1. Cultural policy system
Azerbaijan
Last update: October, 2021
The national cultural policy of the Republic of Azerbaijan is developed based on universal values and the national history of statehood and culture. It aligns with principles of cultural policy, such as promoting identity and diversity, supporting creativity, engaging in cultural life, and respecting artistic rights and ethics. Due to general development and the establishment of an independent state policy, the Concept of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, approved by Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan No.273, dated 14 February 2014, has created a systematic approach to understanding the main cultural policy objectives at the highest executive level in the field of culture. Thus, the national cultural policy implemented in recent years involves adjusting the mechanisms of cultural policy provision to meet the actual requirements of cultural activity, which primarily implies the improvement and further development of culture:
- Legislation (national, international, copyright);
- Financing (public budget, paid cultural services, fundraising);
- Administration (public institutions, creative unions, private enterprises);
- Information (research, databases, mass media);
- Human resources (education and training, social security, encouragement);
- Infrastructure (buildings, equipment, supply);
- International cooperation (multilateral, bilateral, diaspora).
In this regard, it is worth noting that the national cultural policy is based on a model of harmonious development rooted in historical continuity. This perspective is essential for establishing a comprehensive approach to practical integrating artefacts from various eras of the history of Azerbaijani culture, in which ttraditional folk creativity coexists with contemporary artistic innovations, the rock paintings of Gobustan and Nakhchivan, which date back tens of thousands of years, coexist with the first opera and ballet in the East, classical mugham and the art of ashiq alongside symphonic mugham and jazz mugham, as well as cinema that emerged in Azerbaijan in the 19th century, along with various creative cultural technologies. These and many other cultural expressions are alive and evolving, requiring increased attention and responsibility toward future generations.
In light of this, a temporal "yesterday-today-tomorrow" approach has been incorporated into the current national cultural policy. Consequently, the various manifestations of culture are typically categorised as follows:
- cultural heritage, which includes tangible immovable, movable, and intangible heritage;
- professional arts, comprising music, theatre, and fine arts; and
- creative cultural industries, covering cinematography, publishing, and cross-sectoral industries.
The temporal classification provides opportunities for targeted and qualified development of state programs, setting specific tasks and monitoring key performance indicators.
Along with the above, the national cultural policy is not content with what has been achieved: it is constantly developing, comprehending, and rethinking itself in connection with rapidly changing global trends and new prospects for the country's development, especially after the restoration of the internationally recognised territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This is evidenced by the Public Forums organised in 2023 as part of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, and addressing various spheres of culture, such as the Theatre Forum (April 11-12, 2023), the Cinema Forum (April 20-21, 2023), the Azerbaijani Language and Literature Forum (September 2-4, 2023), the Music Forum (October 29-31, 2023), the Culture and Creative Industries Forum (November 28-30, 2023) and the Cultural Heritage Forum (December 18-20, 2023), with impressive statistics on professional engagement: over 5,000 participants, including eminent persons from corresponding spheres, over 150 reports on relevant topics across within more than 30 panel discussions, 250+ proposals, and so on.
The draft "Azerbaijani Culture - 2040" Concept of the Republic of Azerbaijan, developed by the Ministry of Culture, is one of the key outcomes of the public discussions. Based on a detailed analysis of global trends and the current situation and following the proposed goals and objectives, the draft "Azerbaijani Culture - 2040" Concept puts forward the eight main activity priorities for the cultural policy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to be implemented in a systematic, sustainable and interconnected manner such as Management in the field of Culture; Azerbaijani Language; Culture of Behavior and Culture of Knowledge; Literature; Art; Cultural Heritage; Creative Cultural Industries and Cultural Diplomacy.
To ensure the implementation of the Concept of the Republic of Azerbaijan “Culture of Azerbaijan - 2040”, it is planned to develop and fulfil the following primary executive documents:
- “Azerbaijani Language” – a state program on development, promotion and dissemination of the Azerbaijani language as an organic component of culture;
- “National Literature” – a state program on the development of literature;
- “National Art” – a state program on the development of art;
- “Culture of Behaviour and Culture of Knowledge” – a state program on the development of the culture of behaviour and the culture of knowledge;
- “National Heritage” – a state program for the protection and development of the cultural and natural heritage of Azerbaijan;
- “Creative Azerbaijan” – a state program for the development of cultural and creative industries in general;
- “Development of the Audiovisual Industry” – a state program focused on cinematography, other audiovisual content, and related activities.
Historical background for the past 70 years
1950-1960. Azerbaijan was part of the USSR, which occupied and liquidated the first secular parliamentary state in the East, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918-1920). These were the years of transition to a political thaw. As a result, in 1953, the Ministry of Culture of the Azerbaijan SSR was established with minor powers.
1961-1970. The first signs of rejection of socialist realism's principles became visible at the end of the 1950s and the beginning of the 1960s. Since that period, the arts have gradually begun to emancipate themselves from the control of Soviet ideology.
1971-1980. Large-scale measures were taken to develop the economy, and numerous industrial enterprises were created in Azerbaijan. As a result, the republic obtained funding for culture and the arts, fostering an influential creative environment.
1981-1990. A powerful surge of national and cultural awareness, which soviet tanks were trying to crush on January 20, 1990, in the streets of Baku.
1991-2000. October 18, 1991, marks the day Azerbaijan regained its independence as the Republic of Azerbaijan. At the same time, it was the years of destruction of the historical and cultural heritage and infrastructure in the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenia, backed by third countries. The National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, returned to power in Azerbaijan at the people's request in 1993. Formation of independent statehood.
2001-2010. Years of establishing modern national cultural policy. Active cooperation with UNESCO, the Council of Europe, ICESCO and other international organisations.
2011-2020. The Republic of Azerbaijan initiates numerous international cultural programs and events and has become a serious global cultural and political player. The internationally recognised territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan was restored on November 10, 2020, which also meant restoring the country's cultural integrity.
2021-present. The Great Return to the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Last update: October, 2021
Source: The Ministry for Culture, 2021.
Source: The Ministry for Culture, 2021.
Last update: October, 2021
The Republic of Azerbaijan is a democratic, law-based, secular, unitary republic. The only source of state power in the Republic of Azerbaijan is the people of Azerbaijan. The Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, approved by a general referendum on November 12, 1995, establishes the principle of division of powers: the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Parliament) exercises legislative power, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan exercises executive power, and the Constitutional, Supreme and other law courts exercise judicial power.
The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the head of the state. He represents the state of Azerbaijan both within the country and in its foreign relations, embodies the unity of the Azerbaijani people, and ensures the continuity of Azerbaijani statehood. The President guarantees the independence and territorial integrity of the Azerbaijani state, as well as compliance with international treaties to which the Republic of Azerbaijan is a party, and ensures the independence of the judiciary. The President is elected for a 7-year term through general, direct, and equal elections, with a free, personal, and secret ballot. When establishing general rules, the President issues decrees and, on other matters, orders. The President appoints the Prime Minister with the consent of the Milli Majlis and establishes the Cabinet of Ministers to implement executive powers.
The Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan is a one-chamber body comprising 125 deputies, elected through direct elections for a five-year term. The Culture Committee of the Milli Majlis is responsible for providing legislative support for the state's cultural policy by drafting laws concerning culture, including language, literature, the arts, museums, theatres, cinema, design, architecture, urban planning and development, library services, archival activities, and the protection of cultural heritage. The Committee also provides opinions on relevant draft laws that have already been submitted.
The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the courts of appeal, general courts and other specialised courts of the Republic of Azerbaijan implement judicial power. Judicial power is exercised through constitutional, civil and criminal proceedings and other means prescribed by law.
The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan prepares the draft state budget and submits it to the President; ensures the implementation of the state budget, financial credit and monetary policy, state economic programs and state social security programs; manages ministries and other central executive bodies; resolves other issues attributed to its powers by the President. The Cabinet of Ministers adopts decisions when establishing general rules and orders in other matters.
The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the central executive body responsible for implementing state policy and regulations in the fields of culture, art, history, and the protection of cultural monuments, as well as publishing and cinematography. The Ministry of Culture manages the cultural sphere at a centralised and local level. The management of enterprises located in the regions (except for theatres and cinemas) is under the direct control of the regional cultural departments and indirectly under the relevant structural units of the ministry. Cultural institutions and organisations located in Baku that are of national importance and non-duplicated (for example, the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum and the Azerbaijan National Library) are under the direct control and management of the relevant structural units of the ministry.
The State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan was established by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (No.409 of December 18, 2014). The State Service is the executive authority exercising state control in the field of protection of cultural heritage, use of immovable historical and cultural objects (monuments and reserves) under state protection, and their restoration, reconstruction, conservation and reconstruction, except for those under the jurisdiction of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Administration of State Historical-Architectural Reserve "Icherisheher", and the Shusha City State Reserve Department.
"The Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan" (ARKA) was established under the authority of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan by Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (No.1667 of April 20, 2022). The Cinema Agency is a public legal entity engaged in local and joint film production, promoting cinematographic culture, encouraging the activities of cinematographic enterprises and film industry participants, applying new information and communication technologies and innovations in cinematography, and integrating Azerbaijani cinematography into the global film industry.
Last update: April, 2025
Sixteen regional departments of culture in direct subordination to the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan were established by merging and enlarging the previous 64 dual (with city/district executive authorities) subordinated city and district departments of culture by Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan On Improving the Structure of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan (No.1932 of March 29, 2016). As a result, the regional management system in the cultural sector evolved into a more transparent and efficient model. Following the liberation of the occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan and in alignment with its economic regions, the number of regional cultural departments within the Ministry of Culture was optimised by Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan No.3766, issued on February 23, 2023. At present, 13 regional departments of culture, including Baku City Culture Head Department and Absheron–Khizi, Mountainous Shirvan, Ganja–Dashkasan, Karabakh, Gazakh–Tovuz, Guba–Khachmaz, Lankaran–Astara, Central Aran, Mil-Mughan, Shaki-Zagatala, East Zangezur, Shirvan–Salyan, are carrying out the direct management of state culture and art institutions of the capital city and the regions.
Five regional departments of the State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan were established by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan On Improving the Activity of the State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan (No.844 of October 22, 2019) to strengthen state control in protecting immovable historical and cultural monuments under state protection and ensure effective management on the regional level. According to this decree, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan has approved the division of territorial affiliation among the Baku, Shabran, Gabala, Ganja, and Salyan regional departments of the State Service.
The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is an integral part of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Accordingly, the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the decrees of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including those in the sphere of culture, are binding within the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan. At the same time, given the constitutional status of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the Ministry of Culture of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is responsible for developing and implementing regional cultural policy within its jurisdiction.
Last update: April, 2025
The Republic of Azerbaijan is administratively divided into 66 districts and 11 cities subordinate to the Republic. The districts are further divided into municipalities. Additionally, seven districts and one city are located within the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Territorial and administrative units are formed according to the Law on the territorial structure and administrative-territorial division (No.892-IQ of June 13, 2000).
The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the central executive body responsible for implementing state cultural policy, manages the state cultural sphere locally through its regional cultural departments and the regional departments of the State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Local state institutions of culture and art, as well as monuments of history and culture, and several historical and cultural reserves, which are part of the Ministry of Culture's system, are funded from the central or regional budgets of the ministry.
Local institutions of culture in the system of the Ministry of Culture act under their model regulations approved by the Decision of the Board of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan (No.6/1 of November 8, 2018), such as:
- The Model Regulations of History and Ethnography Museums;
- The Model Regulations on Centralized Library System;
- The Model Regulations of Children's Schools of Music, Art and Painting;
- The Model Regulations of City (District) Cultural Centres;
- The Model Regulations of City (district) Heydar Aliyev centres;
- The Model Regulations of State Art Galleries operating in the Regions of the Republic; etc.
The Ministry of Culture and its subordinate bodies collaborate with city and district executive authorities and self-government bodies to implement the state cultural policy at the local level. Regulations on local executive authorities (No.648 of June 6, 2012) define the duties of the local executive power in the field of culture as follows:
- Implement the state policy in the field of culture in the relevant area;
- Make proposals on draft state programs for the development of culture and art and ensure the implementation of these programs in the appropriate location;
- Organise the protection of historical, cultural, and natural monuments and cultural heritage sites.
According to Law on the Status of Municipalities (No.698-IQ of July 2, 1999), municipalities may assist in developing cultural institutions and preserving historical and cultural monuments via local social protection and social development programs.
Last update: April, 2025
According to the Concept of State Support to Non-governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (No.2288 of July 27, 2007), developing culture and art is among the priority areas of state support for non-governmental organisations. It is essential to reiterate that, according to the Law on Public Participation (No.816-IVQ of November 22, 2013), provisions are made for citizens' and civil society institutions' involvement in developing and implementing state policy across various sectors of state and social life. It includes participation in decision-making processes at national and local levels as well as in organising public oversight over the activities of central executive power bodies, local executive power, and local self-government bodies as determined by the relevant executive power body.
The Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which has been operating in the fields of education, health, culture, social development, and other areas since 2004, is the country's leading non-governmental actor influencing cultural policy. The Foundation actively participates in the preservation, restoration, and use of cultural values and historical and cultural monuments, as well as the implementation of musical projects and the organisation of art festivals and exhibitions.
The Azerbaijan Writers' Union, the Azerbaijan Composers' Union, the Azerbaijan Artists' Union, the Azerbaijan Theatre Workers' Union, the Azerbaijan Ashiq Union, the Azerbaijan Cinematographers' Union and the Azerbaijan Architects' Union are among the most proactive non-governmental organisations in the field of culture. They play a significant consultative and promotion role in corresponding spheres of culture, arts, and areas concerning ethics and cultural rights.
A public legal entity, the Agency of State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan was established by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (№ 1317 of April 19, 2021) based on the previous Council of State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan functioned from 2007.
The new composition of the Public Council under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan was determined to facilitate the participation of civil society institutions in the adoption of legislative acts concerning the Ministry of Culture and to organise public oversight of its activities. The Public Council, comprising representatives from nine civil society institutions, was established through elections held from July 17 to 20, 2023, with the direct participation of non-governmental organisations.
Last update: April, 2025
Since drafting and implementing the national cultural policy requires the joint efforts of two or more institutions, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan cooperates closely with other ministries, state committees, and corresponding state bodies within the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan. At the same time, regional cultural events and policies are coordinated with local executive authorities where necessary.
Issues related to legislation on culture are discussed with the Parliamentary Committee on Culture of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and all types of regulations are reviewed with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Arising copyright issues is agreed upon with the Intellectual Property Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Funding for cultural activities is closely coordinated with the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The infrastructure provision of cultural institutions is coordinated with the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and, where necessary, with the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Likewise, projects in information and communication technologies are discussed, if needed, with the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The Ministry of Culture's leading partners in education, training and research in culture are the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the affiliated research institutes of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. Cooperation on human resources issues has been established with the State Examination Centre of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Youth and Sport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the State Committee on Family, Women and Children's Issues of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Additionally, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan oversees the social welfare of workers.
Multilateral cooperation within the frameworks of international organisations and international bilateral relations with foreign countries are coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, while diaspora issues are under the jurisdiction of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan collects statistics data annually for further processing and systematisation.
In some cases, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Cabinet of Ministers establish specific organising committees and working groups comprising representatives from various levels of government to facilitate inter-ministerial cooperation and implement long-term state programs or concrete projects. The government can also establish commissions to prepare national reports for international organisations.
Last update: April, 2025
The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan oversees most public museums, art galleries, concert halls, theatres, libraries, cinemas, children's music, arts, painting schools, cultural houses, and other public cultural institutions. The Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ARKA) manages public cinemas, film funds, and film production companies under the Ministry of Culture. The Ministry of Culture of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is responsible for public cultural institutions, cultural and historical monuments, archaeological sites, and historical, cultural, architectural, artistic, and ethnographic reserves located within the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
Other government and non-government agencies of the Republic of Azerbaijan run a small fraction of public cultural institutions; for example, public libraries are also distributed between the State Oil Company (2), the Azerbaijan Trade Union Confederation (3), and other state bodies (29). Public museums are also managed by the Ministry of Science and Education (2), the Ministry of Health (1), the Ministry of Agriculture (1), the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (1), the Ministry of Internal Affairs (1), State Oil Company (1) and other bodies (5). Public club enterprises are also distributed between the State Oil Company (1 library), the Azerbaijan Trade Union Confederation (4), and other state bodies (20). The National Archive Fund manages archive institutions, totalling 78 in the country.
The State Service for Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, under the Ministry of Culture, manages most cultural and historical monuments, as well as archaeological monuments (70.34%), and historical, cultural, architectural, artistic, and ethnographic reserves (44.83%). The Administration of State Historical-Architectural Reserve “Icherisheher”, the Reserves Management Centre under the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Culture of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and the Shusha City State Reserve Department also manage a certain number of immovable cultural heritage sites.
In recent years, the Ministry of Culture has conducted targeted work to support the development of private cultural and creative industries (CCI), which has already brought tangible results. According to the ministry's statistics, the number of enterprises engaged in CCI increased from 5,886 units in 2022 to 6,826 units in 2024, representing a 15.97% rise. The total number of business entities under the CCI increased from 21,022 in 2022 to 22,852 in 2024, representing an 8.71% rise. The fields of activities include publishing and printing, jewellery production, musical instrument manufacturing, computer game development, film and video production and distribution, television programming, news agency operations, video and sound recording activities, music publishing, radio programme broadcasting, television programme compilation and broadcasting, information agency activities, architecture, advertising agency operations, specialised design, photography, audio-visual services, educational activities in culture, performing arts and other artistic fields, theatre and concert hall operations, library and archive services, museum activities, and the protection of historical sites and buildings, among others.
Last update: April, 2025
Table 1: Selected public cultural institutions by sector and domain
|
Domain |
Cultural institutions (subdomains) |
Number (2024) |
Trend last 5 years (In %) |
|
Cultural heritage |
Historical and cultural monuments (registered) |
6 150 |
1.89% |
|
|
Historical, cultural, architectural, artistic and ethnographic reserves |
29 |
3.57% |
|
Museums |
Museum institutions |
245 |
2.51% |
|
Archives |
Archive institutions |
78 |
0% |
|
Visual arts |
Public art galleries |
36 |
0% |
|
Performing arts |
Professional theatres |
29 |
0% |
|
|
Concert organisations |
17 |
6.25% |
|
Libraries |
Libraries |
2 725 |
0% |
|
Audiovisual |
Cinemas |
2 |
0% |
|
|
Film Funds |
2 |
0% |
|
|
Film production companies |
1 |
0% |
|
Interdisciplinary |
Socio-cultural centres / cultural houses |
2 058 |
¯ 8.29% |
|
|
Child musical, art and painting schools |
237 |
0% |
Sources: The State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 2024
Last update: April, 2025
As culture in the Republic of Azerbaijan receives solid and comprehensive state support, public cultural institutions operate across all areas of cultural activity. Archaeological, architectural, garden-park, monumental, memorial, decorative, and applied art monuments and cultural, architectural, art, and ethnographic reserves form immovable cultural heritage. Museums of history, memory, ethnography, art, and archives and libraries protect movable cultural heritage. The centres of culture, houses of culture, and clubs represent the infrastructure of intangible cultural heritage, encompassing folklore, local lore, and crafts. Concert halls, theatres, art galleries, and exhibition halls are places where professional art is widespread. Music, dance, and art schools nurture professional skills and professional audiences. Finally, public film studios, cinemas, and publishing houses represent the public institutions of the cultural industry.
However, traditionally, there have been significant differences in approaches to managing and funding the heritage, arts, and cultural industries sectors. Generally speaking, it is striking that when examining these domains, the institutions and organisations related to cultural heritage (immovable, movable, and intangible) are predominantly managed by state bodies. In contrast, various forms of organisation in cultural industries tend to be more concentrated in the private and non-state spheres. Professional art, encompassing music, theatre, and the fine arts, occupies a middle position on this public-private spectrum. In terms of preserving traditions and training personnel, state institutions primarily dominate. Nevertheless, the performing arts and concert activities are more commercial and inclined towards monetisation. Furthermore, many arts and cultural activities, such as festivals, concerts, and fairs, whether international or local, attract considerable sponsorship from the private sector.
It is challenging to overestimate the importance and significance of cultural institutions as infrastructural units of almost all cultural domains and subdomains; improving cultural infrastructure has received considerable attention in the Republic of Azerbaijan. In this regard, two concepts developed by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan for cultural infrastructure in recent years are worth noting: the concept of “Cultural and Creative Industries Development Centers” and the concept of “Multifunctional Art Centres.”
Implementing the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Centre (Creative Centre) concept commenced with the inauguration of the first Creative Centre in Baku on December 28, 2024. The main goal of the Creative Centre is to support young talents, improve their qualifications, and create conditions for realising their creative potential. It will also implement projects in the cultural and creative industries, supporting the formation and development of new entrepreneurial entities and start-ups. Additionally, it will help create and increase the export of local creative products and services, as well as attract talented young people from the regions. The Creative Centre is implementing several successful projects, including three incubation programs: Music, Gametech, and Cultech. Twenty new start-ups have already been established within the framework of these programs, and more than 50 residents currently utilise the Centre’s services. It is envisaged that the "Creative Centre" concept will be expanded to other regions of the country.
The idea of Multifunctional Art Centres arose from the need to restore the cultural institutions that were utterly destroyed during 30 years of occupation in the liberated territories of the Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan. These centres' multifunctionality means combining a cultural centre, library, gallery, museum, creative industries, audiovisual and digital content. The areas for activities will include a multifunctional hall, open-air theatre, reading and choreography halls, meetings, academic study, rehearsal, training, association, makeup and interactive storytelling rooms, audiovisual studio, coworking centre, commercial and business offices, art workshop, sales point for paintings, sculptures and musical instrument, etc.
Last update: April, 2025
Recognising the significance of international cooperation as a vital component in positioning and developing the country within the globalised world, promoting national cultural values on the global stage, and fostering intercultural dialogue, cultural diplomacy plays a crucial role in the national cultural policy implemented in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The main sectors of the cultural diplomacy implemented are multilateral international cooperation with global and regional organisations in the field of culture, enhancement and expansion of bilateral international relations in culture with foreign countries, effective functioning of the Azerbaijani cultural centres in foreign countries, and consulting, methodical, organisational, technical, and other assistance to the cultural centres founded by the Azerbaijani diaspora.
Promoting national culture and the Azerbaijani multicultural model internationally, strengthening positions in profile international organisations, recognising Azerbaijan as a centre for intercultural dialogue, international awareness raising regarding the state of cultural heritage in the liberated territories, returning stolen cultural assets, establishing direct and effective cooperation between national cultural institutions and their partners abroad, promoting the export of Azerbaijani national cultural products (crafts, literature, music), transforming Azerbaijan into a regional hub in the field of cultural and creative industries are among the declared directions of state cultural diplomacy implemented in recent years.
The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan drafts and implements bilateral and multilateral foreign cultural policy in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the central executive body in Azerbaijan responsible for implementing all international relations and cooperation issues. The Republic considers developing and strengthening global standard-setting activities essential and has acceded to numerous international conventions.
As a result of active participation in the work of international organisations, the Republic of Azerbaijan was elected as a member of the following electoral bodies:
- The Executive Board of UNESCO (2005-2009);
- The Consultative Council for Implementing the Cultural Strategy for the Islamic World (ICESCO, 2005-2008);
- The Intergovernmental Committee for the Restoration and Promotion of the Return of Illegally Acquired Cultural Property (UNESCO, 2011-2015);
- The Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (UNESCO, 2011-2015 and 2015-2019);
- The World Heritage Committee (UNESCO, 2015-2019);
- The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO, 2018-2022);
- The Intergovernmental Committee of the Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions[1] (UNESCO, 2019-2023);
- The Subsidiary Committee of the Meeting of States Parties to the 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property (UNESCO, 2023-2027);
- The Scientific Committee of the Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance (ACHA, 2024 - present); and
- The Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) (2024 - present).
- The ICESCO regional office has operated in Baku, Azerbaijan, since 2024.
The country is also interested in hosting global international cultural events: the Baku Process, launched in 2008, the 7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), held in Baku, Azerbaijan (2016), and the biannual Baku World Forums on Intercultural Dialogue (2011-2024) are some examples of Azerbaijan's global cultural activity.
The Government develops bilateral international relations and implements intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements, programs, protocols and other documents to promote Azerbaijani culture and arts internationally. A legal framework for cultural cooperation with more than 40 countries exists; nine agreements were updated in 2023-2024.
Participation in Intergovernmental Commissions and Working Groups is essential in developing international bilateral relations in culture. Thus, the Ministry of Culture participated in the meetings of the 19 Intergovernmental Commissions in 2023 (including Hungary, Israel, Serbia, Lithuania, Romania, India, Morocco, Great Britain, etc.) and the 14 Intergovernmental Commissions in 2024 (including Albania, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Uzbekistan, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, etc.). The traditional form of bilateral international cultural cooperation involves mutual days of culture. During 2023-2024, cultural days from six countries (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, etc.) were held in Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijani culture days took place in four countries (Albania, Qatar, etc.).
Azerbaijan Cultural Centres operate under the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Austria, Germany, Türkiye, France, Uzbekistan and Italy. The Ministry of Culture organises the activities of the Cultural Centres, carries out coordination work and promotes national culture through the Centres. Established relatively recently, these centres are becoming increasingly active; thus, more than 90 and over 150 cultural events were organised in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
The State Program for 2022–2028 on the Education of Young People in Prestigious Higher Education Institutions in Foreign Countries (No.3163 of February 28, 2022) aims to facilitate the studies of Azerbaijani students at the world's top universities. All expenses for those admitted to the programme during their study period, including airfare, visa costs, living expenses, and tuition fees, are covered by the state.
Twenty people have been provided with financial support for Bachelor's and Master's studies abroad (Great Britain, Germany, USA, Türkiye, Italy, France, Austria) within the “Special Scholarship Program for Cultural and Creative Industries” established by the Ministry of Culture.
[1] The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are the central ministries responsible for implementing and monitoring the UNESCO Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Last update: April, 2025
The primary multilateral partners of the Republic of Azerbaijan in international cultural policy since regaining independence include UNESCO, the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the UN World Tourism Organization, the Council of Europe, the European Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation (ITCHF), Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRSICA), among others.
In 1999, Azerbaijan joined the CoE/ERICarts comparative research project and online database, which features in-depth information on cultural policies, statistics, and trends, titled "Cultural Policy in Europe: A Compendium of Key Facts and Trends." The 10th-anniversary meeting of the project "Compendium of Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe" was held in Baku on 4-5 December 2008, with the participation of prominent researchers in cultural policy from member countries of the Council of Europe and the ICESCO. The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan has been a stakeholder member of the Compendium of Cultural Policies and Trends Association since 2021.
"Icheri Sheher, Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs Palace Complex" (2000), "Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape" (2007), "Historical Centre of Sheki together with Khan Palace" (2019), “Hyrcanian Forests” (2023) and “Cultural Landscape of Khinalig People and “Köç Yolu” Transhumance Route”, overall, five sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. “Prehistoric sites of the Azykh and Taghlar caves”, “Khudafarin Bridges and related sites”, “Ancient Gabala City”, and “Gamigaya and Goy-gol Historical-Cultural and Natural Complex” added in 2023-2024, overall, 12 sites of the Republic of Azerbaijan are included into Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage.
With 24 elements in UNESCO's intangible heritage lists ("Azerbaijani Mugham", "Art of Azerbaijani Ashiq", "Novruz", "Azerbaijani carpet weaving art", "Chovqan, a traditional Karabakh horse-riding game", “Yalli (Kochari, Tenzere), traditional group dances of Nakhchivan”, et cetera), Azerbaijan ranks 5th among 194 UNESCO member-states. 5 elements including “Craftsmanship and performing art of balaban/mey”, “Tandir craftsmanship and bread baking in Azerbaijan” were added in 2023-2024.
Three cities in the Republic of Azerbaijan have been added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network: Sheki, recognised in the ‘Arts and Crafts’ category (2017); Baku, acknowledged in the ‘Design’ category (2019); and Lankaran, celebrated in the ‘Gastronomy’ category (2021).
ICESCO declared Baku the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2009, Nakhchivan the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2018, and Shusha the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2024.
Ten elements of the intangible cultural heritage of Azerbaijan have been inscribed on the Islamic World Heritage List: “Yalli (Kochari, Tenzere) traditional group dances of Nakhchivan”; “Dolma making and sharing tradition, a marker of cultural identity”; “Pehlevanlig culture, traditional “Zorkhana” games, sports and wrestling”; “Azerbaijani Mugham”; “Copper craftsmanship of Lahij”; “Chovgan - traditional Karabakh horse-riding game”; “Art of Azerbaijani Ashig”; “Traditional art and symbolism of Kelaghayi, making and wearing women’s silk headscarves”; “Craftsmanship and performance art of the Tar, a long-necked string musical instrument”; “Traditional art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan”.
The nominations "Shusha Historical-Architectural Reserve" and "Aghdam Imarat Complex and Juma Mosque" have been included in the ICESCO Preliminary List of the Islamic World Heritage.
TURKSOY declared Sheki the Culture and Arts Capital of the Turkic World for 2016 and Shusha the Culture and Arts Capital of the Turkic World for 2023.
The Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation (TCHF) and the Ministry of Culture signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2024.
Azerbaijan presented the "Culture for Climate" (C4C) initiative during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan (November 2024).
Last update: April, 2025
The state encourages transnational cooperation among arts and heritage institutions, professional associations, networks, and other non-governmental organization (NGO) actors in cultural policy, heritage protection, theatre, dance, film, music, and other fields. The Ministry of Culture funds yearly membership fees to several international organisations. Additionally, it supports the participation of Azerbaijani specialists at European Music Council conferences, World Congresses of Dance Researchers, and European Council of Artists conferences, among others.
Each higher education institution in the field of culture, the Baku Academy of Music, the Baku Choreography Academy, the State University of Culture and the Arts, the Azerbaijan National Music Academy, and the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts carry out various international activities. Moreover, they all have agreements with leading foreign higher education institutions regarding the training of students, exchanging experiences, and implementing joint projects.
The Azerbaijan Writers' Union, the Azerbaijan Composers' Union, the Azerbaijan Artists' Union, the Azerbaijan Theatre Workers' Union, the Azerbaijan Ashiq Union, the Azerbaijan Cinematographers' Union, the Azerbaijan Architects' Union, the Azerbaijan Journalists’ Union, Azerbaijan National Culinary Association and other creative unions and professional cultural networks have extensive ties around the world with their foreign colleagues and similar organisations. They organise joint events, exhibitions, and concerts, hold international festivals and competitions, and implement mutually beneficial projects in their areas of activity.
Large cultural institutions, including libraries, museums, cinematographic institutions, publishing houses, art galleries, reserves, and research centres, conduct active international activities independently, with the support of government agencies as needed.
Organising international festivals is also an effective tool for backing direct professional cooperation, and the Ministry of Culture, together with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, organises national and international festivals, such as regular International Mugham Festivals, the International Music Festivals in memory of Uzeyir Hajibeyli, the International Qabala Music Festivals, and so on.