Category: Azer News

Vice President of the United States JD Vance and his spouse Usha Vance visited the Alley of Martyrs on February 11, AzerNEWS reports.

The Vice President paid tribute to the Azerbaijani heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and territorial integrity and placed a wreath at the Eternal Flame Monument.

Azercell announces the launch of a new IoT and M2M platform developed specifically for corporate customers as part of the Azercell Business digital ecosystem. The new platform provides advanced tools for centralized management and monitoring of IoT and M2M devices, supporting increased operational efficiency and greater transparency across business processes.

The solution enables enterprises to monitor device status and traffic consumption in real time, flexibly allocate data pool resources and optimize operational costs. This approach supports improved risk management and ensures more effective use of resources.

IoT and M2M solutions can be effectively applied across a wide range of industries, including logistics, transportation, manufacturing, finance, sales, the oil and gas sector, as well as smart city initiatives.

The platform features a customer-centric and intuitive interface, high standards of information security and a scalable architecture. These features allow businesses to efficiently manage existing IoT projects while seamlessly integrating next-generation solutions into a unified digital environment.

Through this initiative, Azercell continues to contribute to accelerating digital transformation and the adoption of intelligent technologies in the country.

The opening ceremony of the photo exhibition “Squares of Europe” has taken place at Crescent Mall, AzerNEWS reports.

The event was organized by the European Union Delegation to Azerbaijan in partnership with Arts Council Azerbaijan and supported by the Embassies of EU Member States, within the sixth FantazEU Cultural Heritage Festival.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador of the European Union to Azerbaijan Marijana Kujundzic underlined that the exhibition brings together both well-known and lesser-known squares from European cities, highlighting their historical, architectural, and social significance. She noted that the project showcases the richness and diversity of Europe’s urban heritage and is especially symbolic this year, which has been declared the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture in Azerbaijan.

Dadas Mammadov, head and curator of the Arts Council Azerbaijan festival, remarked that FantazEU is being held for the sixth time and has become an important platform for cultural dialogue between Azerbaijan and the European Union. In his address, he underscored the festival’s importance as a sustainable cultural initiative that unites international partners and expressed his gratitude to the European Union and the embassies of EU Member States for their cooperation and support.

The exhibition features photographs provided by the embassies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, and Azerbaijan. The display explores the role of public squares as centers of civic life, historical memory, and social interaction.

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

A renewed analysis of radar data from Venus, collected by NASA’s Magellan spacecraft in the early 1990s, has revealed evidence of a large underground cavity formed by ancient lava flows-the first subsurface structure of its kind ever identified on a neighboring planet, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the researchers, the radar signals are consistent with a geological feature known as a lava tube, a structure commonly found in volcanic regions on Earth. Lava tubes have also been detected on the Moon and are believed to exist on Mars, but this marks the first time such a formation has been directly identified on Venus.

Although Venus is concealed beneath thick, toxic clouds, radar imaging is able to penetrate this dense atmosphere. Given the planet’s long history of intense volcanic activity, scientists have long suspected the presence of lava tubes beneath its surface.

‘Moving from theory to direct observation is a major step forward,’ said Lorenzo Bruzzone, a radar and planetary scientist at the University of Trento in Italy and lead author of the study, published Monday in Nature Communications. ‘It opens new research directions and provides valuable information for future missions to explore Venus.’

The team analyzed remote sensing data collected by Magellan in 1990 and 1992, identifying surface features that suggest underground cavities beneath them. Using a newly developed data-analysis technique, the scientists were able to detect structures consistent with lava tubes.

The formation, interpreted as part of an empty lava tube, lies on the western slope of Nix Mons, a massive shield volcano about 362 kilometers wide located in Venus’s northern hemisphere. The surrounding terrain is scattered with craters formed by surface deposits.

‘Our understanding of Venus remains limited, and until now we have lacked direct observations of processes occurring beneath its surface,’ said Leonardo Carrer, a radar specialist at the University of Trento and co-author of the study.

Venus, with a diameter of roughly 12,000 kilometers, is slightly smaller than Earth. The Magellan mission mapped 98 percent of the planet’s surface, providing crucial insights into a world that hosts more volcanoes than any other planet in the Solar System and shows widespread evidence of ancient lava flows.

Based on the radar data, the visible portion of the lava tube has an estimated diameter of about one kilometer, with a roof thickness of at least 150 meters. Due to limitations in the Magellan dataset, only part of the structure can be directly observed, but researchers believe it likely extends for several kilometers. Its size suggests it may be larger and taller than any lava tube on Earth and even bigger than those predicted on Mars or observed on the Moon.

Lava tubes are considered promising locations for future space exploration. On Venus, such underground structures could potentially offer natural shielding from extreme surface temperatures and radiation, making them intriguing targets for future robotic-or even human-missions.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are strengthening their cultural ties through theatre, forging new pathways for artistic collaboration, AzerNEWS reports.

A memorandum of cooperation has been signed between the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre and the Berdakh State Academic Musical Theatre of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan.

The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in the field of theatre based on the historical, cultural, and ethnic ties between the Azerbaijani and Uzbek peoples. It also seeks to expand creative connections and implement joint artistic projects.

Under the memorandum, the two theatres will collaborate on the exchange of experience among directors, actors, designers, and playwrights, the development of joint productions, organization of touring performances, participation in international festivals, and the hosting of masterclasses and creative meetings.

Both sides also plan to stage the finest examples of local and international drama in each other’s theatres.

The memorandum was signed by Aqil Bahramli, Director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre, and Parahat Mamudov, Director of the Berdakh State Academic Musical Theatre.

The State Academic Musical Theatre is one of Azerbaijan’s most important cultural institutions and a cornerstone of the country’s theatrical and musical life. Located in Baku, it has played a central role in the development of musical theatre in Azerbaijan for many decades.

The origins of the theatre are deeply rooted in the early 20th century with the premiere of “Husband and Wife” (?r v? Arvad), a musical comedy by Uzeyir Hajibayli, which was first staged on May 24, 1910. This production is widely regarded as the foundation of Azerbaijani musical theatre and laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving genre combining music, vocals, drama, and dance.

Officially founded in 1934, the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre has since become one of the country’s leading stages for musical performance. Over time its artistic scope has expanded beyond traditional musical comedies to include a broader range of performance genres. Today, its repertoire features musicals, premieres, concerts, and international festivals that draw audiences from across Azerbaijan and around the world.

The theatre’s historic building underwent a major renovation between 2010 and 2013, equipping it with modern lighting and sound systems and a stage capable of 360-degree rotation. With a seating capacity of around 460 and facilities including a recording studio and rehearsal spaces, the venue supports a rich and dynamic program of artistic productions.

In 2019, the theatre was awarded the prestigious title of academic, a recognition that highlights its significant contribution to Azerbaijan’s cultural life.

The Berdakh State Academic Musical Theatre is one of the leading cultural institutions in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, with a history dating back to the 1930s. Originally formed from a Karakalpak studio trained in Moscow, it evolved into a multi-genre musical theatre presenting opera, ballet, and musical dramas and was awarded academic theatre status in 2017.

The theatre has become a central platform for the development of performing arts in the region, hosting competitions, cultural events, and tours while reflecting the artistic traditions and contemporary creativity of Karakalpak and Uzbek culture.

Its repertoire includes both classical and contemporary works, often rooted in folk traditions and national cultural heritage, and it has participated in numerous festivals, competitions, and tours, including international performances such as recent tours to neighboring countries.

The theatre also plays an active role in cultural life by hosting concerts, educational programs, and events that promote artistic exchange and community engagement, reinforcing its role as a vital hub of creative and cultural dialogue in the region.

The South Caucasus is living through one of its most remarkable historical moments. Two neighboring countries that have long clashed since gaining independence are gradually moving toward peace. There is no need to say it: this process excites everyone. Will peace truly be achieved? Will the roar of gunfire finally give way to the cheers of sporting events? Will homes no longer receive coffins wrapped in flags? Will young people pick up tools to rebuild war-torn regions instead of weapons to fight on the frontlines?

Everyone wants to leave war behind and heal its wounds. That is why the progress in peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the past few years brings hope. Yet, there is a lingering fear of outside interference. Before U.S. envoy Vance visited the South Caucasus, Russian politician Zatulin’s statements already fueled these concerns. Just as efforts were made to counter Zatulin’s baseless claims, an unexpected blow came from across the ocean: Nancy Pelosi publicly criticized Vance in connection with the so-called ‘Armenian genocide’. Her actions, in the truest sense, were like ‘spoiling the broth’-needless and counterproductive.

This is not about reopening debates over historical events between TurkIiye and Armenia; that is their matter to resolve. My goal here is to critique Western values, especially American principles, when they are betrayed by figures like Pelosi. Highlighting the Armenian genocide narrative at this critical moment does not promote justice; it strengthens the hand of those in Armenia who thrive on nationalist fervor and undermines ongoing peace efforts.

Whether in high school or at university, one of the core lessons taught under Western values is equality before the law. We are taught that everyone stands equal under justice. Take, for example, Podstam the Miller, who boldly defied King Frederick II by declaring, ‘There are judges in Berlin.’ He relied precisely on this principle. It was this trust in impartial law that drew people from authoritarian regimes to the West. Entrepreneurs chose to build their businesses not in their native lands, but in countries where the rule of law guaranteed fairness and opportunity for all. This very foundation made the West-and especially the United States- great and attractive.

However, individuals like Nancy Pelosi, who defend the so-called ‘Armenian genocide,’ undermine this fundamental principle. Viewed objectively, claiming that the Armenian genocide occurred is not about confronting injustice-it is simply granting special privilege to a particular ethnic group.

More precisely, Armenian historians present numerous documents asserting that this was a genocide. The Turkish site, meanwhile, provides its documents arguing that no such genocide occurred. As individuals, our responsibility is to examine the issue calmly and reach a reasoned conclusion. The consensus that emerges from careful study of both Armenian and Turkish perspectives is that, during World War I, the Ottoman Empire relocated Armenians from Eastern Anatolia to the western regions of the empire and the Middle East due to concerns over collaboration with Russia. Some lives were lost during this relocation. Here a question raises: ‘is it truly genocide?’

For instance, during World War II, ethnic Germans living in the Caucasus were deported to Central Asia under harsh conditions due to suspected collaboration with the Nazis. Thousands perished en route or suffered fatal hardships in the settlements to which they were sent. A similar fate befell the Ahiska Turks in Georgia. Although Turkiye did not participate in the war, the Kremlin feared that Turkiye might intervene in the future. Acting on this concern, the entire population was forcibly relocated to Central Asia overnight. Like the Germans, many Ahiska Turks tragically lost their lives, and to make matters worse, their homes were later occupied by Armenians-homes that are still inhabited by Armenians today.

Another Caucasus people who suffered similar deportations were the Chechens. In the mid-20th century, they too were exiled to Central Asia and endured immense suffering. The Crimean Tatars experienced comparable persecution: accused of collaborating with the Nazis, the entire Tatar population of the peninsula was rounded up into trains and deported to Central Asia. Many perished along the way or in the harsh settlements where they were placed.

The Crimean Peninsula, however, did not only witness the deportation of Tatars. Looking back over the last two centuries, we also see that after Russia occupied Crimea, Armenians living there were relocated from the peninsular to Rostov-on-Don during the harsh winter months. A large portion of them perished during this forced migration.

Yet selective memory prevails. Neither The U.S. Congress, nor Armenian Parliament recognize these events as genocide. Pelosi, proudly endorsing the Armenian genocide, fails to acknowledge comparable tragedies. Why is suffering in Crimea, or of Chechens, Ahiska Turks, or Caucasus Germans, ignored? Only Turkiye’s actions are labeled genocide, while Russia’s are erased from history books.

In my view, this is not genocide. Labeling it so contradicts Western principles, which teach that no one group should be granted superiority. Either all similar historical tragedies should be recognized equally, or none should be labeled genocide. Armenian and U.S. parliaments alike ignore the fate of other displaced peoples, even when outcomes and motivations were identical. The selective focus on one narrative while ignoring others undermines the very notion of justice.

Most importantly, raising this divisive narrative at such a crucial moment only empowers nationalist forces in Armenia. Over the past 30 years, one in six Armenians has left the country. Yet they cling fanatically to the genocide narrative. Strengthening them at this time, by repeating selective claims, cannot serve peace. Figures like Nancy Pelosi, by perpetuating this selective narrative, appear uninterested in the fragile peace slowly taking root between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

At this pivotal moment, the choice is clear: peace must come first. Selective historical narratives, no matter how politically convenient, have no place in building trust, dialogue, and lasting reconciliation.

Gara Garayev is regarded as one of the most influential and celebrated composers in the history of Azerbaijani classical music. More than four decades after his passing, his music continues to bridge cultures, generations, and artistic traditions.

This year Azerbaijan marks the 108th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding composer. The occasion was recently honored with a symphonic evening at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall.

The concert, titled “Music Across the Centuries,” was performed by the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra under the baton of its Artistic Director and Chief Conductor, Honored Artist Fuad Ibrahimov.

Prior to the performance, Honored Art Worker, Doctor of Philosophy in Art Studies, and Professor Zumrud Dadashzade addressed the audience, offering insight into Garayev’s music legacy and examining the philosophical depth and distinctive aesthetic language that define his compositions.

The concert program featured symphonic works by prominent representatives of 20th-century musical culture, turning the evening into both a tribute to Garayev and a celebration of the enduring vitality of symphonic tradition.

Born in 1918, Gara Garayev emerged as one of the most influential composers in Azerbaijan’s history. His works, performed and admired internationally, are distinguished by their expressive power and stylistic boldness. Garayev began his formal musical education at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory, where from 1933 to 1938 he studied composition and folk music.

He later continued his studies at the Moscow Conservatory under A. Alexandrov and, subsequently, the legendary Dmitri Shostakovich. This formative period profoundly shaped his artistic identity, nurturing a composer unafraid of experimentation while remaining deeply rooted in national tradition.

Throughout his prolific career, Garayev composed in nearly every major genre, including symphonic and chamber music, opera, ballet, and film scores. His music masterfully blends Azerbaijani mugham with elements of jazz, blues, African rhythms, and Western classical techniques such as the twelve-tone system. This synthesis created a sound world that was both nationally distinctive and universally compelling.

Over his lifetime, Gara Garayev produced more than 110 works. His career began remarkably early: at the age of 20, he composed his first cantata, The Song of the Heart, based on poetry by Rasul Rza.

The work was performed at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre the same year, signaling the arrival of a major new talent. By 1941, he had returned to Baku, where he dedicated himself not only to composition but also to teaching, shaping future generations of Azerbaijani musicians.

The late 1940s and early 1950s marked a particularly significant period in his creative life. Inspired by the poetry of Nizami Ganjavi, he composed the symphonic poem Leyli and Mejnun and the symphonic suite Seven Beauties. In 1952, Seven Beauties was adapted into the first Azerbaijani ballet, staged by choreographer P. A. Gusev, becoming a landmark achievement in the country’s cultural history.

Garayev’s artistic vision extended beyond national themes to global concerns. His 1958 ballet Path of Thunder addressed racial conflict in South Africa, demonstrating his sensitivity to contemporary social issues and his ability to translate them into compelling musical drama. That same year, he composed the score for the documentary A Story About the Oil Workers of the Caspian Sea, highlighting the lives of those working in Azerbaijan’s vital oil industry.

Gara Garayev passed away in 1982 at the age of 64, marking the end of an era in Azerbaijani classical music. Yet his influence remains profound. His works continue to be performed, studied, and reinterpreted, reaffirming his place as a towering figure in 20th-century music.

In 2018, on the centenary of his birth, President Ilham Aliyev declared the year dedicated to Gara Garayev’s 100th anniversary, underscoring his monumental contribution to national culture.

A House-Museum in Baku preserves his personal belongings, manuscripts, photographs, and archival materials, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the composer’s life and artistic journey.

All participants for the Round of 16 at the Azerbaijan Chess Championship have now been determined, AzerNEWS reports.

Nijat Abasov, Khagan Ahmad, Rahim Gasimov, Kamal Aghasiyev, Pasha Alizada, and Ravan Aliyev secured their spots in the next stage after winning their tie-break matches.

The Round of 16 promises several high-profile encounters. Murad Ibrahimli will face the tournament’s top-rated favorite, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, while Ahmad Ahmadzada will take on Vugar Rasulov. Nicat Abasov is set to compete against Khagan Ahmad, and Rahim Gasimov will meet Aydin Suleymanli.

Last year’s national champion, Rauf Mammadov, will battle Shiroglan Talibov. Other matchups include Pasha Alizada versus Read Samadov, Ravan Aliyev against Mahammad Muradli, and Eltaj Safarli taking on Kamal Aghasiyev.

Beginning with the Round of 16, women chess players will also join the competition, adding further intrigue to the tournament.

The championship will conclude on February 22, with games starting daily at 15:00.

Founded in 1926, the Azerbaijan Chess Federation (ACF) has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s strong chess tradition.

The ACF organizes national and international tournaments, provides training programs, and supports the growth of chess at all levels, from school children to grandmasters.

The Federation is also responsible for the success of its national teams, which have consistently performed well in prestigious competitions such as the Chess Olympiad and the World Chess Championship.

Milliön introduces, for the first time on cash payment terminals, a Personal Cabinet – delivering a faster, more convenient, and smarter payment experience.

With this new feature, you can make your daily utility and other payments without wasting time. Once you register in the Personal Cabinet, you no longer need to enter client numbers or account numbers for each transaction. Your information is entered once, saved as a template, and automatically available for future payments.

How to register in the Personal Cabinet

Select ‘Sign in’ on the Personal Cabinet icon in the top-right corner. Enter your mobile number Enter the one-time OTP code sent to your phone Create a PIN code For faster payments, create templates and press ‘Save’ – the information will be stored for your future transactions

The Milliön Personal Cabinet remembers your details for you.

You, in turn, can make payments quickly, easily, and conveniently.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation headed by President of the Arab Parliament Mohamed Ahmed Alyammahi on February 11, AzerNEWS reports.

President Ilham Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan maintains close ties with Arab world countries encompassing political, economic, and other areas, and highlighted the role of his visits to Arab countries and the visits of Arab state leaders to Azerbaijan in expanding these relations.

The head of state touched upon Azerbaijan’s contributions to strengthening Islamic solidarity and emphasized the significance of the Islamic Solidarity Games held in Baku in this regard.

President Ilham Aliyev noted that high-level relations have been established between Azerbaijan and the League of Arab States, and expressed confidence that the visit of the delegation led by Mohamed Ahmed Alyammahi would be productive.

Ahmed Alyammahi first expressed gratitude to the head of state for the reception.

The President of the Arab Parliament conveyed congratulations on the progress made in advancing the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia, highlighting the special role of President Ilham Aliyev in establishing peace in the region and the world, and stated that the world needs leaders like the Azerbaijani leader.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked him for the kind words and congratulations, noting that achieving peace holds great importance for the overall development of the region, and touched upon the special role of the U.S. President in advancing the peace agenda.

Alyammahi expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Arab people to the head of state for his resolute support on issues on the Arab world’s agenda, including the Palestinian issue.

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan has always supported the “two-state” solution to the Palestinian issue in line with the unanimous position of the League of Arab States. He recalled with satisfaction his participation in the Middle East Peace Summit held in Sharm el-Sheikh at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as well as Azerbaijan’s invitation to the Board of Peace, and noted Azerbaijan’s determination to contribute to the peace process.

The head of state stated that the development of relations with Muslim countries, including Arab countries, is one of the priority directions of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.

The meeting discussed the reconstruction and development projects in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. President Ilham Aliyev noted that during nearly 30 years of occupation, Armenia had destroyed Azerbaijan’s material and cultural heritage, including Islamic religious monuments and mosques, which are now being restored.

They exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Arab Parliament, the legislative body of the League of Arab States, as well as other issues of mutual interest.