BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. The opening
ceremony of the International Azerbaijan Congress, titled "In the
35th Year of the Restoration of Independence" and marking the 35th
anniversary of Azerbaijan’s restoration of state independence, was
held at Anadolu University in Eskişehir, Türkiye.
This was reported by Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Work with
Diaspora.
According to the committee, the congress was jointly organized
by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, the Embassy of
Azerbaijan in Türkiye, Garabagh University, Anadolu University, Ibn
Haldun University, the Heydar Aliyev Application and Research
Center at Anadolu University, the Federation of Türkiye-Azerbaijan
Associations, the Eskişehir Azerbaijanis Association, the Center
for International Relations, Social and Strategic Studies, and
other partner organizations.
Before the event, the committee’s First Deputy Chairman, Valeh
Hajiyev, met with Anadolu University Rector Professor Yusuf
Adıgüzel. They discussed the development of Azerbaijan-Türkiye
relations, expanded cooperation between higher education
institutions, the promotion of information about Azerbaijan in
academic circles, and diaspora-related issues. Hajiyev thanked the
rector for supporting the organization of the congress and for the
hospitality extended to the delegation. He expressed confidence
that the event would contribute to the further development of
scientific and cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and
Türkiye.
The opening ceremony began with the national anthems of
Azerbaijan and Türkiye, followed by a minute of silence in memory
of the martyrs who gave their lives for the territorial integrity
of both countries.
The event was attended by representatives of government
institutions, universities and public organizations from Azerbaijan
and Türkiye, as well as scholars, researchers and students.
Speakers at the opening ceremony included the committee’s First
Deputy Chairman, Valeh Hajiyev; Member of the Grand National
Assembly of Türkiye and Deputy Chairman of the Nationalist Movement
Party, Professor Ilyas Topsakal; Counselor at the Embassy of
Azerbaijan in Türkiye, Fuzuli Majidli; Anadolu University Rector
Yusuf Adıgüzel; and congress coordinator Burhan Sayılır, head of
the university’s History Department and director of the Heydar
Aliyev Application and Research Center. They highlighted the
importance of the close ties between Azerbaijan and Türkiye.
Hajiyev said the congress would help further strengthen
Azerbaijan-Türkiye relations. He highlighted the historical
significance of the Karabakh Victory, achieved under the leadership
of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and the strategic importance
of the Shusha Declaration signed by the presidents of Azerbaijan
and Türkiye. He noted that the younger generation plays a vital
role in preserving shared history and national and moral values and
passing them on to future generations.
"Never forget: Türkiye’s strength is Azerbaijan’s strength, and
Azerbaijan’s strength is Türkiye’s strength," Hajiyev said. He
urged young people to uphold the ideals expressed in Mustafa Kemal
Atatürk’s words, "How happy is the one who says 'I am a Turk,'" and
National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s statement: "I have always been
proud, and I remain proud today, that I am an Azerbaijani."
The congress continued with a panel discussion.
The panel was moderated by Anadolu University Faculty of Law
Professor Gökhan Güneysu and addressed Azerbaijan’s struggle for
independence, the future of the Turkic world, and prospects for
regional cooperation. Güneysu described the restoration of
Azerbaijan’s state independence as a "period of resurgence and
great conquest."
During the panel, Hajiyev highlighted the close cooperation
between Azerbaijani and Turkish diasporas during the 44-day
Patriotic War, when they jointly countered disinformation campaigns
by the Armenian lobby. He also noted that 32 Azerbaijan Houses
operate in 21 countries, working to preserve and promote national
and cultural values.
Türkiye’s former military attaché to Azerbaijan, Yücel Karauz,
spoke about the historical significance of the Karabakh Victory,
the development of the Azerbaijani Army, and the integration of
modern military technologies. He emphasized the strategic
importance of the close ties between Azerbaijan and Türkiye amid
global developments.
