On September 24, the “Kalbajar Honey Festival 2025” event was held in Kalbajar district at the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of IDEA Public Union.
The festival was jointly organized by IDEA Public Union, the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Kalbajar district, the Ministry of Agriculture, “Agrarian Procurement and Supply” OJSC, and the Azerbaijan Beekeepers Association.
The event was attended by Bashir Hajiyev, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Kalbajar district, Majnun Mammadov, Minister of Agriculture, Elgun Mahammadelizade, Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Agrarian Procurement and Supply” OJSC, representatives of state institutions, and local residents.
A total of 37 beekeepers and farmers from the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions and other regions of the Republic who branded their products participated in the festival. Participants of the “Young Beekeeper” project, which was implemented at the initiative of IDEA Public Union to promote ecological entrepreneurship among young people, also exhibited their products at the festival. The festival also organized a demonstration of honey and other beekeeping products with the participation of beekeepers, a presentation of innovative approaches and technologies in this direction, a tasting of honey products and samples of national cuisine, as well as entertainment zones for children.
The main purpose of holding the event is to promote Kalbajar honey and geographical branding, support local beekeepers, expand access to local and foreign markets, as well as contribute to the development of tourism by introducing the history, nature and pastures of Kalbajar, increase interest in agrotourism, ecotourism and rural tourism, and promote the music, dances, cuisine, and national and cultural heritage of the region.
The participants of the event first viewed the beekeeping products demonstrated by the beekeepers and talked with them.
During the official part of the event, Bashir Hajiyev, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Kalbajar, said that the large-scale construction work carried out on the liberated lands under the leadership of Honorable President Ilham Aliyev opens up wide opportunities for the restoration and development of the ancient traditions of Kalbajar, including beekeeping: “Mr. President has repeatedly personally promoted Kalbajar honey, which is an indicator of the highest value placed on the quality and recognition of this product. Today, Kalbajar honey is distinguished by its natural properties and quality and is becoming one of the national brands of Azerbaijan. Through this festival, we present not only Kalbajar honey, but also the natural resources of the region as a whole, its rich flora and fauna, and the hard work of the people living here to a wide audience.”
Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov said that Kalbajar and other liberated territories have a wide potential for the development of beekeeping, and there is a great demand for beekeeping products produced in the region's pastures in the domestic market. Stating the importance of branding for the access of honey and other beekeeping products to international markets, the minister noted that the ministry provides assistance to beekeepers in this direction. The minister said that in 2024, the number of bee colonies in Azerbaijan reached 579 thousand, and honey production increased by 13.04% compared to 2023. The minister said that the great interest shown in this festival creates the basis for it to become a tradition and be held annually.
Elgun Mahammadelizade, Chairman of the Board of Directors of "Agricultural Procurement and Supply" OJSC, emphasized the important role of beekeeping in the country's agriculture and said that the volume of production has increased rapidly as a result of the support provided by the state to this field.
The event continued with a concert program.
