3. Cultural and creative sectors
Azerbaijan
Last update: April, 2025
Cultural heritage protection is based on UNESCO's relevant conventions, recommendations, and classifications, which include immovable, movable, and intangible heritage. Immovable cultural heritage in the Republic of Azerbaijan is primarily under the jurisdiction of the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage within the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and partially under the jurisdiction of other state bodies. Thus, 4.326 (70.34%) of the 6,150 registered historical and cultural monuments are under the jurisdiction of the State Service, 732 (11.9%) monuments are under the jurisdiction of the Administration of State Historical-Architectural Reserve “Icherisheher”, 210 (3.41%) monuments - the Reserves Management Centre under the State Tourism Agency, 196 (3.19%) - the Shusha City State Reserve Department, and another 686 (11.16%) registered monuments are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The number of newly discovered monuments under the protection of the State Service of the Ministry of Culture is 1802, of which 402 were found in the liberated territories and 1400 in other regions of the country. Thus, the total number of immovable monuments, registered and newly discovered, is 7952.
In addition, there are 29 historical, cultural, architectural, artistic and ethnographic reserves in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan: 13 reserves are under the jurisdiction of the State Service of the Ministry of Culture, nine under the Tourism Agency, two under the Administration of State Historical-Architectural Reserve “Ichersheher”, one under the jurisdiction of the Shusha City State Reserve Department and four historical and cultural reserves of the Ministry of Culture of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Among the main directions of activity of the State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the last years are:
- Monitoring the current condition of historical monuments;
- Inventory work in the liberated territories;
- Updating the register of monuments, preparing passports and protection zones;
- Restoration and conservation of monuments;
- Improving cultural heritage protection;
- Activities of historical and cultural reserves;
- International cooperation.
On December 18-19, 2023, the Cultural Heritage Forum was held in our country for the first time, organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture. The forum, which included extensive discussions with the participation of well-known historians, archaeologists, artists, architects, sculptors, artisans, and other specialists in the field, discussed the preservation, development, and promotion of national heritage, the current situation, state support for tangible and intangible heritage, fine and applied arts, historical monuments, and other areas. Panels were organised at the forum on the topics of “Problems of research and protection of immovable history - cultural heritage of Azerbaijan”, “Issues of protection of the historical-cultural and natural heritage of Azerbaijan in the post-conflict period”, “Movable cultural heritage in Azerbaijan: museum work and modern challenges”, “Protection of intangible cultural heritage and modern challenges”, “Fine arts and modern challenges”, “Cultural heritage and contemporary architecture - Principles of urban planning”.
Special attention is paid to preserving, restoring and supporting Azerbaijan's intangible cultural heritage: local lore (customs and traditions, ceremonies and festivities, symbols and mysteries), national folklore (music and dances, verbal literature traditions, games and performances), and artisanship (traditional applied, visual and decorative arts). The "State Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Azerbaijan" (https://intangible.az/front/az/contests) comprises a list of over 5,000 intangible cultural heritage items, a database of more than 850 intangible cultural heritage samples, and information on 180 intangible cultural heritage bearers, as well as 68 institutions and organisations. The Ministry of Culture established the State Register in collaboration with the Institutes of Folklore, Archaeology and Ethnography, Architecture and Art of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, relevant public associations and non-governmental organisations, and individual researchers.
Last update: April, 2025
The Law on the National Archive Fund (No.694-IQ of June 22, 1999) regulates the formation, protection, use, and operation of the National Archive Fund in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Today, the archive system of the Republic includes six state archives of national importance (the State Archive, the State Historical Archive, the State Archive of Literature and Art, the Archive of State Scientific and Technical Documents, the State Cinema-Photo Documents Archives, and the State Sound Record Archive), 15 branches of the State Archive, 50 districts and City Archives, as well as the State Archive of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (with seven districts and city archives), subordinated to the National Archives Department of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The National Archive Fund provides public services on the inclusion and preservation of documents in the National Archive Fund, issuance of archival references or extracts from archival documents to citizens, issuance of copies of archival documents or extracts from archival documents to administrations, organisations and enterprises, and issuance of permission to use archival documents for scientific research and other purposes. Electronic Services are provided through the Electronic Services Portal, Electronic Archive System, Electronic Archive Information System, and Electronic Reporting System.
The State Program on the Development of Archival Work in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2020-2025 (No.1815 of February 12, 2020) aimed to ensure reliable protection and widespread use of archival documents, to modernise archival service organisations, and to implement modern information and communication technologies, among other objectives.
The country's public library system primarily consists of a vast network of public libraries managed by the Ministry of Culture. In addition, the State Oil Company (1), the Confederation of Trade Unions (3), and other organisations (29) also own some of the libraries.
The Azerbaijan National Library, the Republican Youth Library, named after J.Jabbarli, the Republican Children's Library, named after F.Kocharli, and the Republican Library for the Visually Impaired, as well as City (district) Centralized Library Systems (CLS), operate under the Ministry of Culture.
The 75 City (district) Centralized Library Systems of the Ministry of Culture, comprising 7,304 employees, consist of 2,526 libraries, including 75 central libraries, 211 city library branches, 141 settlement library branches, and 2,099 village library branches, with a total library fund of 19,569,270 copies. Currently, 2,081,403 readers use the book collection of the CLS.
KOHA, an open-source integrated library system used worldwide in more than 70 countries by public, school, and special libraries, as well as in some extensive academic libraries, has been implemented to digitise library and bibliographic processes in the country. The bibliographic information of more than 850,000 books has been entered into the system, which is expected to be made available to the public soon.
A book collection campaign, "Go to Karabakh with a Book", is being held for libraries whose activities will be restored in liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the joint initiative of the Ministry of Culture and the Azerbaijan National Library. There are currently 130,446 copies of books in the project fund collected at the National Library.
The project “Return of our National Moral Values to the Motherland”, implemented by the National Library with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and coordination of the Ministry of Culture, implemented to bring electronic versions of manuscripts of Azerbaijani literature classics stored in world libraries and museums to Azerbaijan, create a single electronic database, print one copy of each of them for including in the Rare Books Fund of the National Library. Between 2023 and 2024, copies of more than 270 manuscripts from 23 countries were brought to Azerbaijan as part of the project.
Last update: April, 2025
The national cultural policy supports professional and amateur collectives and institutions in the performing arts, including theatre, dance, and music. The state order for the creation of new works of high artistic value in various genres of theatrical art and ensuring their stage embodiment is widely and effectively implemented; the stimulation of the preparation of performances in theatres, the holding of republican and international theatre festivals and competitions, ensuring the participation of theatre groups in these events are implemented; etc.
There are 29 professional theatres in the country, including one opera and ballet theatre, 19 drama, musical comedy, and musical drama theatres, and nine children's and youth theatres. These professional theatres include the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre, the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre, the Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theatre, the Azerbaijan State Theatre of Young Spectators, the Azerbaijan State Puppet Theatre, and the Azerbaijan State Pantomime Theatre, among others.
The “Expert Council on the Evaluation of the Content of the Annual Repertoires of Theatre and Performance Institutions and Performances Prepared based on State Order” comprised theatre critics, musicologists, artists, playwrights, psychologists and sociologists, was established under the Ministry of Culture at 28.12.2023, to ensure transparency in theatre and performance institutions, as well as to support the creative process, to prepare performances that are distinguished by their artistic and aesthetic value, reflect national and spiritual values, meet the requirements of the time, and to ensure the evaluation of the repertoires proposed by the theatrical institutions.
A National Theatre Forum was held on April 11-12, 2023, under the theme “Azerbaijani Theatre - 150: Development Prospects,” jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture and the Heydar Aliyev Centre, with the participation of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts. Actors, directors, managers, technical staff representatives, critics, and other theatre figures came together at the forum. They participated in productive, perspective-based and goal-oriented panel discussions on various topics such as “Traditions and Trends in Azerbaijani Theatre”, “Modern Actor's School at the National Theatre: A Systematic Approach in the Renewal Process”, “Concept and Strategic Goals”, “Development of Human Capital in the Theatre Field”.
Among the interesting motivational projects implemented in 2023-2024 is the "Baku Premieres of Regional Theatres" project. It was implemented to revitalise the theatre process in the regions, support cooperation, facilitate creative exchange, and stimulate the activities of young directors. As part of the project, performances by regional state drama theatres (Lankaran, Sumgayit, Sheki, Fuzuli, Aghdam, Gazakh, Gusar, Gakh, Mingachevir, and Ganja) were organised on the stage of the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre in 2024.
Within the framework of the project "Theatre Pedagogy for Schoolchildren," implemented jointly by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education and Science in the second half of 2024, more than 10,000 schoolchildren had the opportunity to watch performances on various topics in state theatres operating in the regions under the Ministry of Culture.
Another interesting motivational initiative is the Ministry of Culture's project "I Learn by Teaching", within which prominent theatre figures hold master classes for professional and young actors of regional state theatres and amateur groups of folk theatres.
Last update: April, 2025
Policies promoting the visual arts and crafts sectors are part of the Republic of Azerbaijan's national cultural policy, which boosts artistic creativity and promotes creative works nationally and internationally. Supporting interesting projects in various types of fine and decorative-applied arts; holding national and international symposiums, festivals, and competitions on fine and decorative-applied arts; ensuring the participation of specialists and artists in international projects and competitions; supporting the formation of art collections, preparation of programs for exhibitions and educational activities of galleries; enrichment of collections of local galleries with masterpieces of art and application of modern technologies in their activities; publication of books, films, booklets, catalogues and databases websites dedicated to visual and decorative-applied arts of Azerbaijan, and stimulation of the creativity of talented young people are integral parts of this policy. A significant measure of state support was the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan On the transfer of individual creative workshops used by Azerbaijan Artists' Union members to their ownership (No.1251 of June 19, 2003).
The Azerbaijan State Art Gallery, as well as 34 state regional art galleries, currently operate within the Ministry of Culture system in the sphere of fine arts (graphics, sculpture, painting, and partly architecture) and decorative-applied arts (carpet weaving, jewellery, copper-smithing, armaments, pottery, etc.).
In this field, private galleries, the Azerbaijan Artists' Union, and its regional branches in Ganja, Nakhchivan, Sheki, Lankaran, as well as other public associations, also operate. Numerous events and exhibitions are held to support the development of digital and contemporary art.
YARAT Contemporary Art Space (founded in 2011), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing an understanding of modern art and creating a hub for artistic practice, research and thinking in the Caucasus, Central Asia and the surrounding region, implements its mission through an ongoing program of exhibitions, education events and festivals, facilitating exchange between local and international artistic networks including foundations, galleries and museums.
The country has an extensive museum network, primarily under the Ministry of Culture, which encompasses historical and local lore, as well as scientific, art, and literary collections. Additionally, the network includes patriotic and house museums that promote the country's visual arts and crafts sector. The leading public museums in the country include the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art, the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, the Azerbaijan State J.Jabbarli Theatre Museum, the State Museum of Azerbaijani Musical Culture, and the Museum of Azerbaijani Independence.
The Baku Museum of Modern Art, the largest private museum established in 2009, collects the finest works of the Azerbaijani avant-garde, encompassing paintings and sculptures from the mid-twentieth century to the present.
Statutory goals of the “Azerkhalcha” Open Joint Stock Company are the production and export of carpets and carpet products, the organisation of their sale within the country and abroad, the application of new technologies in the production of carpets and carpet products, the modernisation of the material and technical base and its efficient use, and the implementation of other works related to the development of this field.
Realisation of the State Program for the Protection and Development of Carpet Art in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2018-2022 (No.3722 of February 28, 2018) has played a significant role in the protection and promotion of material and cultural heritage in the field of carpet weaving; implementation of measures to increase the competitiveness of carpet weaving and protect the domestic market; strengthening the export potential of carpet weaving; strengthening the human resource potential in all areas of carpet weaving; coordinating and expanding theoretical and practical scientific research in the field of carpet studies, and strengthening the material and technical base
Last update: April, 2025
The development of cultural and creative industries (CCI) as a field of activity providing the production of cultural products and implementing cultural services is envisaged as one of the main directions of state cultural policy. The Ministry of Culture has taken various measures and drafted several plans to develop CCIs. Research on the role of the CCI sector in the world economy, the local situation in the Azerbaijani context, the contribution of CCIs to the Azerbaijani economy, shortcomings in this area, and public-private investigations into partnerships and partnership gaps were conducted.
The Culture and Creative Industries Forum, organised by the Ministry of Culture from 28th to 30th November 2023, attracted up to 500 participants. The forum was aimed to discuss the prospects for cooperation and existing issues among players in the CCI ecosystem and explore opportunities for the comprehensive development of the creative industries. The programme featured seven-panel sessions and three round tables covering various clusters of cultural and creative sectors, including art, design, cinema, and audio-visual fields, as well as topics on international cooperation, export prospects, and state policy in this area. Both local and international speakers participated in the discussions.
Activity direction “Ensuring the dynamic development of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) and strengthening the export potential in this field” of the Action Plan of the Socio-Economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026 (No.3378 of July 22, 2022) envisages creation of a modern legal and regulatory infrastructure for the development of CCI, including the formation of regulatory and legal, statistical bases, intellectual property, as well as management mechanisms; support for the formation of CCI as an industry and the activities of market participants, including the improvement of the production base and promotion of sectoral clustering; creation of certificate programs and a special scholarship program for study abroad following the requirements of modern and competitive CCI fields; and creation of incentive mechanisms aimed at expanding export opportunities for CCI.
The second activity area of the Action Plan, named “Promoting the development of a cultural and creative society”, envisages the implementation of educational initiatives that promote the development of skills in the cultural and creative fields; establishment and operation of media platforms in the cultural and creative field; and supporting the development of creative fields within the framework of promoting Azerbaijani culture.
Since the commencement of the Strategy implementation:
- A special Scholarship Programme for Cultural and Creative Industries (az) has been established. Financial support has been granted to 20 individuals for their education abroad.
- Within the framework of the Grant Programme, financial support was provided for the implementation of projects proposed by four nongovernmental organisations in 2023 and twenty-nine NGOs in 2024.
- "Creative Week", "Cultural and Creative Industries Forum", and "Cultural and Creative Industries Exhibition" (MY EXPO) were established. Two Creative Weeks and one Digital Creative Weekend took place.
- At the awards ceremony during the 11th India International Film Tourism Conclave (IFTC) in Mumbai, Azerbaijan was recognised as the most popular filming destination of the year for Indian directors and producers.
- Support was provided to produce several audio-visual products in the country based on orders from Indian, Serbian, Pakistani, and Russian companies. Approximately 10 million US dollars of funds entered the country's economy through film commission services in 2023-2024.
- The Global Innovation Index 2024 report assessed the country on the sub-indicator "7.2.3. Entertainment and Media Market," Azerbaijan ranked 47th among 133 countries.
- The "Al4Art" and other short-term education and training programs, as well as the "Cultech", "Gametech", and "Music" incubation programs, were implemented, and 444 people were certified.
- Forty start-ups and 10+ new educational programs have been implemented.
The number of CCI subjects increased significantly by the end of 2024 compared to 2022. Thus, the total number of business entities under CCI rose from 21,022 to 22,852 units, and the number of enterprises engaged in CCI rose from 5,886 to 6,826 units.
Joint events on export promotion and the formation of the Eastern Pan-Regional Market in the field of CCI were held:
- 1st Humour Festival of the Turkic World (2023);
- National final of innovative start-ups in collaboration with A-Hub-ICESCO (2023);
- ATA festival -1st International Festival of Turkic World Animation (2024);
- World final of innovative start-ups together with ICESCO A-Hub (2024);
- G-Hub Summit on Gaming Technologies (2024);
- Audio-visual market of Eastern countries “OMarket” (2024).
Last update: April, 2025
Support of the book and press industry is one of the priorities of the state cultural policy in the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is sufficient to note that, following the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan On the implementation of mass publications in the Azerbaijani language with Latin script (No.56 of January 12, 2004), more than 10 million books have been published in the country. The Law On Publishing (No.887-IQ of May 30, 2000) and other legislative acts supporting the publishing industry are in force in the country. An essential measure in this direction was the Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers On approval of the "List of mass media products and books (except e-books), as well as textbook sets and paper in rolls or sheets related to the production (publication) of these goods (products), the import and sale of which is exempt from value-added tax (No.184 of May 13, 2022).
About 70 publishing and printing enterprises operate in Azerbaijan, and among them are “Azernashr”, “Qanun”, “Tehsil”, “TEAS Press”, “Hadaf Naşhrleri”, “Sharq-Garb”, “Elm”, “Altun Kitab”, “Qelem”, “Alatoran Yayınları”, “Parlaq imzalar”, “Khan”, “Qedim Qala”, “Chashıoglu”, “Aghıllı bala”, “Chapar”, “Mayak”, “Mimta”, “Mujru”, “Elm ve Tehsil”, “Letterpress”, “Everest”, “Libra Kitab”, “Strauss Press”, “Ting”, “Maxofset” and others. In 2023, 4,697 titles and 4,435,800 copies of books were published across the country (for comparison, in 2019, 3,697 titles and 3,435,800 copies of books were published). Data for 2023 includes 1,355 titles of scientific literature, 1,033 titles of educational literature, 1,866 titles of fiction, 443 titles of children's literature, and other publications.
The role of the book trade in developing the book business in Azerbaijan is undeniable. Approximately 40 enterprises, including big book trade companies, operate in the country. Among them are Ali and Nino, Libraff, Baku Book Centre, KitabevimAz, Bookzone Group, Kitabchı, and others.
The Ministry of Culture holds an annual Publication Purchase Competition to enrich public library funds, in which publishers, authors, and bookstores participate; this work has been carried out especially actively in recent years. Thus, from 2023 to 2024, 90,203 copies of 1,118 books were purchased for a total value of 927,622 manats, which is comparable to the total similar data for 2011-2022: 104,747 copies of 1,868 names with a value of 953,522 manats.
Regular book fairs are another serious government support mechanism for the book industry. Organized regularly for 15 years by the Ministry of Culture, the Baku Book Fair has proven to be a reliable platform for engaging with consumers, increasing brand awareness, sharing local and international experiences, and generating ideas for developing the book business in the digital age. In this regard, the statistical indices of the 10th Baku International Book Fair (October 2-8, 2024), dedicated to the 530th anniversary of the great 16th-century Azerbaijani poet Muhammad Fuzuli, are worth considering: 18 participating countries, 112 local participating organisations, 55 foreign participating organisations, 173 local authors, 24 foreign authors, 327 events, and over 55 thousand visitors.
The Ministry of Culture also actively participates in international book fairs to promote Azerbaijani books, publishers, authors, and the entire national book industry. For instance, in 2024, the Ministry of Culture ensured the participation of 19 publishing houses and 22 authors at international book fairs in Cairo, London, Doha, Rabat, Beijing, Moscow, Frankfurt, and Istanbul
Last update: April, 2025
State policy in audiovisual and interactive media in the Republic of Azerbaijan is implemented through the Ministry of Culture (for film and video) and the Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan (for TV and radio). In each of these supervisions, appropriate state programs and specific policies are adopted to promote the country's audio-visual and interactive media industry.
As part of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of national leader Heydar Aliyev, a film forum on the theme “Azerbaijani Cinema – 125: Reality, Challenges and Goals” was held at the Heydar Aliyev Centre from April 20 to 21, jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture and the Heydar Aliyev Centre. Famous film figures of the country, representatives of culture and the public, foreign guests and media representatives took part in panel discussions held within the framework of the forum on the themes “Ideology. National Cinema – Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”, “Creativity. Prospects of Modern Azerbaijani Cinema”, “Business. Principles and Mechanisms for Financing Cinema and Other Audiovisual Works” and “Application of International Experience in Azerbaijani Cinema”.
On November 20, 2023, the Ministry of Culture established the Expert Council for Evaluating the Content of Cinematographic, Digital and Other Audiovisual Works. The purpose of the Council, which will operate on a public basis, is to evaluate works intended for state funding, as well as cinematographic and other audiovisual works (excluding audiovisual media materials) that are publicly broadcast throughout the country, regardless of the place of production, as well as content broadcast via digital platforms and internet information resources.
It is worth noting that the state provides substantial organisational and financial support for the development of cinematography through the Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ARKA) under the authority of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Thus, film project competitions were held for the 2023-2024 period to support the development of the film industry and encourage new and creative projects. Overall, forty-seven film projects were presented and considered, encompassing patriotic, historical, comedic, children, and documentary content, as well as student projects. Only during 2023-2024 did the funds allocated to local film production amount to 15,112,809 manats, of which 167,000 AZN was allocated for student films. In this regard, 16 films have already been delivered; five are in the filming stage, five are in post-production, and five are in the preparation stage.
The list of international film festivals, received state support during 2023-2024, include the DokuBaku International Documentary Film Festival (held in 2023 and 2024), the "SALAM" International Youth Film Festival (2023 and 2024), the III "Korkut Ata" Turkic World Film Festival (2023), the Baku International Film Festival (2023 and 2024), the ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival (2023 and 2024), the "CINEMO" Mobile Film Festival (2023 and 2024), and the "Baku Cinema Breeze" (BCB) International Film Festival (2024)
On April 5 - June 6, 2024, the Media Development Agency and the Audiovisual Council hold a nationwide competition for terrestrial television broadcasters for the production and distribution of audiovisual products (prepared in a state order) to promote the production and distribution of audience-oriented and target-oriented content in the new media environment, increase the competitiveness of educational materials, stimulate content diversity and creativity, and effectively deliver information to the public about priority areas for the state and society. The winning television channels were determined in the competition on the topics of scientific-mass, cultural-educational, the education; science and culture; national customs and traditions and family values; developing national identity, moral values and a sense of patriotism in the younger generation; physical and spiritual development of children and youth; the history of Azerbaijani statehood; and on the topic of ecology and environmental protection. In the social video category, television channels that focused on new directions of Azerbaijani ideology, the promotion of the national idea; the physical and spiritual development of children and youth, the development of national identity, moral values, and a sense of patriotism in the younger generation; and ecology and environmental protection achieved success.
Last update: April, 2025
The primary objectives of state cultural policy regarding musical art are to foster various forms of creativity and performing initiatives, integrate them into global cultural processes, and cultivate a diverse musical environment. In this regard, targeted work is being carried out on the continuous implementation of complex measures to promote the creativity of composers to create musical works of high artistic quality; organisation of festivals, competitions and concerts in various musical genres, as well as ensuring the participation of Azerbaijani artistic collectives and soloists in international events; etc.
Among the leading concert venues are the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic, named after Muslim Magomayev, the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Heydar Aliyev Palace, the International Mugham Centre, the Azerbaijan State Song Theatre, the Azerbaijan State Children's Philharmonic, and the Ganja State Philharmonic. The state supports this infrastructure, repairs, and puts in order the buildings of these organisations, equipping them with modern technologies and concert and stage equipment. Thus, for example, the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic building was restored and reconstructed, and the necessary equipment was provided to meet modern requirements entirely at the state's expense. Additionally, major repair and restoration work has commenced at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, encompassing repairs to the stage, the theatre’s acoustic system, and the orchestra pit, among other areas.
The most famous musical groups of the country are the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, the Azerbaijan State Choir Capella, the Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra named after G.Garayev, the Azerbaijan State Piano Trio, the Azerbaijan State String Quartet, the Azerbaijan State Folk Song and Dance Ensemble named after F.Amirov, the Azerbaijan State Orchestra of Folk Instruments, etc. The state partially finances these musical groups by purchasing professional instruments and stage costumes, covering fixed wages, and providing social support to the artistic staff, among other expenses.
Large-scale regular musical events such as the National Mugham Competition, the “Mugham World” International Music Festival, the “Khari Bulbul” International Music Festival, the Gabala International Music Festival, and the Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival have proven themselves to be serious instruments in revealing people’s creative potential and developing the music industry.
An effective mechanism for supporting musical art is the orders of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on celebrating anniversary events, within which a set of events are implemented. Among those issued in recent years are Orders of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan On the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Ashig Alasgar (No.2511 of February 18, 2021), On the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Baku Academy of Music named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli (No.2659 of May 26, 2021), On the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Fikret Amirov (No.3183 of March 15, 2022), On the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Rauf Hajiyev (No. 3212 of April 13, 2022), On the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Suleyman Alasgarov (No.21 of February 22, 2024), On the celebration of the 140th anniversary of Uzeyir Hajibeyli (No.462 of February 3, 2025), etc.
On October 29-31, 2023, the first Music Forum was organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture. The Music Forum, organised with the support of the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, and the Azerbaijan Composers' Union, was attended by well-known musicologists, conductors, composers and performers of country, as well as specialists invited from foreign countries, who held panel discussions on the topics of “Music education in Azerbaijan: schools of composition and performance”, “Traditional music genres”, “Development of the national music industry”, “Promotion of national cultural traditions on a global scale”, “Azerbaijani musicology at the crossroads of research”, “The art of choreography: national dance, ballet, modern dance forms”.
Last update: April, 2025
The Ministry of Culture is conducting targeted work to develop design and creative services as part of its overall cultural policy, supporting the country's cultural and creative industries. Periodic forums, summits, and awards on these topics provide evidence of this. Thus, the Azerbaijan Design Forum was the country's first annual design forum, bringing together professionals in this field. Its 2019 edition was held at the International Mugham Centre on 23 November 2019, organised by Azerbaijan Digital Arts School and Graphic Design Azerbaijan, with the support of the Ministry of Culture. The forum's primary purpose was to bring together Azerbaijani designers, exchange experiences and discuss and share the most innovative approaches in the design field. The event also discussed the importance of Baku's inclusion in the UNESCO Network of Creative Cities in the “Design” category in the same year. In total, 611 works by more than 400 designers were submitted to the Azerbaijan Design Forum 2019 competition, organised into 10 categories: branding, packaging design, illustration, web design, industrial design, application design, interior design, exterior design, print design, and outdoor design. The works were evaluated anonymously online by a jury of world-renowned professionals comprising 18 judges from six countries.
Gradually, the forum evolved into a summit, the last of which took place on June 30, 2024. The “Azerbaijan Design Summit 2024” was held with the support of the Ministry of Culture and was committed to fostering innovation and cultural exchange on a global scale. The summit has garnered the attention of experts from 50 countries and over 2,000 participants worldwide. The summit's primary objective was to host a competitive exhibition showcasing over 230 projects across 14 categories. A distinguished panel of 50 judges from around the world evaluated the submissions, ensuring a fair and comprehensive decision-making process. This gathering of esteemed professionals further underscored the summit’s importance as a global platform for design dialogue.
Established in 2018, the Azerbaijan Design Award is a competition platform aimed at discovering creative and outstanding design talent, thereby enhancing the quality of the design industry. The first professional competition platform in Azerbaijan's design industry, it brings together professionals from over 10 design fields. The final night of the 4th Azerbaijan Design Award competition took place on June 24, 2023, with the organisational support of the Ministry of Culture and the Azerbaijan Designers Association, offering free-of-charge participation to local and international designers. Over 700 designers participated in the competition, submitting more than 1,200 projects across 16 categories. The competition winners were evaluated by 22 judges representing 10 countries, with 1st to 5th places awarded in each category.
On December 3, 2023, Azerbaijan Fashion Week was held under the organisation of the Ministry of Culture, bringing together designers working in fashion, buyers, local and foreign media representatives, and anyone interested in the field for potential cooperation. As part of the event, the Azerbaijan Fashion Forwards Competition, which aims to support young fashion designers studying in higher education institutions and fashion schools in the country, was held, along with a master class by renowned fashion designers. The event concluded with a fashion show, during which 20 designers from various countries presented their collections.
Last update: April, 2025
The new Law on Tourism (No.448-VIQ of December 27, 2021) defines the foundations of state management in the field of tourism, mechanisms for regulating the tourism industry, rules for the efficient use of tourism resources, and sources of financing for the tourism sector to ensure the sustainable development of tourism in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The law defines cultural tourism as the experience of acquainting oneself with the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the country or place being visited. Gastronomic tourism is defined as tourism accompanied by tourists' acquaintance with traditional and/or innovative culinary samples and food products of the country or place being visited, local food producers, participation in culinary festivals, and other similar events. In turn, the Law on Culture (No.506-IVQ of 21 December 2012) includes the development and promotion of cultural, ecological, biological, and sports tourism as the main directions of state policy in the cultural sector. The use of cultural heritage sites for tourism purposes is carried out in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan, specifically the Law on Culture, Laws On Specially Protected Natural Areas and Sites (No.840-IQ of March 24, 2000) and On the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments (No.470-IQ of April 10, 1998).
The State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a central executive authority that implements state policy and regulation in the field of tourism, as well as the protection of historical and cultural monuments located in the territories of state reserves under its jurisdictions, was established according to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan On Certain Measures Related to the Improvement of State Management in the Field of Culture and Tourism (No.4 of April 20, 2018). To implement the state tourism policy, the State Tourism Agency has eight regional tourism departments in Baku-Absheron, Ganja, Sheki, Lankaran, Mingachevir, Guba, Karabakh and Ismayilli. The Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University (ATMU), the Baku Tourism Vocational School, and the Mingachevir Tourism College operate within the framework of the State Tourism Agency.
The Tourism Information System, led by the State Tourism Agency, is a "state-business" and "business-business" platform, the country's unified state information system in tourism. The system's primary goal is to enhance the competitiveness of the tourism sector, disseminate accurate and reliable information, promote the quality of tourism services offered in the country, and support the branding processes and corporate development of business entities. The Tourism Registry and an exceptional quality program are conducted within the system, a data warehouse is created, and electronic services are provided. The Tourism Registry aims to collect, process, search, analyse and transmit information about tourism resources, products and industry subjects in a single source, monitor that information, and improve the quality of tourism products and services.
The Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB), a division of the State Tourism Agency, aims to establish the country's tourism brand, enhance its competitiveness in the global tourism market, and increase the recognition of Azerbaijan as a tourism destination by promoting it locally and internationally. Four Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) of the Board operate in Ganja, Lankaran, Quba, and Sheki, directly linking national-level tourism organisations to the public and private sectors and the community at the regional and local levels. Azerbaijan Tourism Strategy 2023-2026 defines tourism development through a 9-pillar model: Tourism governance, Regulatory capacity, Destination development, heritage and communities, Brand, marketing and communications, Tourism products and experiences, Digitalisation, technology and innovation, Data analysis and research, Tourism investment and public-private partnerships, and Human resource development.
The Reserves Management Centre, under the State Tourism Agency, is responsible for nine of the 29 historical, cultural, architectural, artistic, and ethnographic reserves operating in the Republic of Azerbaijan. These reserves encompass 210 historical and cultural monuments, four museums, and one house of culture, all situated on their respective territories.