On July 21, 2026, a scientific seminar entitled "The "Ekinchi" way of our National press" was held in Sheki Regional Scientific Center of ANAS on the occasion of July 22 - National Press Day.

The seminar was attended by Honored Journalist, Editor-in-Chief of the "Sheki" Newspaper Akif Salam, Editor-in-Chief of the "Sheki Belediyyesi" Newspaper Murad Nabibeyov, Editor-in-Chief of the "Sheki Tehsili" Newspaper Basharet Suleymanov and employees of the Sheki Regional Scientific Center.

Opening the event with an introductory speech, the director of Sheki RSC, Doctor of Philology, docent Kamil Adishirinov greeted the guests and spoke about the importance of the seminar, the rich history of our national press and its important role in the development of society, and congratulated journalists on their professional holiday.

The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was sounded.

A minute of silence was observed in memory of our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of our homeland.

Then, the director of Sheki RSC, Kamil Adishirinov, delivered a comprehensive report on the topic of "The history of publication and correspondents of the "Ekinchi" newspaper".

He stated that despite the fact that only 56 issues of the "Ekinchi" newspaper, which was founded on July 22, 1875 under the editorship of Hasan bey Zardabi, were published, it gathered national intellectuals around it, played an exceptional role in the formation of the national press, the spread of enlightenment ideas, the development of the native language and the direction of public opinion.

The speaker emphasized that, unlike many publications of the time, "Ekinchi" was written in a simple and understandable language and addressed a wide readership. The newspaper published enlightening articles on various areas of science, education, agriculture, health, culture, morality and public life, and promoted ideas serving the progress of the people.

In his speech, the associate professor also paid special attention to the activities of the correspondent network of the "Ekinchi" newspaper. touched upon. He drew attention to the fact that letters and articles sent to the newspaper from various regions of Azerbaijan were valuable sources reflecting the social, economic and cultural life of the country. He noted that through these correspondents, local problems, the state of agriculture, education and enlightenment issues, social relations were promptly covered, and a strong connection was established between the newspaper and the reader.

The speaker emphasized that the intellectuals united around Hasan bey Zardabi made a significant contribution to the formation of national press traditions, and the "Ekinchi" played a real school role for newspapers and magazines published in later periods.

In conclusion, Kamil Adishirinov stated that the heritage of the "Ekinchi" newspaper has retained its relevance today and that studying the path of development of our national press, perpetuating the ideas of Hasan bey Zardabi, and the future development of Azerbaijani journalism are of great importance.

Then, the head of the Literary-Cultural Environment and Folklore Department of Sheki Regional Scientific Center, PhD in philology Irada Yusifova made a speech on the topic the "Ekinchi" newspaper and Hasan bey Zardabi". She stated that Hasan bey Zardabi, as the founder of the Azerbaijani national press, an outstanding educator and public figure, rendered important services in the direction of educating the people and forming national self-awareness. She noted that the "Ekinchi" newspaper, published on his initiative, laid the foundation for a new stage in the history of the national press and played an important role in terms of preserving the native language, promoting science and education, and highlighting the current problems of society.

The speaker emphasized that Hasan bey Zardabi's enlightening ideas and the concept of the national press have retained their relevance today, and the heritage of the "Ekinchi" newspaper is valued as an invaluable historical school in the development of Azerbaijani journalism and national-cultural thought.

Then, Tural Adishirinov, a research worker at the Literary-Cultural Environment and Folklore Department of Sheki Regional Scientific Center, presented a paper titled "Zagatala page of our national press: "Red The speaker spoke about the stages of formation and development of the press in Zagatala region and stated that the "Red Flag" newspaper is one of the important press organizations that created the chronicle of the socio-political, social and cultural life of the region. He noted that during its existence, the newspaper played an important role in covering the events taking place in the region, promoting the ideas of enlightenment, protecting national and spiritual values and forming public opinion. Tural Adishirinov brought to attention that the "Red Flag" newspaper is one of the valuable sources for studying the history, cultural heritage and press traditions of the region today.

At the end of the speech, the speaker noted that the regional press is an integral part of national journalism, and emphasized the importance of studying this heritage and passing it on to future generations.

Speaking at the seminar, Honored Journalist, Editor-in-Chief of the "Sheki" newspaper Akif Salam compared the journalism of the Soviet era with the Azerbaijani press formed during the years of independence. He noted that although the press operated within strict ideological frameworks during the Soviet era, professional traditions of journalism, an editorial school, and a writing culture were formed during those years. He noted that during the period of independence, the Azerbaijani press has entered a new stage of development, characterized by the expansion of freedom of speech and thought, the application of information technologies, and the increasing role of the media in society.

In his speech, Akif Salam also spoke about the various stages of his journalistic activity and shared with the participants the interesting and memorable events he encountered during his long creative path. He emphasized that the main task of a journalist is to become the voice of society, bring people's problems to attention, and objectively cover issues of public importance.

The honored journalist noted that each era had its own unique journalistic characteristics, and the main criterion for a loyal, educated journalist is always adherence to truth, objectivity and professional principles.

At the end of his speech, Akif Salam drew attention to the importance of preserving national press traditions, professional training of young journalists and studying the history of the press.

Murad Nabibeyov, editor-in-chief of the "Sheki Belediyyesi" newspaper, and Basharet Suleymanov, editor-in-chief of the "Sheki Tehsili" newspaper, spoke at the seminar. They expressed gratitude for the invitation to the event, noted that such events organized on the occasion of July 22 - National Press Day are important in terms of studying the history of the press, exchanging ideas among journalists and preserving national press traditions, and wished success to journalists who have contributed to the development of the national press.

A video clip was shown at the end of the seminar.

Letters of appreciation were presented to Channel S television for its contributions to cooperation with the Sheki Regional Scientific Center of ANAS, as well as to journalists for their attention and support in promoting the national press, covering scientific and cultural events, and developing mutual cooperation, as well as to archivist Ilaha Aliyeva for her active participation in organizing archival work and events.