Afina Mammadli Barmanbay
Kars, Caucasus University, Faculty of Science and Letters, lecturer in the Department of Contemporary Turkic dialects and literatures
It is undeniable that, within the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad, the attention and care shown to us in Azerbaijan strengthened our motivation to serve our homeland. Even in the smallest organisational details behind the scenes, this thoughtful approach was felt. The escort of police and emergency vehicles throughout all our journeys during the event was a manifestation of the high respect and attention accorded to scientists representing Azerbaijan abroad.
Holding the forum at Gulustan Palace, one of Baku's most prestigious venues, once again underscored the seriousness of the work undertaken and the importance of goals oriented towards the future. The official banquet, as the closing stage of the event, was remarkably warm and memorable. Allocating separate rooms for each guest at one of Baku's most distinguished hotels was a refined example of individual attention to scholars. Overall, it was plainly evident that great effort and substantial financial resources had been devoted to organising the event.
The protocol events and rectors' addresses on the first day of the forum left me with a strong impression of the event's seriousness and usefulness. The participation of state officials further enhanced its standing and effectiveness. I was especially struck by the thorough, well-founded answers given by Professor Hamlet Isaxanli, founder of Khazar University, to the questions put to him.
On the second day of the forum, the exchange of ideas with scholars I met at mixed tables broadened my outlook. At the table moderated by Bakhtiyar Sirajov, writer, poet and literary scholar Eldar Akhadov from the Russian Federation, musician and composer Khadija Zeynalova from Germany, jurist Akif Suleymanov from Kazakhstan and economist Aygul Isayeva from Georgia made a deep impression on me with their knowledge and experience. I would also like to note especially the active participation of doctoral student Namiq Namazov.
Exchanging ideas with scientists working in different countries and fields of science and discussing what we can do for our country enlivened both my mind and my spirit. The table organised by field of science was moderated by Seymur Nasirov. Although discussions there were conducted within a narrower framework, conditions were created for achieving concrete outcomes. Existing problems and shortcomings were discussed and proposals were put forward.
Discussions around the question “What can we do?” led to the identification of concrete lines of activity. I believe the exchange at the tables was extremely productive. Preparing an official report recording the discussions, proposals and decisions from both tables was for me both a responsible and an exciting experience.
Within the forum, we presented the book “Dialect Dictionary from Georgia to Azerbaijan” (“Gürcistandan Azerbaycana Ağız Sözlüğü”), which I prepared together with Vasif Sadiqli and which was financed by the diaspora. I regard making this book available to our compatriots from various countries as presenting part of our culture to the world.
The remarks of Aygul Isayeva, who joined the forum from Georgia, about the educational problems of our compatriots there also left a deep mark on me. As I myself am from Borchali, I have always kept the problems of Azerbaijanis in Georgia in view. The views expressed regarding the current situation in education both made me reflect and spurred me to become more active.
The high level at which the forum was organised was especially striking. I shall never forget my conversation in Karabakh with the young scholar Togrul Karimov, who joined the forum from Germany. I was greatly heartened when he said that the thought “What can I do for my country?” had taken shape in him. This once again showed how important it is for our state to invest in young people.
Our journey to Karabakh on the final day of the forum is etched in my memory as one of the most moving parts of the event. During this trip we experienced moments both sorrowful and proud. Along the way, the pains of the past, the memory of our martyrs and the tragedies our people have endured passed before my eyes.
Passing through Khojaly brought back to life the victims of the merciless massacre, Chingiz Mustafayev's cry of anguish and the fate of our missing compatriots. Although the ruins I saw in Agdam shook me, the newly rebuilt settlements demonstrated our state's resolve and faith in the future.
The prosperity in Khankendi, the work of Karabakh University and the visit to Shusha aroused a great sense of pride in me. Setting foot on the soil of Shusha for the first time was an unforgettable feeling. It is difficult to put into words the emotions I felt before the memory of Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Bulbul and Khan gizi Natavan.
That the first forum was organised at such a high level is a source of great pride. The organisational ability and tireless work of Mesud Afandiyev, Chair of the WAAS Board of Directors, deserve special recognition. The efforts of the staff of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora and of all organisers played an important role in the forum's success.
Together we are stronger!
“You are ours, you are ours while life beats in the body; live, live, live long, O glorious Azerbaijan!”