Azerbaijan's development path in recent years is characterized by the identification of political, economic, social, cultural, sports, and moral priorities. Each year is dedicated to a specific area by decree of President Ilham Aliyev. This initiative clearly demonstrates the main goals of state policy to society, increases people's attention to that area, and simultaneously aims to unite state and citizen initiatives in that direction.
It should be noted that this tradition was established in 2007. The decrees signed by the head of state not only indicate the strategic direction of the state but also demonstrate the importance given to national and moral values. For example, while the purpose of declaring the "Year of Industry" or the "Year of Volunteers" was to increase attention to the development of these areas, the "Year of Nizami Ganjavi" or the "Year of Heydar Aliyev" was to commemorate the anniversaries of these prominent figures.
The declaration of the “Year of Multiculturalism” aimed to promote Azerbaijan's values of tolerance to the world and further strengthen the image of a country where various religions and nationalities live in peace. The “Year of Nasimi” was remembered as a triumph of science, poetry, and humanism.
As for the “Year of Shusha”, it was dedicated to the 270th anniversary of Karabakh's liberated cultural capital.
The declaration of these years is not merely symbolic. After each such decision, relevant state programs, projects, events, and social initiatives are implemented. According to the decrees of the head of state, the action plan for the declared year is prepared by the Presidential Administration or the Cabinet of Ministers. Within the framework of the year, many events are held in the country, and postage stamps are issued.
The tradition of thematically declaring years has already become a symbol of statehood for Azerbaijan. The name of each new year provides direction to society as a message or a roadmap for Azerbaijan's future.
It should be noted that due to the presidential elections in Azerbaijan in 2008 being a nationwide event, a similar decree was not signed.
It was eagerly awaited what year 2026 would be declared.
Finally, the President put an end to the expectations today. 2026 was declared the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan.
The head of state's current Decree was signed with the aim of preserving Azerbaijan's centuries-old traditions of urban planning and architectural culture, as well as promoting and expanding the application of progressive approaches that respond to new challenges in this field in the country.
According to the document, the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan must prepare and submit its proposals regarding the action plan for the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in the Republic of Azerbaijan to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan within one month.
List of years declared in Azerbaijan:
2007 - Year of Youth;
2009 - Year of Children;
2010 - Year of Ecology;
2011 - Year of Tourism;
2012 - Year of Sports;
2013 - Year of Information and Communication Technologies;
2014 - Year of Industry;
2015 - Year of Agriculture;
2016 - Year of Multiculturalism;
2017 - Year of Islamic Solidarity;
2018 - Year of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic;
2019 - Year of Nasimi;
2020 - Year of Volunteers;
2021 - Year of Nizami Ganjavi;
2022 - Year of Shusha;
2023 - Year of Heydar Aliyev;
2024 - Year of Solidarity for a Green World;
2025 - Year of Constitution and Sovereignty:
2026 - Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.
A. Gafarli
