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.