Baku news at the beginning of the 20th century according to the "Açık Söz" newspaper

Azerbaijan and Bakû have always been important throughout history due to factors such as their strategic location, energy resources, economic growth, cultural heritage, and regional stability. Azerbaijan has hosted different empires and khanates throughout history due to these factors. It came under Russian rule in the 19th century with the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. After entering the Russian Empire, Azerbaijan embarked on independence struggles. The confusion that occurred after the 1905 Revolution in the early 20th century led to the formation of national consciousness and the idea of independence in Azerbaijani society. Açık Söz, the first national newspaper of the Azerbaijan Republic, began publication in Bakû on October 2, 1915. The founder and editor-in-chief of the newspaper was Mehmet Emin Resulzade, one of the leading figures of the Azerbaijani Enlightenment. Açık Söz closely followed the important political, social, and cultural developments that took place in Bakû between 1915 and 1918 and conveyed these developments to its readers. The newspaper's news included topics such as World War I, the national movement in Azerbaijan, the Armenian-Tatar conflicts, the Bakû oil industry, and the cultural life of the city. Açık Söz's Bakû news published between 1915 and 1918 are important in that they reflect the political and social atmosphere of the city during this period. These news can be considered an important part of Azerbaijan's independence struggle.