Publication of the first issue of the newspaper «Taraggi»
The "Taraggi" newspaper is a publication that occupies a unique place in the history of the Azerbaijani press, notable for its brief yet impactful existence. Founded with the financial backing of millionaire Murtuza Mukhtarov, this newspaper introduced itself with the slogan "Freedom, equality, justice" and prompted significant societal changes. The newspaper "Taraggi," which commenced publication in Baku on June 8, 1908, marked a pivotal moment in Azerbaijani journalism. The fact that it was published five times a week initially, and later daily, is clear evidence of its immense popularity among readers.
The newspaper’s first editor-in-chief was the prominent educator and publicist Ahmad Bey Aghaoghlu. As a rare figure who sought to apply liberal European ideas to Eastern society, he left a significant mark on the stance and content of "Taraggi." Mahammad Amin Rasulzadeh expressed the value he placed on this newspaper by describing it as "the first European-style newspaper in Azerbaijan." Rasulzadeh's contributions, which included over 100 articles and writings published in the newspaper, reflect this publication’s political and journalistic caliber.
A prominent group of intellectuals gathered around "Taraggi," including figures like Mahammad Amin Rasulzadeh, Ali Bey Huseynzadeh, Omar Faig Nemanzadeh, Firidun Bey Kocharli, Uzeyir Bey Hajibeyov, Mahammad Hadi, Aligulu Gamkusar, and others. These individuals were leading representatives not only in journalism but also in literature, politics, and science.
In June 1909, with A. Aghaoghlu's move to Turkey, Uzeyir Bey Hajibeyov, became the newspaper's editor-in-chief. Under his leadership, "Taraggi" became even more enriched and deepened its ideological content. Hajibeyov contributed over 150 articles — including political reviews, scientific-pedagogical analyses, and feuilletons — which formed the intellectual core of the newspaper.
The newspaper’s pages also included classic European literature. Nikolai Gogol's story "The Overcoat" was published for the first time in Azerbaijan in U. Hajibeyov's translation in the "Taraggi" newspaper. This event highlights that the newspaper was not limited to journalism but also valued fiction and translated literature.
On October 6, 1909, the newspaper’s publication ceased with its 434th issue. This was primarily due to financial difficulties and a complicated political situation. However, "Taraggi" played a significant role in developing modern journalism, promoting enlightenment, and advocating national identity within a short period.
Although the newspaper ceased publication, its legacy continued in subsequent years through other newspapers like "Achig Soz," "Igbal," "Yeni Fikir," and "Azerbaijan," which carried on its ideas and style.
Recommended literature:
- Aşırlı, Akif. Azərbaycan mətbuatı tarixi / A. Aşırlı ; red. A. Bayramoğlu. I hissə : 1875-1920. - Bakı : Elm və təhsil, 2009. - 296 s.
- Azərbaycan çap mətbuatı tarixinin inciləri: 1875-1920 = Historical Gems of Azerbaijani Press : 1875-1920. - Bakı : Şərq-Qərb, 2020. - 160 s.
- Mətbuat tarixi və publisistika məsələləri / İ. Ə. Həbibbəyli [et al.] ; tərt. A. H. Rüstəmli ; elmi red. İ. Ə. Həbibbəyli. - Bakı : Ozan, 2016. - 184 s.
- Azərbaycan mətbuat tarixi antologiyası / red. heyəti: Ə. Həsənov, V. Səfərli, Ə. Ə. Amaşov, tərt., elmi red.: Ş. Q. Vəliyev, N. Q. Yaqublu. I cild. - Bakı : Elm və təhsil, 2010. - 440 s.