Türkiye and Azerbaijan Host Second Media Summit in Celebration of 150 Years of Azerbaijani Press
Alpaslan Düven– London
Marking the 150th anniversary of Azerbaijani journalism, the second “Türkiye-Azerbaijan Media Summit” was successfully held from May 27 to 31 across several cities in Azerbaijan, including Ganja, Shusha, Khojaly, and Baku.
The event was organized in partnership between the Global Journalists Council (GJC) and Azerbaijan’s official media body, the Press Council (Matbuat Şurası), and welcomed nearly 50 Turkish journalists.
A Bridge of Journalism from Ganja to Baku
The summit kicked off on May 27 with the arrival of journalists at Ganja Airport. The following day, media representatives from both countries explored historical sites in Shusha and Khojaly, before heading to Baku for an official dinner.
AI at the Heart of Media Forum
On May 29, the spotlight turned to artificial intelligence during a media forum held at the Center for International Relations Research in Baku. Opening remarks were delivered by Press Council Chairman Rashad Majid and KGK President Mehmet Ali Dim.
Moderated by KGK Foreign Media Council Chair and Azerbaijan Representative Elshad Eyvazli, the forum featured several high-profile speakers. Prof. Dr. Levent Eraslan presented insights on “AI Journalism,” while AIPA President Zafer Küçükşabanoğlu discussed the future of artificial intelligence. NTV Regional Representative Merih Akın spoke on “Journalism and Social Media.” The event concluded with a lively Q&A session.
Diplomatic Dialogue with Top Azerbaijani Official
Later that day, the delegation met with Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, for a diplomatic consultation. Visits followed to the National Assembly, STM, the Martyrs’ Alley, and the Heydar Aliyev Memorial. The day ended with a formal reception hosted by the Turkish Embassy in Baku.
Cultural Farewell in Baku
On May 30, the group toured Baku’s iconic landmarks, including Icherisheher (the Old City) and the Heydar Aliyev Center. The summit concluded with a farewell dinner before the delegation returned to Istanbul.
Dim: “One Media, One Nation”
Reflecting on the event, KGK President Mehmet Ali Dim remarked:
“Our first media summit in Azerbaijan took place in October 2019. Six years later, we are together once again with the same enthusiasm. We proudly carry forward the spirit of ‘Two States, One Nation, One Media.’ This summit gathered nearly 50 journalists from various media platforms. The knowledge shared during our AI-focused forum is a vital contribution to the future of journalism. I extend my gratitude to Press Council Chairman Rashad Majid, our representative Elshad Eyvazli, and all who contributed.”
