Public Discussion on “Purity of the Azerbaijani Language: Mobilization for the Protection of National Heritage” Held with Participation of NGOs and Scientists
On January 9, 2026, the Agency on State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in partnership with the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), organized a public discussion titled “Purity of the Azerbaijani Language: Mobilization for the Protection of National Heritage,” featuring NGOs and scientists.
The President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli, noted that President Ilham Aliyev set the purity of the Azerbaijani language and its protection from harmful influences as a national and strategic task during the 80th anniversary of ANAS in November 2025, as well as in his recent interview with local television channels.
Professor Fuad Mammadov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the NGO Agency, stated that the Azerbaijani language is not merely a tool for communication—it is a mirror of our history and a national heritage: “Language is the soul of a nation. If the language weakens, thought weakens. If the language is corrupted, national identity and self-awareness are also shaken. Therefore, the issue of the purity of the Azerbaijani language is the responsibility of the entire society, not just philologists. Today, globalization, digital media, social networks, advertisements, and increasing foreign influences in daily speech have created serious challenges for the purity of the Azerbaijani language. Unfortunately, when we cannot find the correct expression in our own language, we resort to foreign words. This gradually erodes the internal system of the language. One of the most important traits of a highly cultured person is the worthy preservation of their mother tongue and working with determination and dedication for its development.”
Elnur Baghirli, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the NGO Agency, mentioned that by a relevant Decree recently signed by President Ilham Aliyev, the Agency, together with relevant state bodies, has been tasked with participating in determining themes and directions for all types of NGO funding and co-organizing competitions: “In 2026, the protection of the purity of the Azerbaijani language will be set as one of the main topics in joint grant competitions organized by the Agency and relevant state institutions.”
Saadat Mammadova, Chairperson of the Enlightener Media Center and a well-known TV journalist, delivered a report titled “Purity, Functionality, and Prestige of the Azerbaijani Language: Civic Duty and Strategic Responsibility.” She stated that representatives of civil society must further increase their activity in this matter.
Orkhan Isayev, Chairman of the “Korpu” Turkmen Heritage Center, described the protection of the Azerbaijani language—the mother tongue of more than 50 million Azerbaijanis worldwide—as a national issue.
Sevda Tahirli, Chairperson of the Mirza Alakbar Sabir Foundation and granddaughter of M.A. Sabir (whose works have been declared state property), stated that love for the Azerbaijani language should be reflected not only in slogans but also in speech, writing, media, schools, and families. Sevda Tahirli pointed out numerous flaws damaging the language in the names of various NGOs registered at different times: “During monitoring, we have encountered very strange NGO names. For example, ‘Azerdovshansakhlayan’ (Azer-rabbit-keeper) Azerbaijan Rabbit Breeding and Amateur Livestock Breeders Voluntary Society. What does this even mean?! The names of some NGOs do not align with the content of the deep reforms currently being carried out in the NGO sector or the issues we are raising regarding the protection of the language. It would be appropriate for every NGO to review its name and, if necessary, apply to the Ministry of Justice for relevant changes.”
Parvina Gadimova, a representative of the Azerbaijan Young Teachers Association, noted that they organize online mother tongue courses for Azerbaijanis living abroad with the sponsorship of the NGO Agency, emphasizing that there is still a great need for teaching the Azerbaijani literary language abroad.
Mubariz Asgarov, Chairman of the “Support for the Promotion of Objective National Values” Public Union and a well-known TV journalist, spoke about the purity of the language in the broadcasting space. He stated that television and radio channels, as well as digital media platforms, bear a special responsibility in ensuring the correct, fluent, and normative use of the Azerbaijani language. For this reason, media representatives should act as carriers of language culture, and special attention should be paid to the linguistic proficiency of presenters, journalists, and program authors.
Professor Nadir Mammadli, Director of the Nasimi Institute of Linguistics of ANAS, and other linguists delivered detailed reports on the history, theoretical aspects, and development trends of the Azerbaijani language.
