A group of Turkish journalists have been awarded special medals in Baku by Azerbaijan in recognition of their contributions to the country’s media landscape. The “150th Anniversary of the Azerbaijani National Press” medals, established by a decree from President Ilham Aliyev, were presented to correspondents and editors from major Turkish news outlets on Thursday.
Award Recipients and Ceremony
The honorees included personnel from Türkiye’s leading public and private media organizations. From Anadolu Agency, Asia and Caucasus News Editor Tolga Ozgenc, Baku correspondent Ruslan Rehimov, and cameraman Resul Rehimov were recognized. TRT’s delegation, represented by Azerbaijan representative Murat Akkoc, reporter Fatih Avanos, and cameraman Ahmet Halilov, also received medals. Journalists from CNN Turk, TRT World, and the Ihlas News Agency (IHA) were among the other recipients at the ceremony organized by the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency.
Diplomatic Recognition and Shared History
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Baku, Birol Akgun, received and congratulated the award-winning journalists. In his remarks, he highlighted the significant role played by Turkish media, particularly during the 2020 Second Karabakh War. “The Turkish media played a vital role by conveying realities to the world,” Akgun stated, adding that the recognition of outlets like Anadolu and TRT is a source of pride for Türkiye. The award underscores the deep historical, cultural, and strategic bonds between the two Turkic nations, often summarized by the “one nation, two states” principle.
Strengthening Bilateral Media Ties
This official recognition serves to strengthen professional and institutional ties between the media sectors of the two allies. It reflects Azerbaijan’s appreciation for Türkiye’s consistent diplomatic and moral support, which is often amplified through its media channels. Such exchanges reinforce the multifaceted partnership between Ankara and Baku, extending beyond politics and defense into the spheres of culture and information, solidifying a unified narrative and shared perspective on regional developments.