New depiction methods used in world maps and changes related to some geographical names have brought to the agenda the question of how they will be reflected in Azerbaijani textbooks.
Modern.az sent an inquiry to the Ministry of Science and Education regarding this. It was stated that reliable international and local government maps are used when preparing textbooks.
According to the authors, changes created by natural processes such as mountain formation, earthquakes, and volcanism on the physical map of the world usually occur over a long period. Innovations related to state borders and geographical names, however, belong to the political map:
“The reflection of changes on the map must go through serious stages. At this time, interstate relations, territorial issues, and the national interests of states are taken into account.”
The response noted that a number of innovations have been reflected in the new geography textbooks. The name “Arctic Ocean” has been given as “Arctic Ocean,” the Southern Ocean has been added, and Sudan and South Sudan have been shown as separate states. Also, taking into account the situation after the 44-day Patriotic War, maps related to Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region have been updated.
Textbook authors also cited the use of the name “Lake America” for Lake Ontario in the USA as an example. This name change refers to the federal use of the USA; it does not mean that the lake’s name has changed internationally.
Another innovation discussed is the map projection, i.e., the method of depicting the Earth on a plane. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on September 4, 2026, encouraging the use of the Equal Earth projection, which distorts the sizes of continents less. This decision does not change the borders of countries or the physical structure of the Earth.
Lamiya Jannatzadeh
