Cultural Diplomacy: Shanliurfa Culture Days kicked off in Baku, with exhibitions, folklore, music, handicrafts and cuisine spotlighting Türkiye’s heritage and deepening Azerbaijan–Türkiye ties. Classical Music: Silknet-backed Tsinandali Festival returns for its 8th year in Georgia, featuring 23 concerts over 10 days and a special program tied to Georgia’s Christianity anniversary. Opera & Education: Azerbaijan’s III International Fidan Hajiyeva Opera Festival is set to run from Sept 7 to Dec 7, blending performances with master classes, symphonic concerts and educational events across Azerbaijan and abroad. Sports & Youth: Sabah FC launched an AZN 10 million youth football push, building a “Future Talents” academy fund after its UEFA Champions League qualification. Scholarships & Careers: AzerGold announced its next scholarship competition for mining-sector students, offering monthly support and internships for top candidates. Heritage & Research: Yardimli excavations uncovered burial remains and ritual objects linked to Late Bronze–Early Iron Age traditions, with possible older layers ahead. Human Rights: Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman rejected Armenian rights claims about religious discrimination against Armenian prisoners as unfounded, amid renewed international attention on detention conditions. Tourism Spotlight: Saudi media highlighted Baku’s historic core, Islamic heritage and growing Saudi visitor interest, pointing to visa-free access as a key driver. International Links: Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan cooperation expanded through talks on cultural, education and science projects, including ideas for a conference on Azerbaijani thinker Yusif Qarabaghi. Hospitality Growth: Marriott and PASHA Real Estate signed plans for Ritz-Carlton branded developments in Baku and a Le Méridien hotel in Tbilisi.