Here's a natural English version of your sentence: The International Democrat Union brought Azerbaijani journalists together for a breakfast meeting

July 25, 2026, 09:09 9 views

Turkish Embassy and UID Azerbaijan Host Event Marking the 151st Anniversary of Azerbaijani National Press

An event dedicated to the 151st anniversary of the Azerbaijani National Press was jointly organized by the Press Counsellor's Office of the Embassy of Türkiye in Azerbaijan and the International Democrats Union (UID) Azerbaijan.

According to Musavat.com, Deputy Chairman of UID Azerbaijan Region Ramazan Karaşahin warmly welcomed members of the media and shared his thoughts on the anniversary of the Azerbaijani National Press.

He noted that the Press Counsellor's Office of the Embassy of Türkiye in Azerbaijan and UID Azerbaijan had decided to bring together a group of media representatives, reflect on the distinguished history of Azerbaijani journalism, and celebrate the occasion together.

On behalf of UID, Karaşahin congratulated Azerbaijani journalists on the 151st anniversary of the national press, expressing his hope that the country's media would continue to develop independently and become an influential voice capable of expressing its position on international platforms.

He recalled that the history of the Azerbaijani national press began with the publication of the country's first newspaper, Akinchi, founded by Hasan bey Zardabi, and has since undergone remarkable development.

"Beginning with pen and paper, journalism evolved through the eras of printing presses, machinery, computers, and digital technologies. Today, Azerbaijani media is embracing artificial intelligence and advancing to a level where it can compete globally by delivering faster and more accurate news. Throughout history, the press has played a vital role in informing society, shaping public opinion, safeguarding national unity, and protecting the country's independence. Just as statesmen defend their nations, the media also defends the country by ensuring the public receives accurate and reliable information," he said.

Karaşahin emphasized that this role became especially evident during the Second Karabakh War, when Azerbaijani and Turkish media played a significant role in presenting Azerbaijan's legitimate position to the international community through accurate reporting and responsible journalism.

The UID Azerbaijan deputy chairman also introduced participants to the organization's activities in support of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and the wider Turkic world. He explained that UID was founded in Germany as a civil society organization focused primarily on strengthening the Turkish diaspora rather than pursuing commercial interests.

"Today, we have regional offices, hundreds of branches, and thousands of members across the world. One of the key reasons for our growth has been the support of the media. Regardless of how valuable the work of a civil society organization may be, it cannot achieve broad impact without effectively using the internet, social media, and traditional media. Thanks to these tools, we have become one of the strongest organizations representing the Turkish diaspora worldwide," he said.

Karaşahin added that UID is actively engaged in protecting the rights of Turkic communities around the world, including Uyghurs, Uzbeks, Azerbaijanis, and other Turkic peoples. In Azerbaijan, the organization continues its activities under the principle of "One Nation, Two States," implementing projects aimed at preserving national identity, cultural values, and traditions, particularly among young people and women.

"We can only achieve these goals with the support of the media, whose importance continues to grow with every passing year," he stressed.

Karaşahin also thanked Cihangir İşbilir, Press Counsellor at the Embassy of Türkiye in Azerbaijan, for his significant contribution to organizing the event and supporting the organization's activities.

He stated that UID Azerbaijan would continue organizing conferences and cultural events promoting Azerbaijani history and heritage while presenting the country's legitimate position to international audiences in different languages.

"We will continue introducing Azerbaijan to people around the world. Today's gathering marks an important anniversary, and in the future we hope to organize similar events in various regions of Azerbaijan, strengthening both regional solidarity and public awareness. Our doors are always open to members of the media," he said.

Later in the event, Cihangir İşbilir congratulated Azerbaijani journalists on National Press Day and wished UID Azerbaijan continued success.

He highlighted the important role played by TRT and Anadolu Agency in Azerbaijan's media landscape, noting that they should be regarded not as foreign media organizations but as part of the country's national media family.

"Although we are two states, when necessary we act as one. Our media also possesses the potential to function as a united media platform. While challenges occasionally arise in the field of information, we overcome them together through close cooperation," İşbilir said.

He emphasized that media cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan has continued to strengthen since the era of Hasan bey Zardabi and pointed to the historical ties between the two countries' journalism traditions. He recalled that Anadolu Agency, founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during Türkiye's War of Independence, had its first Chairman of the Board, Ahmad bey Agaoglu, who was originally from Shusha.

Referring to the period following Azerbaijan's victory in the Patriotic War, İşbilir noted that the establishment of the Türkiye-Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform after the Shusha Declaration marked a new stage in bilateral media cooperation.

"We continue working together to further strengthen this cooperation. I believe that thanks to dedicated and professional journalists like you, our Joint Media Platform will become even stronger," he said.

The new head of TRT Azerbaijan, Safa Burak Bozay, began his remarks by saying, "I am also of Azerbaijani origin, which makes me feel especially close to you. Happy National Press Day to all of you."

Bozay, whose family originates from the Azerbaijani community of Iğdır, expressed his intention to develop joint projects and increase mutual awareness between Türkiye and Azerbaijan through social media and other media initiatives.

"I hope we can work together on meaningful projects that will introduce Azerbaijan more closely to Türkiye and Türkiye to Azerbaijan," he said.

UID Azerbaijan's Head of Promotion, Media and Information Technologies, Zekai Arabaci, also addressed the gathering, congratulating Azerbaijani journalists and outlining the organization's future initiatives.

A highlight of the event was a telephone address by CNN Türk presenter Fulya Öztürk, who earned widespread respect in Azerbaijan for her extensive coverage of the 44-day Patriotic War and her efforts to raise international awareness of the realities in Karabakh. She congratulated Azerbaijani journalists on their professional holiday and spoke about the important responsibilities facing the country's media.

Representatives of Yeni Musavat also extended their congratulations on the anniversary of the Azerbaijani National Press, emphasizing that Hasan bey Zardabi's establishment of Akinchi laid not only the foundation for the national press but also contributed to the intellectual movement that ultimately led to the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

They also highlighted the important role media representatives should continue to play in promoting the interests of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and the broader Turkic world. Recalling the successful mobilization of Turkish media and diaspora organizations in raising international awareness about Karabakh, they stressed the importance of making similar collective efforts to support the international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.