In 2025, the activities of the Ministry of Culture were marked by consistent reforms aimed at modernizing cultural policy, institutional strengthening of creative industries, protection of cultural heritage, and expansion of cultural diplomacy. Throughout the year, culture was presented not only as an expression of national identity but also as a tool for social development and international dialogue.
Information on this was provided by the Ministry in response to an inquiry from Modern.az regarding the work carried out by the Ministry of Culture, and the goals set and achieved during the current year.
It was stated that one of the main turning points was the adaptation of management in the cultural sector to contemporary requirements:
“In the film industry, legal and institutional mechanisms were updated, the copyright and royalty system was improved, and a mechanism for partial reimbursement of audiovisual production costs was implemented. In parallel, various procedures in the field of art education were digitized, and the recruitment and attestation of teachers were carried out based on transparent criteria.
Throughout the year, the representation of Azerbaijani culture in the international arena significantly increased. Representatives of Azerbaijan's art, cinema, music, etc. fields were represented on prestigious international platforms, and young artists' access to international networks was expanded through state support programs. Cultural entrepreneurship strengthened as a real component of economic and social development”.
According to information from the Ministry, in the direction of cultural heritage protection, monuments in the liberated territories were inventoried, new objects were taken under state protection, and the Aghdam Mugham Center and the “Imarat” Historical-Architectural Museum Complex were put into operation:
“At the same time, the inclusion of several historical and cultural complexes in UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage was an indicator of international recognition.
In 2025, art education programs were updated, the preparation of the first national textbooks for piano specialization began, and the measurement of teachers' professional competencies became systematic. International education and scholarship opportunities for youth were expanded”.
It was noted that a unified approach was formed in the field of media and communication, the official information language was simplified, and public relations were strengthened:
“Digital initiatives, including the “Novruz 2025” online festival, became an effective example of delivering culture to broad audiences.
Overall, 2025 was a year in which a more open and flexible management model was formed in the cultural sector. Culture was positioned not only as an activity carried out but also as a public value that can be shared with society and is open to international dialogue”, - the Ministry stated.
