ALiterary workIndependent states
Akinchi newspaper
The first newspaper in Azerbaijani, published in Baku on 22 July 1875 by Hasan bey Zardabi.
Akinchi ("The Ploughman") was published by the enlightener and scientist Hasan bey Zardabi. As its name suggests, it set out to spread farming knowledge, but it soon became a platform for education, science and social questions.
Intellectuals such as Mirza Fatali Akhundzade and Seyid Azim Shirvani wrote for it. Akinchi appeared until 1877, when it was closed by the Tsarist censors.
The day its first issue came out, 22 July, is celebrated in Azerbaijan as National Press Day.
Sources
Updated: October 1, 2026