The opening ceremony of another Azerbaijan House and a weekend Azerbaijani school operating under it was held in the city of Stuttgart, Germany. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played, and the cherished memory of the martyrs was honored with a minute of silence.
The event was attended by Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Samir Rzayev, Advisor of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Federal Republic of Germany; Makbule Koçak Kaçar, Consul General of Türkiye in Stuttgart; compatriots living in various European countries and different cities of Germany; heads of several Azerbaijan Houses abroad; and representatives of the local community.
Gunay Mirzayeva, Chairwoman of the Azerbaijan–German Cultural Center, delivered a report-style speech on the activities of the center that brings together Azerbaijani compatriots living in Germany, as well as on the work of the Board of the Alliance of Azerbaijanis of Germany.
Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora Fuad Muradov spoke about the modern diaspora policy implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and the diversification of joint activities with the diaspora. He noted that Azerbaijan Houses and weekend schools are being opened in various countries around the world. The Chairman congratulated compatriots on the opening of another Azerbaijan House and a weekend school in Germany, describing it as a clear example of the state’s care for Azerbaijanis living abroad.
It was emphasized that Azerbaijan Houses and weekend schools, including the “Karabakh” online schools established at the initiative of First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, represent the most successful model for creating advantages and new opportunities for third- and fourth-generation diaspora members to learn their mother tongue. The implementation of this model in an important region such as Stuttgart, where Azerbaijanis live compactly, is of particular significance.
Video clips featuring speeches by the Head of State were also screened during the event.
Altay Rustamli, Chairman of the Board of the Alliance of Azerbaijanis of Germany; Amir Ali Sardari Iravani, a member of the Board; Makbule Koçak Kaçar, Consul General of Türkiye in Stuttgart; and several prominent community members delivered speeches, describing the opening of the Azerbaijan House as a symbol of unity among compatriots.
Participants of the ceremony viewed the exhibition titled “Pomegranate,” featuring works by Italian cultural figure Francesco Macco.
The opening ceremony continued with an artistic program.
It should be noted that including the Azerbaijan House opened in Stuttgart, there are currently 32 Azerbaijan Houses operating in 20 countries worldwide. At the same time, more than 90 weekend Azerbaijani schools function in 24 countries. Some of these schools operate under Azerbaijan Houses, while others function under diaspora organizations and cultural centers or independently. The State Committee on Work with Diaspora provides every weekend Azerbaijani school abroad with textbooks and educational materials. Compatriots, as well as foreigners who love Azerbaijan, use the services of Azerbaijan Houses and weekend schools free of charge. Additionally, in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of State, the number of weekend Azerbaijani schools abroad continues to increase and their geographical coverage is expanding.