History of Azerbaijani press
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The story of the press in Azerbaijan began with Akinchi, the first Azerbaijani-language newspaper, published by Hasan bey Zardabi in Baku between 1875 and 1877. Other newspapers followed through the remainder of the 19th century. This was a time of re-emergence for Azerbaijani literature in general.
The whole generation of public figures, talented Azerbaijani publicists and leading thinkers of their time were trained and formed in press. Hasan bey Zardabi was founder of publishing in Azerbaijan. He sought agreement for publication of “Akinchi” newspaper in native language in the period of Tsar’s colonial system, after a prolonged struggle. Publishing of this newspaper drew a wide response in the Caucasus. At first editorial staff of the newspaper consisted of only one person. Zardabi was simultaneously the publisher, editor, corrector and typesetter of the newspaper. In 1875-1877, 56 issues of the newspaper were published. For the purpose of arousing interest of wide masses he ought to spread it gratuitously.[1]
Publishing the newspaper Hasan bey first of all attempted to achieve the main goal – propagation of ideas of the nation’s enlightenment. Publishing articles about country life, agriculture irrigation works he wanted to help peasants to overcome illiteracy in agricultural sphere. Creation of national unity was the main principle. Situation of the newspaper sharply complicated with the beginning of the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878). Tsar’s censorship prohibited to touch upon political issues in the newspaper. In 1877, the decree about liquidation of the newspaper was issued.[2]
“Ziya”, “Ziyayi-Qafqaziyye”, “Keshkul”
In January, 1879 “Ziya” newspaper began to be published in Turkish language, in Tbilisi. Since 1880, this newspaper was published under “Ziyayi-Qafqaziyye” name. After publication of 104 issues, the newspaper was closed in 1884. In 1880, “Keshkul” newspaper was published in Tbilisi. Jalal Unsizade,[3] publisher of the newspaper was well acquainted with European culture. Ideas of “Keshkul” were similar to ideas of “Akinchi”. Journalistic articles, materials on the issues of language, literature, enlightenment, recommendations on socio-political issues, passages from original works and translations of patterns of the Eastern and European literature were published in the newspaper. Seyid Azim Shirvani, Firidun bey Kocharli and Mammad agha Shahtakhtinski also cooperated with the newspaper.
