For the first time, Azerbaijani citizens will be able to read the National Geographic Magazine in their own language and enjoy local content about their country, now that Azerbaijan has become the 40th country to publish a regional edition of the esteemed publication. In February, representatives from the National Geographic Magazine and Anar Mammadov, the founder and Chairman of the Board of Garant Holding, signed the contracts, beginning a collaboration between one of Azerbaijan’s leading holding companies and the giant in publishing, known for its rich, in depth articles, highly acclaimed photography and unceasing commitment to inspiring people to address the conservation needs of the planet.
The National Geographic Magazine has a long history as the official publication of the prestigious National Geographic Society. The Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit educational and scientific organisations and through its combined media platforms, events and products it reaches more than 500 million people around the world each month. In business since 1888, the National Geographic Society has provided funding for over 11,000 scientific exploration, research and conservation projects. It is also active in educational programmes that promote geographic literacy as well as inspire people across the globe to care about the conservation of the planet.
Anar Mammadov joined Terry Adamson, executive vice president of the National Geographic Society and Yula Boyle, senior vice president for International Publishing and others associated with the new publication, at the National Geographic headquarters in February for the signing of the contracts. The first edition is expected to be on sale at shops, newsstands, public facilities and by subscription by September, 2014.
For Garant Holding, publishing a local-language edition of the National Geographic Magazine is especially significant since during the Russian occupation of Azerbaijan publications such as this were not allowed. According to Anar Mammadov, the publication will bring little known areas of the country to its citizens as well as familiarizing them with the world at large and enable talented Azerbaijan photographers, such as Emmy-winner, Reza Deghati, to have their photos of the world on display to the homeland. In addition, the Anar Mammadov blog will also include excerpts and photos to increase interest and readership of the publication.
Subscribers in even the most remote sections of the country will have access to the articles in the Azerbaijani edition of the National Geographic Magazine. In each edition there will be a special section highlighting the geography, culture and history of Azerbaijan along with the astounding photography in which the publication is best known. The first edition will include photo-essays on the co-existence of different religious communities, the ancient history of Azerbaijan and the natural surroundings of Khinalig.