National Press Day is observed in Azerbaijan every June 22, commemorating the anniversary of the first publication of Akinchi, the first newspaper fully printed in the Azerbaijani language, which was founded by Hasan bey Zardabi. The inaugural issue was printed on July 22, 1875, in Baku. Although Akinchi ceased publication in 1877, it significantly influenced the development of journalism in Azerbaijan, leading to the emergence of several other newspapers and magazines. The day celebrates the contributions of journalists to society and underscores the importance of a free and democratic press that promotes tolerance and pluralism. In 2010, President Ilham Aliyev officially declared this date as National Press Day, following the abolition of media censorship in 1998 by President Heydar Aliyev.