Azerbaijani press marks 150 years of history and progress

[ad_1] BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. Right this moment marks the a hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Azerbaijani nationwide press, Development stories.

The founder, editor, and proofreader of the newspaper that made a strong affect throughout the Caucasus within the late nineteenth century was Hasan bey Zardabi — a pioneering determine in Azerbaijan’s enlightenment motion and a pure scientist. Outstanding intellectuals akin to Mirza Fatali Akhundzade, Seyid Azim Shirvani, Najaf bey Vazirov, Asgar Agha Gorani, and others additionally performed a key position in shaping this publication.

Though solely 56 problems with Akinchi have been revealed between July 22, 1875, and September 1877, the newspaper had a profound affect on the emergence and improvement of Azerbaijan’s nationwide press. Devoted primarily to instructional content material, Akinchi shortly gained reputation amongst each intellectuals and most of the people. Nevertheless, its run was short-lived. The Tsarist authorities, alarmed by its affect on public consciousness and engagement in political life, finally shut it down. Regardless of this, main thinkers of the time used Akinchi as a platform to advertise democratic and enlightenment concepts, contributing considerably to the nation’s mental and cultural improvement.

Since then, the Azerbaijani press has gone by way of durations of decline and revival, persistently reflecting society’s perspective on key developments.

The expansion of the nationwide media is intently tied to the title of Nationwide Chief Heydar Aliyev. His return to energy in 1993 — on the robust urging of the folks — opened a brand new chapter for the press in Azerbaijan.

In 1998, Heydar Aliyev abolished state censorship, laying the basis for freedom of speech and press in Azerbaijan — a transfer that gave main momentum to the nation’s media sector.

Heydar Aliyev’s dedication to supporting the press and journalists has been carried ahead by President Ilham Aliyev. Right this moment, freedom of expression and media is absolutely assured in Azerbaijan. It’s no coincidence that the nation now has a large vary of newspapers and magazines, together with a rising digital media panorama. The development of contemporary data applied sciences has built-in Azerbaijani media into the worldwide data community.

In March 2009, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree establishing the State Assist Fund for Mass Media below the Presidential Administration. The aim of the fund was to foster an surroundings of free thought, speech, and data, and to present assist for media shops that serve the general public curiosity.

The fashionable period has additionally made it obligatory to enhance the authorized framework surrounding media. With speedy globalization within the media area, updating laws grew to become a well timed and strategic transfer. At President Ilham Aliyev’s path, complete work was carried out to reform media laws. Because of this, a brand new regulation titled “On Media” was drafted. Beneath a decree signed on January 12, 2021 — “On Deepening Reforms within the Media Sector within the Republic of Azerbaijan” — the Media Improvement Company (MEDIA) was established, changing the earlier State Assist Fund. This new company is anticipated to speed up and strengthen media reforms within the nation.

Azerbaijan’s dedication to the press can be evident in its assist for journalists: from celebrating media anniversaries and offering monetary help to shops, to enhancing journalists’ social safety and housing situations.

The Azerbaijani media performed a significant position in each the First and Second Karabakh Wars, fulfilling its tasks with professionalism and braveness. Throughout the 44-day Patriotic Struggle, the media stood on the forefront of the data battle, countering enemy propaganda and delivering the reality about Azerbaijan to each home and worldwide audiences. That mission continues immediately within the post-war interval.

The media performs an energetic position in broadcasting each assertion and declaration made by President Ilham Aliyev — the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief — in regards to the now-resolved Karabakh battle and the realities within the liberated territories.

Throughout and after the 44-day struggle, journalists made important contributions to telling Azerbaijan’s story to the world. Their professionalism, dedication, and swift reporting helped expose Armenian struggle crimes and convey the reality in regards to the battle. President Ilham Aliyev himself performed a number one position on this effort, giving greater than 30 interviews to worldwide media shops in the course of the struggle — an important think about making certain world consciousness of Azerbaijan’s realities.

Even immediately, within the ongoing data struggle, Azerbaijani journalists proceed to differentiate themselves with their patriotism and professionalism. Throughout the struggle, many reported straight from the entrance traces, whereas additionally taking part in nationwide mobilization efforts. A number of journalists have been awarded medals for their service in the course of the Karabakh battles — a strong reflection of the nation’s respect and belief in its media professionals.