THE PROBLEM OF CENSORSHIP IN THE AZERBAIJANI NATIONAL PRESS (1914-1917)

The article is devoted to the study of censorship issues in Azerbaijan in a historical context. Here, the period from the beginning of the First World War - from 1914 to the fall of tsarism - to 1917 is included in the study. The problems faced by the Azerbaijani national press in this regard are analyzed on the basis of factual materials. The author notes that the tsarist ruling circles were distinguished by their harshness in relation to the press of the exploited peoples. In particular, the national press, journalists and publishers of the Turkic-speaking and Muslim peoples were constantly subjected to discrimination, and their free activities were restricted. Tsarism tried to prevent free speech through various censorship departments and tried to distract writers from the struggle with punitive measures. The author notes that despite all these negative circumstances, the Azerbaijani national press was able to adequately fulfill its assigned task and rendered exceptional services in the formation of national consciousness and self-awareness.