News

On March 10, 2026, in connection with the 153rd anniversary of the establishment of national theatre in Azerbaijan, a virtual and traditional book exhibition titled “March 10 – National Theatre Day” and an electronic information database titled “Azerbaijani National Theatre” were presented to users at the National Library.

The exhibitions feature official documents, literature on the ancient and rich history of Azerbaijani theatre, its formation and development, the establishment of a professional national theatre, its main creative stages, artistic and aesthetic characteristics, poetic foundations, genre diversity, theoretical principles, theatre encyclopedias, anthologies, as well as information about theatre institutions in different cities, prominent theatre figures, and stage professionals. Materials in Azerbaijani and foreign languages, including scientific-theoretical research in theatre studies, articles published in the press, and photographs are also displayed.

The virtual exhibition can be accessed at: https://anl.az/el/vsb/10_Mart_Milli_Teatr_Gunu/index.htm

The electronic database “Azerbaijani National Theatre” provides full-text resources in sections such as “Official Documents,” “History of Azerbaijani Theatre,” “Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijani Theatre,” “National Theatre,” “Views on Theatre,” “Azerbaijani Theatres,” and “Publications,” available at: https://anl.az/el/emb/Teatr/index.html

Azerbaijani theatre has a long and rich history. On March 10, 1873, the first performance of Mirza Fatali Akhundzadeh’s comedy “The Adventure of the Lankaran Khanate’s Vizier” was staged by an amateur theatre troupe of the Baku Real School. With this performance, and through the efforts of figures such as Hasan bey Zardabi and Najaf bey Vazirov, the foundation of the national theatre in Azerbaijan was laid.

The emergence of the first professional theatre in the East in Azerbaijan in the second half of the 19th century is considered one of the most significant pages in the country’s cultural history.

Azerbaijani theatre is regarded as a national cultural treasure, and its preservation and development remain a key priority of the state’s cultural policy.

The development of national theatre has also been greatly supported by philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, who financed the construction of the first theatre building in Baku.

The contributions of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev to the development of Azerbaijani theatre are widely recognized, and his cultural policy continues to play a vital role in its progress.

Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the country’s cultural policy is successfully continued, theatres are being restored and modernized, and broader opportunities are created for creative collectives.

The establishment of “National Theatre Day” by the presidential decree signed on March 1, 2013, is a clear example of the high state support for theatre art in Azerbaijan.