The newspaper “Ekinchi”, which Hasan bey Zardabi, an outstanding representative of the intelligentsia and publicist, began to publish in the Azerbaijani language 145 years ago - July 22, 1875, went down in history as the first example of our national press and an important event in the socio-political life of Azerbaijan of that period. Having enriched itself with numerous publications in the following years, our national press made a significant contribution to the development of the Azerbaijani literary language and the educational movement; it has contributed greatly to the formation of national identity and the ideology of independence, the promotion of innovative ideas.

After the formation of the Azerbaijan People Republic in 1918, our press entered a new stage of development, thanks to its activities it became an active participant in the process of building an independent state, played an important role in disseminating ideas of independence, as well as preserving and promoting national and spiritual values.

In Azerbaijan, which restored state independence in the 90s of the last century, there are wide opportunities for the formation and development of modern media. As a result of fundamental reforms that have embraced all spheres of society’s life since 1993 under the leadership of national leader Heydar Aliyev, censorship has been eliminated in the country, other artificial obstacles restricting freedom of speech and press, a progressive legislative framework has been created to regulate media activities, and consistent measures have been taken aimed at solving their problems, strengthening economic independence, increasing the role in the construction of civil society.

The ongoing systemic reforms, the application of social innovations based on the principles of transparency and satisfaction of citizens, the quality transformations taking place in the field of governance, public control and the expansion of the atmosphere of political dialogue are the most important areas of building a modern state in dynamically developing Azerbaijan.

The development in our country of independent, strong media that can build their activities on the level of the requirements of the time, as well as tied to the traditions of statehood and guided by the national interests of our people, is constantly in the spotlight as one of the priority tasks. At the same time, the media should also not be left behind the fundamental reforms being carried out in our country; they need to adapt to the principles of activity defined by the global information environment at present, during the rapid development of communication technologies, to further intensify efforts in the field of objective and professionally informing our society. Modernization, rationalism, objectivity, creativity, the widespread use of advanced technologies, monitoring leading trends should become the most important factors determining the development of media.

In order to preserve and promote the traditions of the national press in the Azerbaijan Republic, taking into account the place of the media in the public and political life of our country and their role in the process of building a modern society, being guided by clause 32 of article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I decide:

1. Celebrate widely in our country the 145th anniversary of the Azerbaijani national press.

2. Entrust the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan:

2.1. Enforce anniversary events taking into account the requirements of the special quarantine regime introduced in the Republic of Azerbaijan in connection with the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and the recommendations of the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

2.2. Based on the proposals of journalistic organizations and editorial offices, within one month to submit to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan proposals on rewarding journalists who have special merit in the development of the Azerbaijani national press.

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku city, June 30, 2020.