National Press Day

On 22 July 1875 the first issue of the newspaper Akinchi ("The Ploughman"), edited by the enlightener Hasan bey Zardabi, came out in Baku. It was the first newspaper published in the Azerbaijani language and laid the foundation of the national press.

Akinchi appeared first twice a month and later weekly; 56 issues were published between 1875 and 1877. Alongside farming and science it raised questions of enlightenment, education and the mother tongue, drawing readers into public life.

Today

22 July is celebrated in Azerbaijan as National Press and Journalism Day: journalists receive awards and media organisations hold events. The 130th anniversary of Akinchi was widely marked in 2005, and the 150th anniversary of the national press in 2025.