An international congress dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Azerbaijan's restoration of state independence opened at Anadolu University in Eskişehir, Türkiye, bringing together government officials, academics, researchers and students from both countries.
The event, titled International Azerbaijan Congress: 35 Years Since the Restoration of Independence, focused on Azerbaijan's independence history, bilateral cooperation with Türkiye and the future of relations within the Turkic world.
The congress was jointly organized by Azerbaijan's State Committee on Work with Diaspora, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Türkiye, Karabakh University, Anadolu University, Ibn Haldun University, the Heydar Aliyev Application and Research Center, the Federation of Turkish Azerbaijani Associations (TADEF), the Eskişehir Azerbaijanis Association, the Center for International Relations, Social and Strategic Studies (KUT) and other partner institutions.
Ahead of the opening ceremony, Valeh Hajiyev, First Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan's State Committee on Work with Diaspora, met with Anadolu University Rector Professor Yusuf Adıgüzel.
The two officials discussed strengthening Azerbaijan-Türkiye relations, expanding cooperation between higher education institutions, promoting academic research on Azerbaijan and developing diaspora activities.
Hajiyev thanked the university rector for supporting the congress and expressed confidence that the event would contribute to stronger scientific and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Officials highlight Azerbaijan-Türkiye relations
The opening ceremony began with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Türkiye, followed by a minute of silence in memory of those who lost their lives defending the territorial integrity of both countries.
Representatives of government institutions, universities, public organizations and academic communities attended the gathering.
Speakers included Valeh Hajiyev; Professor İlyas Topsakal, a member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and deputy chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP); Fuzuli Majidli, counselor at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Türkiye; Anadolu University Rector Yusuf Adıgüzel; and Professor Burhan Sayılır, head of the university's History Department, director of the Heydar Aliyev Application and Research Center and coordinator of the congress.
The speakers emphasized the historical and cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Türkiye and discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in education, research and regional affairs.
Hajiyev described the congress as an important platform for strengthening bilateral relations.
He highlighted the significance of Azerbaijan's military victory in the 2020 Karabakh war under President Ilham Aliyev and the strategic importance of the Shusha Declaration signed by the presidents of Azerbaijan and Türkiye in 2021.
The declaration formalized an expanded alliance between the two countries, covering political, economic, security and military cooperation.
Hajiyev also emphasized the role of young people in preserving shared history and passing cultural and national values on to future generations.
"Never forget that Türkiye's strength is Azerbaijan's strength, and Azerbaijan's strength is Türkiye's strength," he told participants.
He encouraged young people to uphold the ideals expressed by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Azerbaijan's former President Heydar Aliyev concerning national identity and cultural heritage.
Panel examines independence and regional cooperation
Following the opening ceremony, the congress continued with a panel discussion moderated by Professor Gökhan Güneysu of Anadolu University's Faculty of Law.
The participants examined Azerbaijan's struggle for independence, the future of the Turkic world and opportunities for regional cooperation.
Güneysu described Azerbaijan's restoration of state independence as a period of national revival and transformation.
During the discussion, Hajiyev highlighted cooperation between Azerbaijani and Turkish diaspora organizations during the 44-day war in 2020.
He said diaspora groups from the two countries had coordinated activities to counter what he described as disinformation campaigns by Armenian lobbying organizations.
Hajiyev also presented information about Azerbaijan's international diaspora network, noting that 33 Azerbaijan Houses are operating in 21 countries to promote Azerbaijani culture, language and national identity.
These centers organize cultural and educational activities and serve as meeting places for Azerbaijani communities living abroad.
Military cooperation and regional security discussed
Former Turkish military attaché to Azerbaijan Yücel Karauz also addressed the congress, discussing the historical significance of Azerbaijan's victory in the 2020 Karabakh war.
He examined the development of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, the introduction of modern military technologies and the role of defense cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye.
Karauz emphasized the strategic importance of the two countries' partnership amid changing geopolitical developments and regional security challenges.
The congress provided an opportunity for academics, officials and researchers to exchange views on Azerbaijan's independence, bilateral relations and wider cooperation among Turkic-speaking countries.
The event also highlighted the role of educational institutions and diaspora organizations in preserving cultural ties and encouraging academic collaboration.
Azerbaijan restored its state independence on October 18, 1991, following the adoption of the Constitutional Act on State Independence. The 2026 anniversary marks 35 years since that milestone.
The International Azerbaijan Congress in Eskişehir forms part of broader commemorative activities aimed at promoting awareness of Azerbaijan's statehood history and strengthening academic, cultural and institutional ties with Türkiye.