Kayak, and Canoe will take place on February 27-28,AzerNEWS reports.

The championship is jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Azerbaijan Canoe and Rowing Federation (AKAF).

The competition will be held at the Kur Olympic Training and Sports Center in Mingachevir and conducted under a handicap system.

Athletes will compete individually in single boats, covering a distance of 4,000 meters in academic rowing and 2,000 meters in kayak and canoe events. Winners will be determined based on their recorded times.

A total of 80 athletes born between 2008 and 2013 from Baku and Mingachevir will compete in the national championship. The top finishers will be awarded diplomas and medals.

Outstanding performers will earn the opportunity to join the national team for upcoming international competitions, including the “President’s Cup-2026,” dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, visited Geneva from February 23 to 25, 2026, to participate in the high-level segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the visit, Deputy Minister Mammadov delivered a speech at the high-level segment and held several bilateral meetings with senior officials.

In his address, he highlighted the current status of the post-conflict normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, issues arising from the Washington Agreement, and the potential contributions of the Zangazur corridor to regional development.

He also outlined Azerbaijan’s efforts to address the humanitarian consequences of the previous conflict, including clarifying the fate of missing persons, combating landmine threats, and facilitating the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons under the ‘Great Return’ program.

Deputy Minister Mammadov emphasized that widespread landmine contamination remains a serious obstacle to the full realization of human rights and stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation in this area.

He further highlighted that trials of individuals accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity have been conducted in accordance with international law and national legislation, underscoring Azerbaijan’s commitment to justice.

The Deputy Minister recalled that the UNHRC Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s opinion on the Ruben Vardanyan case, published on March 13, 2025, reaffirmed that Azerbaijan’s legal procedures complied with international standards, rejecting Armenia’s claims.

Additionally, he noted Azerbaijan’s growing role as a platform for international dialogue, pointing out that COP29 held in Baku made a significant contribution to accelerating climate action. This year, Azerbaijan will host several major UN events, including the 82nd session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum, and the 7th World Intercultural Dialogue Forum.

Leyla Aliyeva visited the family of Patriotic War Hero, Senior Warrant Officer of the State Border Service, the martyred Shahin Allahyarov.

As reported by AzerNEWS, Leyla Aliyeva first became acquainted with the memorial corner dedicated to the martyr.

She then spoke with the martyr’s mother, Nargiz Allahyarova, listened to her memories about her son, viewed photographs reflecting different periods of his life, and watched the video message he had sent to his family members during the Patriotic War. N. Allahyarova expressed her satisfaction with the care and attention shown to the families of martyrs, conveyed her gratitude to the head of state and his family members, and wished peace and tranquility for the country.

Leyla Aliyeva presented gifts to the martyr’s family members and took photos with them.

It should be noted that Senior Warrant Officer of the Azerbaijani Army, Shahin Allahyarov, fought in the battles for the liberation of Fuzuli, Jabrayil, and Shusha during the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020. He was martyred on November 1 during the battles for Shusha and was laid to rest in the Guba district.

For his bravery during the battles, Shahin Allahyarov was posthumously awarded the title of ‘Hero of the Patriotic War’ under the decree of President Ilham Aliyev.

Writing about the Khojaly tragedy means more than remembering a historical event; it is about giving voice to a wound that still lingers in the nation’s collective memory.

The massacre of February 1992 was not just the destruction of a town; it was an attempt to break the spirit of an entire people.

Khojaly had been under siege for months, deprived of food, medicine, and electricity. On the night of February 25-26, Armenian armed units, supported by elements of the 366th motor rifle regiment left behind after the collapse of the Soviet Union, stormed the town. The outcome was horrific: hundreds killed, hundreds wounded and taken captive. Among the dead were women, children, and the elderly. This was not a military operation in the conventional sense, it was a deliberate act of terror against civilians, meant to instill fear and erase a community from its homeland.

The trauma of Khojaly runs deep. Survivors lost family members, endured captivity, and suffered torture. Entire families were wiped out. Those who escaped became refugees, forced to live for years in tents and temporary shelters. The tragedy shaped a generation, embedding in the youth of Azerbaijan a sense of injustice and a determination to seek truth and recognition.

Russia’s role cannot be ignored. The 366th regiment did not act as a neutral force; its officers and soldiers provided direct support to Armenian units, supplying heavy weaponry and even participating in the assault. This involvement transformed Khojaly from a local atrocity into a crime with international dimensions. The parallels with the January 1990 massacre in Baku are striking: in both cases, Soviet/Russian forces turned their weapons on Azerbaijani civilians. Russia claimed to be a mediator in the Karabakh conflict, yet its actions revealed a clear bias that facilitated occupation and bloodshed.

Khojaly is recognized under international law as a crime against humanity, even genocide. Yet many states have hesitated to formally acknowledge it as such. Azerbaijan continues to fight for recognition, not only to honor the victims but also to prevent similar crimes from being repeated elsewhere. The campaign for global awareness is part of a broader struggle for justice, one that insists the world must confront uncomfortable truths about complicity and silence.

Khojaly is more than a page in history; it is a symbol of resilience and unity. It reminds us that war is not only about territory but about human lives, families, and futures. The participation of the 366th regiment magnified the scale of the atrocity, making it clear that this was not just an Armenian assault but a joint act of aggression with Russian fingerprints all over it.

To write about Khojaly is to refuse to forget. Memory is resistance, and remembrance is justice. As long as Khojaly is remembered, the demand for accountability will remain alive. Justice may be delayed, but it cannot be erased. Khojaly will not be forgotten, and the struggle for truth will continue until the voices of its victims are heard across the world.

‘Baku Marathon 2026’ will take place on May 3, 2026, at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and with the exclusive partnership of ‘Azercell Telecom’ LLC. Firmly set in the country’s sport calendar, the marathon will once again bring together thousands of participants, promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering public solidarity.

Held under the motto ‘Win the Wind,’ the ninth edition of the Baku Marathon will mark a significant milestone by introducing the full 42 km marathon distance for the first time. The race will commence at the State Flag Square, with participants crossing the finish line in the Sea Breeze area. Dedicated finish zones will also be arranged for participants competing in the 10 km and 21 km distances along the approved route.

Registration is available at designated points located in G?nclik Mall, 28 Mall, and D?niz Mall, as well as online at www.marathon.az. Participation is free of charge for students. The registration deadline is April 25, 2026.

Since 2017, ‘Azercell Telecom’ LLC has served as the marathon’s main sponsor and exclusive partner. In 2026, the company will continue its active support through the participation of its leadership team, employees, and corporate partners, reaffirming its commitment to promoting sports, social responsibility, and sustainable development values.

Two sailors from Azerbaijan will participate in the 2026 ILCA 4 Youth European Championships and Open European Trophy, AzerNEWS reports, citing Azerbaijan Sailing Federation.

Nargiz Mammadova and Nazrin Mammadova will represent country in the competition.

2026 ILCA 4 Youth European Championships and Open European Trophy

In response to an inquiry from AzerTag, the Azerbaijan Sailing Federation announced that the country’s representatives in the competition will be Nargiz Mammadova and Nazrin Mammadova.

The tournament will be held from April 11th to 18th in the city of Murcia, Spain.

The 2026 ILCA 4 Youth European Championships and Open European Trophy will be held in Murcia, Spain, from April 11-18, 2026.

The ILCA 4 class is aimed at sailors between the ages of 14 and 18, with the boat itself offering a challenging and technical experience.

In 2025, the championships were held in Puck, Poland, featuring more than 440 participants.

Sailing in Azerbaijan has been gaining significant momentum over the past decade, driven by the country’s rich maritime heritage and the strategic location along the Caspian Sea. The Azerbaijan Sailing Federation (ASF), established to oversee and promote the sport of sailing, has played a crucial role in fostering this growth.

The Sailing Federation of Azerbaijan (SFA), officially registered in 2000, has been instrumental in advancing the sport of sailing in Azerbaijan.

The ultimate goal of the Sailing Federation of Azerbaijan (SFA) is to support and advance the sport of sailing in the country.

The Federation is committed to increasing public interest in sailing by promoting it among the population and ensuring the development of high-level athletes capable of competing in international events.

A key priority for the Federation is to prepare Azerbaijan’s national sailing team and facilitate their participation in prestigious international competitions. To achieve this, the SFA collaborates closely with regional and global sailing bodies, such as the European Sailing Federation (EUROSAF).

The Federation organizes an annual conference, which serves as a platform to make critical decisions such as adopting and amending the Statute, electing the executive authorities, and reviewing the progress of the organization through annual reports.

Since 2014, the Sailing Federation of Azerbaijan has been a proud member of both the World Sailing and the European Sailing Federation (EUROSAF). These memberships have played a crucial role in connecting Azerbaijan to the global sailing community, allowing local athletes and officials to benefit from international expertise, attend global conferences, and engage in key events around the world.

Russia’s income from oil and gas exports has dropped sharply over the past year, reflecting the growing impact of international sanctions and shifting global demand, AzerNEWS reports, citing international media outlets.

Russia earned approximately pound 193 billion from the export of oil, gas, coal, and petroleum products in the last twelve months-a 19% decline compared to the same period a year earlier.

The drop is even more pronounced when compared to pre-war levels, with revenues falling by 27%. The European Union’s imports of Russian energy products have plummeted by 36%, totaling just pound 14.5 billion over the past year. This marks a significant shift in the bloc’s energy sourcing strategy, driven by geopolitical tensions and a push for diversification.

Russia’s two largest oil customers-India and China-have also reduced their imports. India’s purchases fell by 9% to pound 31.6 billion, while China’s imports declined by 14%, reaching pound 43 billion.

The Finnish think tank CREA attributes the downturn to several key factors, including EU sanctions targeting refined products made from Russian crude and enforcement actions by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) against major Russian oil firms Rosneft and Lukoil. These measures have particularly disrupted shipments to India, once a growing market for Russian oil.

In early February, the European Commission proposed its 20th sanctions package against Russia. Among the new measures is a sweeping maritime ban on tankers transporting Russian oil-a move expected to significantly tighten existing restrictions and further curtail Moscow’s energy revenues.

As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, Russia faces mounting pressure to adapt to a shrinking export market and intensifying regulatory scrutiny.

The British Embassy in Azerbaijan has stated that the United Kingdom is ready to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan in the water sector.

As reported by AzerNEWS, speaking at a roundtable in Baku titled ‘Water Security in Azerbaijan: Regulation, Risks and Responsible Business Conduct,’ embassy representative Elvin Raziyev noted that both countries face similar water-related challenges.

‘Both of our countries are dealing with aging infrastructure, rising demand, flood risks, and the urgent need to modernize water treatment systems. These shared challenges create real opportunities for cooperation. The UK is ready to work with Azerbaijan in the water sector through expertise, innovation, and financing of concrete projects,’ he said.

Raziyev also emphasized that relations between the UK and Azerbaijan are currently at their strongest point in history. Last year, the two sides agreed to elevate ties to a strategic partnership level, with a particular focus on expanding cooperation in energy, connectivity, infrastructure, and innovation. According to him, the water sector is among the areas with significant potential for deeper collaboration.

The UEFA Champions League play-off round continues today with the start of the second-leg matches, AzerNEWS reports.

The opening match of the day will take place in Spain, where Atlético Madrid will face Belgian club Club Brugge. The first leg of this encounter ended in a 3-3 draw.

Other matches will see Bayer Leverkusen host Olympiacos, Inter Milan take on Bodø/Glimt, and Newcastle United face Qarabag.

The schedule for the UEFA Champions League play-off round second-leg matches on February 24 is as follows. Atlético Madrid will play against Club Brugge at 21:45, with the first leg having ended 3-3.

Bayer Leverkusen will host Olympiacos at midnight, after winning 2-0 in the first leg. At the same time, Inter Milan will face Bodø/Glimt, having lost 1-3 in the first leg. Also at midnight, Newcastle United will host Qarabag, following a 6-1 victory in the first leg.

The remaining play-off matches will take place on February 25.

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 worldwide.

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.