Baku: APA Media Group Director General Vusala Mahirgizi has penned a comprehensive article for Trkiye’s Anadolu Agency, detailing the 150-year history of the Azerbaijani press.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, the article titled “The 150-Year Journey of Azerbaijani Media – from Akinchi to Shusha” explores the evolution of media in Azerbaijan, beginning with the establishment of the first newspaper, Akinchi, in 1875 by Hasan bey Zardabi.
In the early 19th century, affluent Azerbaijanis began sending their children to receive a Western education, leading to the emergence of intellectuals aiming to enlighten the local populace despite the oppressive Tsarist regime. By the late 19th century, Azerbaijani intellectuals capitalized on minor reforms by Tsarist Russia to establish schools and cultural movements. Hasan bey Zardabi’s Akinchi, released on July 22, 1875, marked the dawn of the Azerbaijani press and a new era in the nation’s social, political, and cultural realms.
Akinchi, initially aimed at educating peasants on agricultural practices, became a cornerstone of Azerbaijani intellectual thought, inspiring subsequent publications like “Ziya”, “Kashkul”, and “Fyuzat”. The “Molla Nasreddin” period followed, further nurturing the Republic idea, culminating in the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic’s short-lived freedom and the creation of various politically inclined publications.
The arrival of the Soviet regime ushered in an era of censorship, stifling Azerbaijan’s social and political life and reshaping the press as a propagandist tool. Despite these challenges, Azerbaijani Turkish publications endured, preserving the literary language and journalistic traditions amidst strict censorship and the rise of Russian-language newspapers.
The dissolution of the Soviet Union in the late 20th century heralded the end of state-controlled media in Azerbaijan. The newspaper “Azerbaijan” reclaimed its historical name, and new publications like “Meydan” and “Cumhuriyet” emerged. A pivotal decree by National Leader Heydar Aliyev in 1998 eradicated press censorship, fostering media freedom, the growth of critical journalism, and the formation of an advertising market. The Press Council was established as a self-governing body, marking a new chapter for Azerbaijani media.
In recent years, Azerbaijani media has embarked on a strategic transformation, bolstered by the victory in Karabakh. The media landscape has expanded, and Azerbaijani outlets have become primary references for international news on Azerbaijan. Digitalization is at the forefront, as evidenced by the III Shusha Global Media Forum, which has gained global recognition. President Ilham Aliyev commended Azerbaijani media’s ability to protect state interests and counter negative campaigns at the forum, underscoring the media’s evolution into a formidable force.
The Patriotic War further cemented the media bond between Trkiye and Azerbaijan, with Turkish journalists standing alongside Azerbaijani counterparts during the conflict. The Shusha Declaration and the establishment of the Trkiye-Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform in 2022 solidified this media alliance. Joint efforts during Trkiye’s major earthquake showcased the emotional and professional synergy between the two nations’ media, emphasizing the importance of a united front against external interference.
The combined media influence of Trkiye and Azerbaijan presents a geographical advantage, extending from Turkic-speaking countries to Eastern Europe and Africa. To further strengthen this alliance, expanding the news network among Organization of Turkic States (OTS) members and creating a joint news database should be prioritized, ensuring robust information security for both nations.