Azerbaijani media is set to further expand its influence within the global information space while remaining committed to its core principles of patriotism, national solidarity, and the defense of national interests. This was stated by Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account marking the July 22 National Press Day.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Hajiyev highlighted the historical significance of the date, noting that the Azerbaijani press, founded in 1875 by the prominent educator Hasan bey Zardabi, serves as a testament to patriotism and dedication to statehood. He credited the media policy initiated by National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the mid-1990s for establishing a foundation for freedom of speech and professional journalism in Azerbaijan, a policy that has been successfully continued to meet modern challenges.
Hajiyev further underscored the media's pivotal role during the 44-day Patriotic War, where it acted as a unified voice in conveying Azerbaijan's position to the international community and countering disinformation campaigns. He cited President Ilham Aliyev, who has previously praised the media for gaining international prestige and for its ability to defend state interests, stating: "Our media is not only defending state interests but is also capable of going on the offensive when necessary."
The development of the Azerbaijani press is deeply rooted in the country's history, tracing back to the publication of "Ekinchi," the first newspaper in the Azerbaijani language. Since the restoration of independence, the media landscape in Azerbaijan has undergone significant transformation, transitioning from traditional print to a robust digital and multimedia environment. Today, the sector is increasingly focused on digitalization, the integration of artificial intelligence, and maintaining a competitive edge in the global information arena, ensuring that the country's narrative is accurately represented on the world stage.
