National Library presents special book exhibition in honor of renowned scholar

A traditional book exhibition titled “Professor Kamil Veli Narimanoglu – 80”, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the birth of literary scholar, literary critic, Turkologist, Doctor of Philological Sciences and Professor Kamil Veli Narimanoglu, has been presented to visitors at the Azerbaijan National Library.

The exhibition features publications about Professor Kamil Veli Narimanoglu’s life and scholarly work, works authored by him, as well as monographs for which he wrote forewords, served as translator, compiler or editor. Books published in Azerbaijani and foreign languages, along with materials from periodicals, are also on display.

Kamil Veli’s academic work is characterized by systematic research in linguistics, folklore, poetics and Turkology. He wrote scholarly forewords for editions of “Dibache of the Turkish Divan” by Muhammad Fuzuli, “The Debate of the Two Languages” by Alisher Navoi, and “Kutadgu Bilig” by Yusuf Balasaguni, and provided academic guidance for the translation and publication of these works.

Kamil Veli Narimanoglu is the author of more than 40 scholarly monographs and over 500 academic articles. He has also delivered presentations at international scientific conferences and symposiums held in more than 20 countries around the world.

With a collection of more than 5 million books, manuscripts and maps, the Azerbaijan National Library is regarded as one of the largest libraries in the Caucasus. Since 1939, it has carried the name of the renowned Azerbaijani playwright Mirza Fatali Akhundov.

The library holds an extensive collection of works in Azerbaijani, Russian, English and numerous other languages. Its holdings include national publications as well as works by Azerbaijani and foreign authors on Azerbaijan that have been published abroad, making it an important centre for preserving the country’s literary and cultural heritage.

The National Library has also received visits from prominent state figures. National Leader Heydar Aliyev visited the institution four times between 1995 and 1997 and presented the library with nearly 300 books from his personal collection.

In 2004, the Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library was officially granted the status of a national library by a decision of the Azerbaijan Cabinet of Ministers.

The institution’s historic building is itself one of Baku’s notable landmarks. Its façade is adorned with statues of prominent figures from Azerbaijani and world literature and culture, including Nizami Ganjavi, Mahsati Ganjavi, Uzeyir Hajibayli, Shota Rustaveli and Alexander Pushkin.

The National Library has continued to expand its activities and services over the years. In 2005, using legal deposit copies received from publishing houses and printing companies, it began publishing the Books of Azerbaijan yearbook, covering publications from different years.

International cooperation is another important area of the library’s work. Over the years, it has signed memorandums of bilateral cooperation with around 80 libraries around the world, strengthening cultural and academic exchange.

The library has also played a role in supporting the restoration of cultural infrastructure in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. In 2021, the Ministry of Culture and the Mirza Fatali Akhundov National Library launched the “Let’s Go to Karabakh with a Book” campaign to help rebuild libraries in the Karabakh region.

As part of the initiative, the Karabakh Book Fund received substantial donations from international cultural organizations, Turkic-speaking countries, renowned Azerbaijani and foreign authors, publishers and printing houses. The campaign contributed to restoring book collections and expanding access to literature in the region.

The exhibition is available on the official website of the Azerbaijan National Library.

UN ‘concerned’ about Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia

United Nations (UN) expressed “deep” concern about the situation on the Arabian Peninsula following reports of Houthi attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said on Tuesday.

“Such attacks risk further entangling Yemen in the wider regional confrontation at a time when the region is already facing intense pressure and regional trade and energy flows are already under severe strain,” Dujarric underlined, calling for an end to attacks on shipping.

Earlier today, the Yemeni militant group accusedSaudi Arabia of shelling residential areas in the villages in Saada province.

Azerbaijan congratulates Afghanistan on Independence Day

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has congratulated Afghanistan on its Independence Day.

The congratulatory message was posted on the MFA’s official X account.

“We extend our sincere congratulations to Afghanistan on its National Day,” the ministry said in the post.

Official diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Afghanistan began when Afghanistan recognized Azerbaijan’s independence on December 21, 1991, followed by the formal establishment of diplomatic ties on November 16, 1994.

By the decision of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was established on December 30, 2020.

In total, fifteen documents were signed between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Egyptians in UAE face residency fears amid reported permit cancellations

Egyptians living and working in the United Arab Emirates are facing growing uncertainty over their long-term residency after several nationals reportedly had their residence permits cancelled earlier this month.

Several Egyptians have said their permits were unexpectedly revoked, in some cases while they were outside the UAE, leaving them unable to return to their jobs.

The reports have also raised concerns about an alleged new requirement for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for Egyptian workers seeking employment or changing jobs in the UAE. However, no official change to UAE residency regulations specifically affecting Egyptian nationals has been announced.

The New Arab reported the case of Mahmud Adel, a 33-year-old schoolteacher who travelled to Egypt in July for his annual holiday. Three weeks later, while preparing to return to Sharjah, he was informed by his employer that his UAE residency had been cancelled.

‘This was shocking, because the administration didn’t mention any reasons for the residency cancellation,’ Adel told the publication.

Other Egyptian residents have reported similar experiences online, prompting some expatriates to reconsider travelling outside the UAE for fear that they may not be allowed to return.

‘I’m scared that if I travel anywhere, I’ll be one of the unlucky people,’ one user wrote on Reddit.

Some Egyptian expatriates and business owners have reportedly opted to postpone trips to Egypt amid the uncertainty, concerned that their residency could be cancelled while they are abroad.

According to Egypt’s diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi, approximately 1.3 million Egyptians were living and working in the UAE at the end of 2024, making the UAE one of the largest destinations for the Egyptian diaspora.

The issue also carries significant economic importance for Egypt. Egyptians working abroad sent $43.1 billion in remittances during the first 11 months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, highlighting the importance of Gulf employment to the Egyptian economy.

The UAE and Egypt have maintained close political and economic relations for years, with the Gulf state among the major foreign investors in Egypt. Abu Dhabi has backed a number of major Egyptian infrastructure, energy and investment projects.

At the same time, the two countries have occasionally held differing positions on regional conflicts, particularly the war in Sudan, where Egypt and the UAE have been associated with opposing sides of the conflict.

For now, however, the reported residency cancellations have not been accompanied by an officially announced blanket policy targeting Egyptian nationals, leaving many expatriates uncertain about whether the cases represent isolated decisions or a broader change in practice.

First Karabakh War-era ordnance found at Agdam cemetery

Military ordnance left over from the First Karabakh War has been discovered at the Qaragachi cemetery in Azerbaijan’s Agdam district.

The Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) received a report about the discovery through its hotline and dispatched an operational team to the area.

During an inspection, ANAMA personnel found military ordnance at a depth of approximately 1.5 meters underground.

The ordnance was neutralized by ANAMA specialists, and the area was secured.

ANAMA once again urged citizens to follow safety rules, pay close attention to mine hazard warning signs, avoid entering unfamiliar areas, and refrain from touching unknown objects. The agency also called on citizens to report dangerous situations by calling the 805, 102 or 112 hotlines.

Israel kills Hamas commanders in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Wednesday that it had eliminated two Hamas commanders in the latest strikes in the Gaza Strip.

The military noted that it killed a commander in Hamas’ military wing in the Nuseirat area in central Gaza, claiming that he participated in the October 7 attack in Israel. In addition, it struck a militant group’s commander in the Tuffah area in Gaza City “who planned to carry out terror attacks against IDF troops operating” in the enclave.

Previously, Palestinian media reported that six people were killed in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza City. Shortly after, the death toll from the attack rose to nine.

Ankara’s e-exports expand across Europe and Gulf Markets

Trendyol data shows that producers and sellers in Ankara are reaching a broad customer base not only across Trkiye but also in international markets. Ankara is one of the cities with the highest volume of e-exports through Trendyol, with 67% of sellers on the platform actively shipping products abroad.

Ankara fulfilled more than 1.3 million orders from international customers over the past year, with sales concentrated particularly in Eastern Europe and the Gulf countries. Ankara-based producers recorded their highest e-export sales through Trendyol to Romania, Saudi Arabia, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Czechia, Kuwait, Qatar and Hungary.

Textiles, ready-to-wear clothing and footwear accounted for the largest share of e-export orders received by sellers in the capital. The categories with the strongest demand in e-exports included sports socks, trousers, matching top-and-bottom sets, shoulder bags, socks, thermal clothing and underwear, pajama sets, sneakers, sweaters and T-shirts.

Grsel Baran, chairman of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), said the Trendyol data showed that the capital had become a center selling to global markets thanks to its manufacturing strength:

‘Ankara’s manufacturing strength is finding its place not only in organized industrial zones and factories, but also in digital markets. Through e-exports, companies in Ankara can directly reach customers around the world. E-exports have made it possible for our domestic producers and SMEs to enter global markets at much lower costs. With the right product, a strong brand and digital infrastructure, it is possible to sell to every country in the world. E-commerce and e-exports are not merely sales channels; they are also keys to branding and sustainable growth. E-exports make it easier, particularly for our SMEs, to participate in global competition. We see global trade rapidly becoming digital, and adapting to this transformation has gone beyond being a choice for our companies and has become a necessity. In the past, competition was measured largely by production capacity. Today, alongside production, digital visibility, brand value, fast delivery and customer experience have also become decisive factors in competition. The more we connect our businesses with the opportunities offered by the digital world, the more our exports and added value will increase. We want to further expand Ankara’s production potential through digital trade, and we are continuing to increase the training programs we provide to our members. Our goal is for more businesses to establish a presence in global markets under their own brands, generate greater added value and make a stronger contribution to our country’s exports.’

Seyit Ardiç, chairman of the Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO), emphasized the importance of connecting Ankara’s manufacturing strength with the opportunities offered by the digital economy.

‘We consider it extremely valuable that Ankara’s strong industrial infrastructure, high-tech production capacity, qualified human resources and developed entrepreneurship ecosystem are increasingly reflected in e-exports. Today, our capital is one of Trkiye’s most important production and export centers, with a broad manufacturing capability ranging from defense industry and machinery to medical products and electronics. At a time when global trade is rapidly becoming digital, e-exports have become one of the most effective ways for our companies to cross geographical borders and reach new markets and millions of consumers. We see this transformation as an important opportunity to turn Ankara’s high-quality production into greater added value and increase the number of strong brands originating from the city. Our goal is to deliver innovative and high-value-added products to every corner of the world under our own brands. As the Ankara Chamber of Industry, we organize information sessions and training programs to improve companies’ knowledge and capabilities regarding e-export processes, access to digital markets and opportunities in this field. In the coming period, we aim to see more industrialists use digital channels effectively to enter international markets, diversify their exports and build brands that compete on a global scale,’ he said.

In domestic sales, Trendyol data showed that Ankara ranked first nationwide in fulfilling orders in categories including tablet cases, smartwatch straps, invitations, smartwatch screen protectors, tablet screen protectors and shoelaces.

Ankara ranked first in Trkiye with shares of 87% for tablet cases and invitations, 73% for tablet screen protectors, 58% for smartwatch screen protectors, 57% for shoelaces and 56% for smartwatch straps.

Trendyol data also showed that Ankara is one of Trkiye’s major supply centers, particularly for education-related products. Sellers in Ankara alone met more than 63% of nationwide demand for exam preparation sets, shipping more than 7.5 million products to customers over the course of a year.

In addition, more than 1.4 million textbooks and supplementary books and more than 1.2 million activity and educational books were delivered over the past year from Ankara-based sellers to customers across Trkiye.

Ankara also accounted for approximately 57% of nationwide sales in the puzzle category. Children’s fairy tale and story books, novels and educational toys were among the other education-related categories in which sellers from the capital stood out.

The provinces placing the most orders from Ankara-based sellers serving customers across Trkiye were Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Bursa, Kocaeli, Adana, Konya, Mersin and Gaziantep.

Azerbaijani wrestlers reach U-20 World Championship semifinals

Three Azerbaijani wrestlers have advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 U20 World Wrestling Championships being held in Bratislava, Slovakia.

In Greco-Roman wrestling, Aykhan Javadov (60 kg) defeated France’s Magomed Varayev 9-0 in the round of 16 and Brazil’s Pedro Henrique de Souza Rodrigues 6-2 in the quarterfinals. He will face Iran’s Amirali Heydari in the semifinals.

Elmin Aliyev (82 kg) defeated Georgia’s Luka Pipia and Japan’s Rondo Kodama, both by a score of 8-0.

In the quarterfinals, the Azerbaijani wrestler defeated Uzbekistan’s Bekmurod Rustamov under the first-point rule after the bout ended 1-1. Aliyev will face Belarusian Kirill Valevsky in the semifinals.

In women’s wrestling, Zahra Karimzade (72 kg) reached the semifinals after defeating Turkiye’s Ilayda Çin by fall. She will face India’s Tanu Sharma for a place in the final.

Wrestling holds a prominent place in Azerbaijan’s sporting culture and is overseen by the National Wrestling Federation, which was established in 1993.

The country has built an impressive record in wrestling at major international events. At the Rio Olympics, Azerbaijan was among just two nations to improve its medal haul at five successive Olympic Games.

Azerbaijani freestyle wrestlers also delivered a strong performance at the 2020 Individual World Cup in Serbia, securing one silver and one bronze medal. Their results helped Azerbaijan finish third in the overall medal standings, behind Russia and Turkiye.

At the 2022 World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade, Osman Nurmagomedov captured the 92kg freestyle title after defeating a Russian opponent in the final.

Azerbaijan continued its Olympic success at the Paris 2024 Games, where its wrestlers collected three bronze medals. Hasrat Jafarov took bronze in the 67kg Greco-Roman category, while Giorgi Meshvildishvili and Magomedkhan Magomedov finished third in the 125kg and 97kg freestyle events, respectively.

The country has also established itself as an experienced host of international wrestling competitions. Baku, Ganja and other Azerbaijani cities have staged European and World Championships as well as youth tournaments, offering modern sporting facilities and venues capable of accommodating athletes from around the world.

How photography art transforms Azerbaijan’s visual history

August 19 is celebrated around the world as World Photography Day, a day dedicated to an art form that has fundamentally changed the way people document history, preserve memories and see the world around them. The observance was initiated by Australian photographer Korske Ara in 2009 and was first celebrated internationally in 2010.

The date has a direct connection to one of the most important milestones in the history of photography. On August 19, 1839, the French government publicly announced the details of Louis Daguerre’s daguerreotype process after acquiring the rights to the invention and making it available to the public. The invention was presented as a “gift to the world” and helped photography move from an experimental technique toward a technology accessible to a much wider audience.

Daguerre was not, however, the first person to create a permanent photographic image. French inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce had produced one of the earliest surviving permanent photographs in the 1820s. His experiments laid the groundwork for later developments, while Daguerre’s work helped make the process more practical.

The daguerreotype used a silver-coated copper plate to create an exceptionally detailed image. Each photograph was a unique object rather than a negative that could easily be used to produce multiple copies. Despite this limitation, the technique represented a major breakthrough and played a crucial role in the early history of photography.

Photography continued to develop rapidly throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Scientists and inventors experimented with new materials, lenses, chemicals and exposure techniques, gradually making cameras more practical and photographs easier to produce. In 1861, Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell demonstrated an early method of producing a color photograph, marking another important step in the development of the medium.

Another major transformation came with electronic and digital technology. The development of electronic still cameras in the late 20th century eventually paved the way for digital photography, eliminating the need for photographic film and chemical processing. With the arrival of smartphones, photography became part of everyday life, allowing almost anyone to capture and share images within seconds.

Despite the dominance of digital technology, film photography remains popular among many professional and artistic photographers. Some continue to value film for its distinctive texture, colors and grain, as well as for the more deliberate process involved in taking and developing photographs.

Azerbaijan has its own long and fascinating photographic history. Photography in the country dates back to 1861, when panoramic views of Baku Bay were photographed from the sea. Taken by Captain-Lieutenant Alexander (Aleksey) Ulsky, these images are regarded as the earliest known photographs made in present-day Azerbaijan and are considered the first known photographic views of Baku. They are also seen as an important starting point in the development of the country’s photographic tradition.

Photography developed rapidly in Azerbaijan during the second half of the 19th century, particularly as Baku was transformed by the oil boom and emerged as one of the world’s major oil-producing centres. The city’s growing international importance attracted photographers from across Europe and the Russian Empire, whose cameras documented Baku’s expanding streets, architecture, oil fields, industrial facilities, coastline and everyday life. Their work created an invaluable visual record of a city undergoing profound economic and social change.

The emergence of photographic studios further contributed to the popularity of the new medium. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, photography had become an important part of life in Baku, serving both as a commercial service and as a form of artistic expression. Portrait studios preserved images of people from different social backgrounds, while photographers also focused on landscapes, architecture, industry and daily life.

One of the notable figures of early photography in Baku was Alexander Mishon, a French-born photographer who worked in the city and produced numerous images documenting its rapid transformation. His photographs provide a valuable glimpse of Baku at a time when oil wealth was reshaping its architecture, economy and society.

Azerbaijani photographers gradually established their own presence as the profession developed. Among the pioneers was Azizbala Hajiyev, whose work is regarded as an important part of the country’s early professional photographic tradition. His photographic equipment is preserved at the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan, offering a tangible connection to the early development of photography in the country.

Over the decades, photography became an important means of preserving Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage and documenting major historical events. Photographers captured changing cities and villages, traditional customs, prominent personalities, industrial development and important moments in the country’s modern history. During the 20th century, photography also became increasingly important in journalism, documentary work and the visual arts.

Photography has never been limited to art or personal memories. It plays an important role in journalism, science, education, architecture, advertising and historical research. A photograph can record an event, preserve a disappearing tradition or show how a city has changed over generations. In Azerbaijan, historical photographs are particularly valuable because they provide a visual record of the country’s transformation from the oil boom of the 19th century through the dramatic events of the 20th century and into the modern era.

Many early photographs of Azerbaijan are now preserved in museums, archives and private collections. They show how Baku and other parts of the country looked, how people lived and dressed, and how society changed over time. In this sense, the history of photography in Azerbaijan is also a visual history of the country itself.

Perhaps that is what makes photography so enduring. A photograph can be artistic, documentary, personal or historical, sometimes all at once. It can preserve a face, a building, a landscape or a fleeting moment long after the original scene has disappeared.

World Photography Day is therefore more than a celebration of cameras and photographers. It is a reminder of the power of an image to preserve memory and tell a story. Whether taken with a professional camera, an old film camera or a smartphone, a photograph captured today may one day become part of the history of our time.

Baku to host fifth SALAM International Youth Film Festival

The 5th anniversary edition of the SALAM International Youth Film Festival will be held from August 24 to 27 at the Nizami Cinema Center in Baku.

The festival is organized by the Narimanfilm studio with the support of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Azerbaijan Film Agency (ARKA).

PASHA Holding is the general sponsor of the festival, while the Nine Senses Art Center is the special partner of the cultural and educational program, according to the organizers.

Grand Opening

The official opening ceremony will take place on August 24 at the Nizami Cinema Center, where the Indonesian film “Tegar” will also be screened.

The film tells the story of a boy who, despite developmental challenges and difficulties in life, seeks to explore the world independently, make friends, dream and lead an active, fulfilling life.

The actor who plays the lead role will attend the event. His participation is particularly significant, as Tegar’s story addresses issues of acceptance, inner strength, independence and every child’s right to be a full member of society regardless of physical or other differences.

Festival participants will have the opportunity not only to watch the story on the big screen but also to meet its main character in person. His example demonstrates how active, fulfilling and meaningful life can be when people see a person first and foremost for who they are, recognizing their abilities, dreams and goals.

SALAM Film Festival’s Goals and Objectives

The festival serves as an international cultural and educational platform bringing together children and teenagers from different countries, filmmakers, actors and representatives of the creative industries.

This year, the festival will bring together 440 children and teenagers. Guests and delegations from several countries, including Turkiye, Moldova and Indonesia, will travel to Baku. The festival program will feature films from Azerbaijan, Indonesia, China, Poland, Norway and the United States.

Over four festival days, participants will attend international film screenings, meetings with actors and filmmakers, master classes, discussions, special educational events and a cultural program.

One of SALAM’s key features is that children are not simply spectators. They will have the opportunity to discuss the films they watch, meet their creators, ask questions, take part in discussions and form their own views on the issues explored in contemporary cinema.

One of the festival’s central themes is mutual respect and acceptance.

Particular attention will be given to relationships between children and teenagers, mutual respect, acceptance of individuality and being attentive to one another.

The festival seeks to use cinema not only to introduce younger audiences to world cinema but also to create an open and meaningful dialogue about relationships among teenagers, acceptance, empathy, respect for individuality and responsibility toward one another. During meetings and discussions, participants will also be able to address situations young people may encounter in everyday life, including rejection, psychological pressure and bullying.

International Cinema and Live Interaction

The anniversary program will introduce participants to cinema from different countries and cultures. International delegations, filmmakers, actors and special guests are also expected to visit Baku.

For SALAM, it is important that the experience of watching a film does not end with the closing credits. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss films, meet their creators and characters, ask questions, take part in master classes and discussions, and exchange opinions with their peers.

In this way, cinema becomes a universal language of international dialogue, allowing young people to discover different cultures, perspectives and life experiences from around the world.

Special meetings and discussions with invited guests will also be held as part of the festival.

One of the special guests will be Leonid Klyots, a well-known theater actor and performer at the Kaluga Drama Theatre, who has more than 25 years of stage experience. His participation in the festival has been organized as part of SALAM’s cooperation with the Nine Senses Art Center.

Klyots will hold a special meeting with young SALAM participants focusing on communication, mutual respect, acceptance of individuality and relationships among teenagers. The meeting will provide a space for live dialogue, allowing teenagers to ask questions, discuss situations faced by their generation, share their thoughts and reflect on the importance of respecting another person’s individuality.

The focus on mutual respect and acceptance is part of SALAM’s broader mission to help young people better understand one another through cinema, art and direct communication, embrace differences and contribute to a culture of thoughtful and respectful relationships.

Cinemarathon Takes Participants from Ideas to Their Own Films

Another important part of the festival’s educational program will be Cinemarathon, a practical initiative through which children will be able to experience the entire process of making their own short films.

Participants will be divided into teams and, over the four days of the festival, will go through all stages of creating a short film, from receiving a theme and developing an idea to filming and independently editing their projects.

Four mentors will work with the teams, providing practical filmmaking sessions and guiding participants through different stages of the creative process. They will help the young filmmakers turn their initial ideas into completed screen projects.

Cinemarathon will allow children not only to gain practical experience in filmmaking but also to learn how to work as a team, divide creative responsibilities, make decisions under time constraints and take responsibility for a shared result.

The short films created by the teams will be screened on the big screen at the conclusion of the festival. The participants’ works will be evaluated, and the best projects will receive awards in special categories.

SALAM Festival for Children from Different Backgrounds

One of the important aspects of SALAM’s social mission is to ensure that children with different social and life experiences have access to the festival’s cultural and educational program.

This year, special participants will include children from social support institutions as well as children from socially vulnerable backgrounds.

Like other participants, they will be able to attend international film screenings, master classes, meetings with guests, educational events and cultural activities.

For SALAM, it is important to create an environment in which a child’s social circumstances do not become a barrier to access to culture, education, communication and new opportunities.

The festival aims to bring together children with different life experiences in one shared space where every participant is considered a full part of the dialogue.

Five Years of SALAM

In 2026, the SALAM International Youth Film Festival will celebrate its first major anniversary, marking its fifth edition.

Over the past five years, SALAM has established an international platform in Azerbaijan where children and teenagers can discover world cinema and meet peers from different countries, interact with representatives of the film industry, discuss issues important to their generation and gain new cultural and educational experiences.

During this period, the festival has developed its own philosophy, in which cinema goes beyond simply watching films and becomes a tool for communication, reflection, education and international cultural exchange.

In its anniversary year, SALAM will continue to develop this mission, expand its international program, welcome new guests and focus particular attention on socially significant issues affecting today’s younger generation.

Cooperation with the Nine Senses Art Center, the special partner of the festival’s cultural and educational program, will have a prominent place in this year’s edition. The partnership includes cultural and educational meetings for young participants and strengthens SALAM’s core values of mutual respect, acceptance and creative development.

SALAM is a space where children from different countries meet through cinema, communicate with one another and learn to better understand each other.

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