Presidential aide congratulates Azerbaijani media on National Press Day PHOTO

Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, extended his congratulations to media representatives on the occasion of National Press Day, celebrated annually on July 22.

In a heartfelt message shared on his social media account on X, Hajiyev highlighted the significant journey of the Azerbaijani press. "I congratulate all my colleagues on National Press Day. Our national press, celebrating its 149th anniversary, has gone through a long, glorious, and responsible path of development," Caliber.Az quotes him as saying.

22 iyul Milli Mətbuat Günü münasibətilə bütün həmkarları təbrik edirəm. 149-cu ildönümünü qeyd edən Milli Mətbuatımız uzun, şərəfli və məsuliyyətli inkişaf yolu keçmişdir. ⁦@MediaGovAz⁩ pic.twitter.com/ffwgNRAYZz

— Hikmet Hajiyev (@HikmetHajiyev) July 22, 2024

Today marks 149 years since the establishment of Azerbaijan's national press. On July 22, 1875, the first Azerbaijani newspaper, Akinchi (The Cultivator), was launched by Hasan Bey Zardabi, a key figure in the Azerbaijani national enlightenment movement. Since 1991, this date has been celebrated as National Press Day in Azerbaijan.

Hasan Bey Zardabi, a noted naturalist and scientist, served as the publisher, editor, and proofreader of Akinchi. His pioneering work in journalism and his dedication to enlightening the public had a profound impact on the Caucasus region at the end of the 19th century. The newspaper was instrumental in advancing the national press, despite its brief run of just 56 issues from July 22, 1875, to September 1877.

Akinchi was not only a vehicle for enlightenment but also gained significant popularity among both the intelligentsia and the general public. The newspaper's influence was bolstered by the contributions of other notable intellectuals, including Mirza Fatali Akhundzade, Seyyid Azim Shirvani, Najaf Bey Vazirov, and Asgar Agha Gorani, who supported and enriched its content.

The legacy of Akinchi is a testament to the vital role of the press in the development of Azerbaijani society. Its establishment marked the beginning of a rich tradition of journalism in Azerbaijan, underscoring the importance of the press in fostering knowledge, dialogue, and progress.

National Press Day not only commemorates the historic launch of Akinchi but also celebrates the ongoing contributions of the Azerbaijani media, reflecting on its growth and the crucial role it plays in the country's democratic and social life.