Distinguished Guests Attend Reception

A formal reception marking the 108th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Independence Day was hosted at Lancaster House, one of the landmark venues in the British capital. The event was organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom and attended by the UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker, representatives of various state institutions, members of diplomatic missions, and representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora.

Aysel Mamadova Opens the Evening

The reception opened with a performance by singer Aysel Mamadova, who represented Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest, singing the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom. Her performance was warmly received by guests, while dance shows and musical performances throughout the evening added color and vibrancy to the program.

The reception opened with a performance by singer Aysel Mamadova

Ambassador Elin Suleymanov Highlights Democratic Legacy

Speaking at the event, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Elin Suleymanov, stated that the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established on May 28, 1918, was the first parliamentary democracy in the Muslim East.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Elin Suleymanov

Suleymanov emphasized that despite its short existence, the republic left an important legacy in Azerbaijan’s history by granting all citizens the right to vote and be elected regardless of ethnicity, religion, race, or gender. He also stressed that modern Azerbaijan remains committed to these values of tolerance and multiculturalism.

UK Praises Strategic Partnership

In his remarks, UK Minister of State for Defence Lord Vernon Coaker described Azerbaijan as one of the region’s important diplomatic and security partners and expressed satisfaction with the elevation of bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership.

Music and Cultural Performances Highlight Evening

The reception continued with a concert program and refreshments for guests. Aysel Teymurzade’s performances of the national anthems and her stage appearances were among the highlights of the evening.

Daulet Abdykadyrov, Military Attaché of the Embassy of Kazakhstan to the United Kingdom, and Eltay Aslanov, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Turkish Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertaş and Turkish Consul General Dr. Hasan Ulusoy also attended the event, reinforcing the spirit of “one nation, two states.”

Vatan Öz, editor of Avrupa Gazetesi, and Elin Süleymanov, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

The other members of the Council’s Cabinet and their portfolios for the year ahead were confirmed as follows:

Children’s Services - Cllr Chris Dey
Council Assets and Culture – Cllr Edward Smith
Environment - Cllr Maria Alexandrou
Finance - Cllr James Hockney
Adult Social Care - Cllr Andy Milne
Housing and Technology - Cllr Lee Chamberlain
Licensing – Cllr Elisa Morreale
Communications and Customer Services – Cllr Andrew Thorp

These appointments were made following the local elections that were held on 7 May. In Enfield, 31 Conservative councillors were elected, 27 Labour, and five Green members.

The Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Alessandro Georgiou, said: “It is a real privilege to serve this borough, and I want to thank residents for the trust they have placed in us.

“We have been elected on a clear mandate to deliver the reliable services residents need and deserve, create a cleaner borough, and protect the green spaces that make Enfield such a great place to live.

“As we deliver on these promises, we will keep residents informed and involved throughout, with good governance and complete transparency underpinning everything we do.”

At the same Annual Meeting, Cllr Emma Supple was sworn in as the new Mayor of Enfield and Cllr Chris Joannides will serve as her Deputy.

Cllr Emma Supple has replaced Cllr Margaret Greer in the role of Mayor.

Cllr Supple said: “It is an absolute honour to be elected to serve and celebrate Enfield’s wonderful communities, businesses and organisations.

“I am looking forward to being an ambassador for everything that makes Enfield great, from our vibrant town centres to our beautiful green spaces, and a champion for the local businesses and organisations that help our borough to thrive.”

Throughout the year, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will attend hundreds of engagements.

In addition, Perrez Ampofo (16-years-old) is the new Young Mayor of Enfield and Omari Green (17-years-old) is Deputy Young Mayor. They will help the Council to achieve its ambitions to work more closely with young people and help deliver a lifetime of opportunities in the borough.

Perrez and Omari will represent the interests of Enfield’s young people to the Mayor and councillors.

“A Team Is Working on the Managerial Process”

Speaking about the search for a new head coach, Yıldırım said a dedicated team has been formed to handle the process.

“We established a team for this matter and the work is ongoing. For now, I can only mention Oğuz Çetin by name, but there is also a group made up of our former athletes working on the project,” he said.

“Talks Started Before My Candidacy”

Yıldırım stated that negotiations with managerial candidates began before he officially announced his candidacy.

“We held meetings before becoming a candidate. This process did not start afterwards,” he explained.

“Our Priority Is Two Strikers”

Addressing transfer plans, Yıldırım revealed that signing two forwards is the club’s main target.

“The team’s needs are clear. Our first priority will be bringing in two strikers,” he said.

“We Will Reach Agreements by June 30”

Yıldırım also confirmed that important meetings were held in England regarding transfers.

“We will have reached agreements by June 30. However, we will not make any announcements at this stage,” he said.

“In the past, we suffered from interference in the process. There were people trying to disrupt negotiations, so this time we will wait before speaking publicly.”

“We Are Returning Stronger Than in 1998”

Confident about the club’s future plans, Yıldırım claimed the current project is stronger than the one launched during his first presidency era.

“We are returning from England with big news. We are coming back even stronger than in 1998. We are working very well right now and we have an excellent team,” he stated.

“A Different Process Began After July 3”

Yıldırım also referred to the controversial July 3 match-fixing investigations period, claiming Fenerbahçe was deliberately targeted through various operations.

“After July 3, a completely different process began. They saw Fenerbahçe as an obstacle. Through Ergenekon, Balyoz, Odatv and various operations, they tried to destroy Fenerbahçe. They tried to stop us, but they were unsuccessful,” he said.

Yıldırım’s remarks from London are expected to create significant discussion among Fenerbahçe supporters and the wider football community.

In a statement released by Enfield Council, it was said that Mayor Emma Supple and Deputy Mayor Chris Joannides will represent the borough at hundreds of official events over the next year and support local charities.

During her term in office, the new mayor is expected to maintain close engagement with the community, encourage volunteering initiatives, and support the work of local charitable organisations.

At the meeting, Michael Rye was also appointed Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration.

Following his appointment, Georgiou announced the members of his new cabinet and their responsibilities. Chris Dey will oversee Children’s Services, while Edward Smith takes responsibility for Council Assets and Culture, and Maria Alexandrou will lead on Environment.

The cabinet also includes James Hockney for Finance, Andy Milne for Adult Social Care Services, Lee Chamberlain for Housing and Technology, Elisa Morreale for Licensing, and Andrew Thorp for Communications and Customer Services.

The new administration is expected to shape Enfield’s local policies in the coming period, particularly in housing, environment, financial management, and social services.

Lancashire Search Ends in Tragedy

The latest incident occurred in Lancashire, where police believe a body discovered during the search for a missing 12-year-old boy is that of the child. According to the BBC, the boy disappeared while swimming with friends in the River Ribble near Ribchester on Tuesday afternoon.

Multiple Fatal Incidents Across England

Since temperatures began soaring last week, several fatal accidents involving young people have been reported across England. On Bank Holiday Monday, 13-year-old Reco Puttock died after being pulled from Leadbeater Dam in Halifax, West Yorkshire.

The same day, emergency crews recovered the body of a teenage girl from Kingsbury Water Park in Warwickshire and the body of a teenage boy from a lake at Rother Valley Country Park in South Yorkshire.

Rescue Attempt Turns Fatal in Cornwall

In Cornwall, a man in his 60s lost his life after entering the sea at Tregirls Beach near Padstow in an attempt to help two relatives who were struggling in the water.

Earlier, on Sunday, 15-year-old Declan Sawyer died after getting into difficulty at Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln. Meanwhile, search operations continue in Cheshire for a teenage boy reported missing in Pickmere Lake between Knutsford and Northwich.

London Breaks May Heat Records

The incidents came as the UK experienced unusually high temperatures for May. Parts of London reached 35C (95F) on Tuesday, surpassing the previous day’s record for the hottest May temperature.

Kew Gardens in southwest London recorded a provisional high of 35.1C (95.18F), setting a new local record.

Heat Alerts Issued Across England

In response to the extreme weather, the UK Health Security Agency issued amber and yellow heat-health alerts across England last week — the first such warnings of the year — as authorities warned of potential health risks linked to the ongoing heatwave.

The programme featured a wide musical selection ranging from Aşık Veysel Şatıroğlu and W. A. Mozart to legendary rock bands and classical music pieces. Parents accompanying their children on different instruments added a special meaning to the festival.

The opening performance of the festival — which aims to provide young musicians with a platform to develop their talents and connect with the wider community — was given by “ÜÇ BEBE, Bİ DEDE” (“Three Kids and One Grandpa”), consisting of 7–8-year-olds Sarp Ercosman, Denis Kazbek and Asil Ali Temur together with their instructor Sedat Sarıcı.

Following a series of solo piano performances, five-year-old Ata Öz and his mother Güzel Öz performed the folk song “Delilo” with the entire audience joining in.

The trio “ANA, BABA, BEBE” (“Mother, Father, Baby”), made up of Deniz, Sena and Anıl Gençay, performed “Last Resort” by Papa Roach.

DREAM BAND — featuring Rüya Clara Lustgarten, Kuzey Yıldız and Zerdu Karakollik — included “Al Yazmalım,” composed by Cahit Berkay of Moğollar, in their repertoire. Young guitarist Kuzey Yıldız received a standing ovation for his interpretation of “İnsan İnsan,” composed by Fazıl Say, dedicated to the memory of 11 students and a teacher who lost their lives in last month’s deadly school attack in Kahramanmaraş.

“ZERDU & BROTHERS,” consisting of Arjen, Ezel and Zerdu, brought excitement to the festival with slap bass improvisations during their performance of the pop classic “Impossible.”

The group HOKKABAZ energised the audience with rock arrangements of “Mağusa Limanı,” “Garip,” “İzmir Marşı,” and “Gündüz Gece,” encouraging enthusiastic audience participation.

In the festival’s Piano Series, the performers included Kayra Kaan Uskuri, Kuzey Girgin, Cayden Parks-Smith, Firaz Kısa, Anna Kısa, Ali Haydar Demir, Masal Hurman, Denis Kazbek, Mayıs Eroğlu, Masal Sarıkaya, Veysel Demir, Arya Atik, Asil Temur, Rüya Lustgarten, Ronya Has, Arjen Karakollik, Şimal Uzun, Ayşe Çiçek, İsyan İçöz, Berzan Yapıcı, Beren Yapıcı, Yılmaz Gerçek, Miran Kuyumcu, Mahir Kuyumcu and Beren Ercosman.

Among the promising young musicians of the future was Beren Yapıcı, who performed “Vignette,” a Grade 8-level examination piece, on the piano.

The festival’s Classical Guitar Series featured performances by Sarp Ercosman, Ezel Karakollik, Beste Beyter and Berzan Yapıcı.

Over the festival’s 20-year history, many young participants have earned places at institutions such as Academy of Contemporary Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, BTEC Diploma in Music Technology and Centre for Young Musicians. Young artists who continue to rise with their original compositions and songs have already released second and third albums and continue performing concerts across Türkiye and European capitals.

Music educator Suzan Beyazıt expressed her hope that the festival would continue to grow and become a lasting part of the wider community. She emphasised that the stage is not limited to her own students but is open to all children who wish to participate. She added that such platforms can help bring society closer to the arts while creating a cultural space in which the community can make its presence felt in the country they live in.

TASHKENT – 3 June 2026
The event will begin at 14:30 and will be structured in two sessions.
Digital generations and media consumption trends in focus
The first session will examine the topic “New Media Consumption Demands of Digital Generations (Gen Z, Alpha, Beta)”.
Speakers include:
Sherzodkhon Kudratkhuzha, Rector of Uzbekistan Journalism and Mass Communication University
Prof. Dr. Levent Eraslan, Chairman of the KGK Advisory Board, Anadolu University
Merih Ak, journalist at NTV
Nigar Ibrahimova, Azerbaijani journalist and TV commentator
The session will be moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olimov Farruhbek from Uzbekistan Journalism and Mass Communication University.

Diaspora journalism and media cooperation on the agenda

Following a short tea and coffee break, the second session will focus on media diplomacy and international communication.
Moderated by KGK President Mehmet Ali Dim, the session will feature London-based journalist Vatan Öz, who will speak on diaspora journalism, highlighting its role in global information flows.

Elshad Eyvazli, Chairman of KGK Foreign Media Council from Azerbaijan, will discuss media cooperation in the Turkic world, while Prof. Dr. Mehmet Yüce, Communications Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Tashkent, will present on the role of media in public diplomacy.

Cypriot journalist Alihan Pehlivan will deliver a presentation titled “Educational Approaches of Cypriot Universities and Their Interaction with Media.”

A shared media vision for the Turkic world
Organized by GJC and KGK, the panel aims to strengthen academic and professional cooperation in the field of media across the Turkic world and contribute to the development of a shared communication vision

In a high-intensity contest that lived up to its billing, Olympiacos showed resilience and maturity to overcome one of the continent’s most successful clubs. The victory marks their fourth EuroLeague title in club history and their first since 2013, bringing an emotional end to years of near misses on the biggest stage.

The Reds had previously suffered heartbreak in three separate finals appearances (2015, 2017, and 2023), making this triumph even more significant for the Greek giants and their supporters. Playing on home soil in Athens added further weight to the occasion, with a passionate crowd driving the team forward during crucial moments of the game.

Real Madrid pushed hard throughout the contest, maintaining pressure with their trademark experience and offensive depth. However, Olympiacos managed to control key stretches of the game, particularly in the decisive moments of the fourth quarter, where defensive stops and clutch scoring made the difference.

The 92-85 scoreline reflected a tightly contested battle, with momentum swinging multiple times before Olympiacos ultimately pulled away in the closing minutes. Their ability to execute under pressure proved decisive against a Real Madrid side accustomed to deep playoff runs and championship success.

When the final buzzer sounded, celebrations erupted across the arena as Olympiacos players, staff, and fans embraced a long-awaited return to the summit of European basketball. The victory not only secures a historic title but also reaffirms the club’s status among Europe’s elite.

For Olympiacos, this triumph represents more than just a trophy—it is the culmination of years of persistence, rebuilding, and belief, finally rewarded on the grandest stage of all.

In a game played as the curtain-raiser to the EuroLeague Championship Game for the very first time, neither team led ever by more than 5 points until Barca’s added physicality proved decisive in the closing possessions. The Blaugrana claimed the title for the second time, and the first in ten years.

Nikola Kusturica was the chief inspiration, returning from injury to lead his team with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds. Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje added 17 points, while Jakob Siftar and Mohamed Dabone both scored 10. Egor Amosov paced Real with 16 points, Fabian Kaiser scored 14, Gunars Grinvalds netted 13 and Ilia Frolov contributed 11.

Three-pointers from Kusturica and Diego Ferreras gave Barca the early advantage, but 6 fast points from Grinvalds brought Real level, 8-8. Kayser and Kusturica traded triples to keep it close, before Siftar stepped up with 5 points, but Andrej Bjelic hit back from deep to help make it 22-24 after ten minutes.

Ousmane Diarra started the second quarter with a highlight reel dunk, but Boumtje-Boumtje answered with his first score to edge Barca back in front. Siftar stayed hot with a pair of close-range finishes, but Amosov’s three and Osa Hadi’s fastbreak layup in a 9-0 run sent Real back ahead, 36-31. Nil Poza’s triple changed the momentum, and Kusturica’s putback made it 38-39 at the break.

Amosov opened the second half hot with a threeball and a layup, but close-range scores from Dabone and Kusturica forced another tie, 43-43. Poza hit his second triple and Mohamed Keita scored 5 fast points for a 47-51 lead, before a long-range barrage from Amosov, Frolov, Bjelic and Boumtje-Boumtje gave Real a small advantage, 62-60, at the end of the third.

A low-scoring start to the final period led to Amosov’s three-point play immediately being bettered by 5 points for Kusturica, making it 67-68 heading into the final five minutes. Boumtje-Boumtje and Grinvalds traded three-point strikes, before Ferreras scored at the rim for a 72-77 advantage. Kusturica protected the lead from the foul line, but Kayser kept Real hoping with a three, 77-79. Ferreras added a layup, and Barca’s defense did the rest.

At that very moment, the cast of the evening’s main film was about to arrive, and suddenly everything else became irrelevant. Josi Aoas, the Brazilian designer, and manager Lea Ferreira were all confronted with the festival’s most selective reality: on the Cannes red carpet, there are precise levels, priorities, and hierarchies.

Access was immediately blocked, preventing the actress from entering just moments before the official passage began. A matter of seconds turned a carefully planned entrance into a moment of intense backstage tension.

At the Cannes Film Festival, nothing is left to chance. Every minute is controlled with absolute precision, and even the slightest delay can affect visibility, media attention, and international photographic exposure.

Behind the glamour of the red carpet lies an extremely rigid organizational machine, built on protocols, priorities, and often inflexible rules. And Josi Aoas experienced firsthand one of the festival’s harshest realities.

At Cannes, the rules can sometimes seem excessively strict. In certain situations, a little more tolerance and flexibility might be needed — but on the Croisette, exceptions are rarely made.

Qualification for the 2026 World Cup represents one of the most important moments in Turkish football over the last decades. An achievement built through planning, consistent work, and a new international mentality that has allowed the Turkish national team to become competitive again at the highest level.

Behind this journey is also the work of Italian coach Vincenzo Montella, who in a short time has become one of the symbols of Turkey’s football renaissance. With balance, tactical discipline, and great ability in managing the group, Montella succeeded in transforming a young and talented squad into a credible, modern, and ambitious national team.

Turkish fans are now dreaming of a new achievement similar to the one in 2002. Enthusiasm is growing every day not only in Turkey, but also in the United States, where major preparations are already underway ahead of the World Cup tournament. Thousands of supporters will arrive from Europe and Turkey to follow the national team and support Montella and his players during their World Cup journey.

In the United States, a large logistical and institutional organization surrounding the presence of the Turkish national team has already begun. An important role in this process is attributed to Çağrı Kanver, Vice President of the External Relations Council of the Turkish Football Federation and regional representative in the United States.

According to sources close to the federation, Kanver had already begun working with a clear vision two years ago, when İbrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu was elected President of the Turkish Football Federation. The objective was clear: to prepare the international future of the national team and build a strong Turkish presence in the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Based mainly between New York City and Miami, Cagri Kanver is now considered one of the emerging figures in the landscape of international sports diplomacy. An entrepreneur active in real estate development, innovation, culture, and sports, he has contributed to strengthening the connections between Turkish football and the American continent.

His vision concerns not only the present of the national team, but above all the future of new generations. Through sports projects and international relations, Kanver has for years supported the discovery of young Turkish talents in the United States and across the American continent, convinced that modern football must increasingly embrace a global dimension.

According to people close to his projects, Kanver considers talent a heritage to be protected through modern infrastructure, international education, and global networks capable of creating new opportunities for young athletes.

Alongside sports, he also continues to invest in architecture, contemporary art, and cultural innovation, building a modern entrepreneurial model in which business, culture, and social development coexist within a single international vision.

Turkey’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup therefore represents much more than a sporting result. It is the symbol of a new generation, a new organization, and a new international mentality that looks to the future with ambition.

Twenty-four years after that historic night in 2002, the Turkish people are dreaming again. And this time, they want to experience the World Cup not only as protagonists, but as a possible surprise of world football.

Semi-final

Hull City reached the final after defeating Millwall 2-0 on aggregate.

Chaos before the final

Southampton were expelled from the play-offs due to the “Spygate” scandal, and Middlesbrough were brought into the final instead. During the process, Acun Ilıcalı stated, “Under normal circumstances, we should be promoted directly to the Premier League,” and even consulted lawyers.

Final day

The match kicked off at 3:30 PM at Wembley, where Hull City secured their first Premier League ticket since 2017.

Huge reaction in England and Turkey

Acun Ilıcalı had previously promised, “If we get promoted to the Premier League, I’ll take the team to Las Vegas.” Following the match, Turkish media and social media exploded with reactions:

• Ertem Şener: “Hull City are in the Premier League play-off final! All fans meet at Wembley on May 23.”
• Fanatik announced the victory with the headline: “ONE LAST STEP TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE!”
• Demirören Haber Ajansı quoted Acun Ilıcalı after the match: “We haven’t won a trophy yet, but our performance showed that we deserve to be in the top division.”
• Vatan Öz said: “On behalf of the Turkish community in England, we thank you. Our support is endless. Congratulations.”

Acun Ilıcalı had also said before: “If we get promoted to the Premier League, I’ll go crazy. The destiny of the city changes — Premier League cities become economic centers.” Now, that day has arrived.

Back after 9 years

Hull City last played in the Premier League during the 2016/17 season. This marks the club’s third promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

Welcome back to the Premier League, Hull City A.F.C.! 🧡🖤

The Turkish flag officially waved at Wembley tonight.

“We learned with deep sorrow and outrage about the armed attack carried out against Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca. Our greatest consolation is that Mr. Alim Karaca, whose achievements in serving our homeland we proudly follow and appreciate from Europe, is reported to be in good health.

As European Turks, we clearly state that we strongly condemn this heinous armed attack targeting democracy, the rule of law, and social peace, as well as the gunman and all dark forces behind it.

We expect the relevant authorities to fully investigate the incident, and to swiftly apprehend both the perpetrator and those who orchestrated the attack, ensuring that all legal penalties are applied without exception.

In these difficult days, we stand by Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca. We extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery and send him our heartfelt get-well wishes.”

Avrupa Newspaper – Europe Agency AVA – Avrupa Times

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Ceferin praised Türkiye’s successful organization of several UEFA events and described Istanbul as one of Europe’s leading football cities. He said football culture in Türkiye is deeply rooted in everyday life.

“Türkiye can successfully host major events”

Ceferin pointed to the 2019 UEFA Super Cup, the 2023 UEFA Champions League final and the upcoming 2026 UEFA Europa League final at Besiktas Park as proof of Türkiye’s organizational strength.

While noting that areas such as transportation, security and fan flow management could still improve, he said UEFA’s overall assessment of Türkiye’s hosting performances has been highly positive.

Special praise for Istanbul

The UEFA president emphasized that Istanbul continues to stand out as one of Europe’s most important football destinations. He added that UEFA’s repeated decision to bring major finals back to the city reflects strong confidence in both Istanbul and the Turkish Football Federation.

Strong infrastructure ahead of EURO 2032

Ceferin also praised Türkiye’s modern stadium infrastructure ahead of UEFA EURO 2032, which the country will co-host with Italy.

He noted that while many European nations have discussed building new stadiums for years, Türkiye has already completed major projects and gained a significant advantage with its modern facilities.

Optimistic about the national team

Ceferin said he expects Türkiye to be highly competitive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and stressed that the national team should aim not only to qualify but also to become a side that opponents fear facing.

He also praised Türkiye’s talented generation of players, highlighting Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız as two of the brightest young stars in European football. Hakan Çalhanoğlu was commended for his leadership and experience.

“Turkish clubs need consistency”

Ceferin said Turkish clubs should focus on building long-term success in European competitions rather than celebrating isolated achievements.

He praised Galatasaray as well as the recent European performances of Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, İstanbul Başakşehir and Sivasspor.

According to Ceferin, sustainable progress in Turkish football will require investment in youth academies, coaching systems, refereeing standards, financial discipline and women’s football.

Turkish international Enes Ünal came off the bench in the 89th minute for Bournemouth.

The result allowed Arsenal to move four points clear at the top with only one match left to play, sealing their first league title since the 2003-04 campaign.

Under the guidance of Spanish manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal claimed the 14th league title in the club’s history.

The presentation, held at the magnificent Princess Anne Theatre of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in central London, was attended by Arzu Aliyeva - the film's executive producer, and President of the Baku Media Center, along with producer Orman Aliyev, director Zaur Gasimli, People’s Artist Parviz Mammadrazayev, as well as ambassadors and numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps from Georgia, Türkiye, Uzbekistan and other countries, officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, members of the House of Lords, representatives of the City of London Corporation, the Commonwealth of Nations, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other organizations, representatives of bp, public and political figures, and members of the Azerbaijani community living in the United Kingdom.

The film was produced by the Baku Media Center with support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and the Cinema Agency. The project was also supported by NEQSOL Holding, Kapital Bank, Bakcell, and Norm companies. “Taghiyev” is the first part of a multi-film project exploring the life and legacy of Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev amid the rapid transformation of Baku during the oil boom period.

Addressing the event, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK Elin Suleymanov highlighted Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev’s immense contribution to Azerbaijan’s economic and cultural life, stressing that despite numerous difficulties and challenges, he remained steadfast in his ideals. He underscored that Taghiyev’s foremost aspirations included promoting education and founding the first secular school for girls in the Muslim East.

The ambassador underlined that Azerbaijan’s history has been shaped by remarkable individuals who played vital roles in the nation’s destiny. He also mentioned the recent celebration of the 103rd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, praising his indispensable role in rescuing Azerbaijan from deep political and economic crises and guiding the country toward stability and progress in the late 20th century.

Viewers at the London screening expressed admiration for the film, commending the Baku Media Center for its strong production standards and highlighting its meaningful portrayal of Azerbaijan’s history, culture, and identity on the global stage.

As a continuation of her widely acclaimed “Sweet Waters of Europe” project, this new programme presents a comprehensive artistic journey in which historical and cultural connections are reinterpreted through music. Inspired by the rich, multi-layered heritage of the Silk Road, the recital brings to the stage the musical traces of a vast geography stretching from Russia to Türkiye, and from the Caucasus to Central Asia.

The programme features works by prominent 19th-century Romantic composers such as Mikhail Glinka, Alexander Borodin, and Sergei Lyapunov, alongside compositions by leading contemporary figures including Kamran İnce, Aziza Mustafazadeh, and Cypriot composer Sayram Akdil. This repertoire highlights how the musical colours of the East have been reflected within the Western classical tradition and how they continue to evolve today.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the recital is its emphasis on the musical heritage of Azerbaijan and Central Asia. In addition to works by composers such as Vasif Adigözalov and Rovshen Nepesov, Rüya Taner’s own piano arrangements of traditional Turkish melodies further reinforce the programme’s focus on cultural continuity and transformation. Within the framework of this special project, the world premiere of “Rüya”, a work composed and dedicated to Rüya Taner by the distinguished composer Rovshen Nepesov, will also be presented for the first time.

Through this project, the artist brings together the musical memory of diverse regions, underlining the power of music as a medium for intercultural dialogue and shared human expression. The concert is presented as part of the “Sweet Waters of Asia” project, under the auspices of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in London and in cooperation with the TRNC London Representative Office; with the support of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Development and Economic Cooperation Office of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Lefkoşa; under the main sponsorship of Bromcom; and with the contributions of the Yunus Emre Institute, Tower Garments London, and the Turkish Women’s Philanthropic Association.

Concert Details

St James’s Piccadilly, London

13 June 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Tickets: £8 (full), £6 (student)

Online Tickets: https://ruyataner.eventbrite.co.uk/

Prof. Dr. Juan Lafont, CFA

The lecture was delivered by Juan Lafont, who is known for his academic and professional work in project finance. The session covered project finance structures, risk assessment frameworks and international funding models, according to participants.

The company said Ceylan’s participation forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen engagement with international academic and professional networks and to support knowledge sharing across the financial sector.

Strategy Finance Global, a London-based master broker, operates across shipping, private aviation, superyacht and project finance, providing advisory and structuring services for large-scale transactions.

Alp Ceylan, Managing Director of London-based brokerage Strategy Finance Global, attended a Project Finance lecture

LONDON (Berkeley Square Office) E-posta: info@strategyfinance.global Tel: +44 (0) 203 761 4111

2nd Floor, Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6BD

LONDON (Head office) 173 Balls Pond Road, London, N1 4BG 02037617614111 - 07812921155 - 07766461245 info@strategyfinance.com

Semifinal A: OLYMPIACOS PIRAEUS – FENERBAHCE BEKO ISTANBUL will tip-off at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT)

Semifinal B: VALENCIA BASKET – REAL MADRID will tip-off at 21:00 local time (18:00 GMT)

Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Tip-off: 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT)
The opening semifinal promises an electric atmosphere as Greek giants Olympiacos face Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. With passionate fanbases and championship pedigree on both sides, this matchup could become one of the defining games of the season.

Semifinal B
Valencia Basket vs. Real Madrid
Tip-off: 21:00 local time (18:00 GMT)
The second semifinal features an all-Spanish showdown between Valencia Basket and Real Madrid. Valencia continues its rise among Europe’s elite, while Real Madrid enters the Final Four once again carrying its unmatched legacy and championship expectations.

Athens Ready for Europe’s Biggest Basketball Weekend

The 2026 EuroLeague Final Four Athens presented by Etihad is expected to draw thousands of fans from across the continent, transforming the city into the center of European basketball for the weekend. With high-profile rivalries, elite talent, and a championship berth on the line, the semifinal night on 22 May promises drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments on the road to the EuroLeague title.

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