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Today marks 149 years since the establishment of our national press with the publication of the “Əkinçi” newspaper by our esteemed intellectual Hasan bey Zardabi on July 22, 1875.
Although only 56 issues of “Əkinçi” were published from July 22, 1875, to September 1877, it played an invaluable role in the formation and development of the Azerbaijani national press. Primarily undertaking the mission of enlightenment, “Əkinçi” quickly became popular among both the intellectual class and ordinary people. However, the lifespan of “Əkinçi” was short. Tsarist Russia began to fear the newspaper’s role in educating the people and familiarizing them with socio-political processes, eventually halting its publication. Despite this, prominent enlighteners of that period used the pages of “Əkinçi” to promote their enlightening and democratic ideas, significantly influencing the development of social, political, and literary thought.
Since then, Azerbaijani press, having gone through various periods of decline and revival, has always served as a mirror reflecting society’s view on processes.
Dear media representatives, Neftchi Sports Club congratulates you on the occasion of July 22 – National Press Day, and wishes you objectivity and high professionalism in your difficult, responsible, and honorable work.
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