150th Anniversary of Azerbaijani National Press
Idman.biz reports that 150 years have passed since the establishment of the Azerbaijani national press.
July 22, the day the newspaper Akinchi, founded by Hasan bey Zardabi, began publication, has been celebrated as National Press Day in Azerbaijan since 1991.
Although only 56 issues of Akinchi were published between July 22, 1875, and September 1877, the paper played an invaluable role in the formation and development of the Azerbaijani national press. With its mission rooted in enlightenment, Akinchi quickly gained popularity among both the intelligentsia and the general public. Notably, many prominent intellectuals and writers of the time regularly contributed articles to the paper. However, Akinchi had a short life. The Russian Empire grew wary of the newspaper’s influence in raising public awareness and fostering political engagement, eventually ceasing its publication.
Since then, despite going through various periods of decline and revival, the Azerbaijani press has continued to serve as a mirror reflecting societal developments.
The abolition of censorship in August 1998 significantly boosted media development in Azerbaijan.
On August 16, 1998, President Heydar Aliyev issued a decree titled On Measures to Ensure Freedom of Speech, Thought, and Information in the Republic of Azerbaijan, which formally abolished censorship. This decree not only accelerated the growth of mass media but also laid the foundation for a comprehensive State Program aimed at enhancing the efficiency of media.
Today, numerous newspapers and magazines are published across the country, and online journalism is also on the rise.
The regular celebration of national press anniversaries, one-time financial assistance to media outlets, improvements in journalists’ social welfare, and state honors awarded to journalists for their contributions are all reflections of the state's support for the press and its workers.
Under decrees issued by the President to strengthen the social protection of Azerbaijani media professionals, two residential buildings have been constructed for journalists. In both 2013 and 2017, President Ilham Aliyev participated in apartment distribution ceremonies at the journalist housing complexes on National Press Day.
The enshrinement of freedom of speech and press as fundamental principles in the Constitution of Azerbaijan has encouraged the formation of an independent and robust media as a pillar of civil society. Undoubtedly, the main drivers and contributors to these achievements are Azerbaijani journalists themselves.
On April 25, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Azerbaijani national press.
Idman.biz
