Visit of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to CU












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            * Visit of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to CU
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            Charles University maintains its excellent reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting ins

            international and Erasmus students – for Thursday, the 20th of November, was an incredible
            with knowledge and culture on the topic of Azerbaijan. 
            A cold autumn night did not deter students and members of the local academic community awa

            organized by Charles University, in this case the Faculty of Arts, are forever beautifully
            of budding students arrived with anticipation of expanding their knowledge and ultimately 
            circle of friends – and this lecture certainly delivered that.

            Carried by His Excellency Mr. J. E. Farid Shafiyev, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azer
            Czech Republic, this lecture delved into the thrilling, and quite unfamiliar history of Az

            one of the post-Soviet states in the Caucasian region. Did you know, for example, that Aze
            the first modern parliamentarian Islamic Republic – prior to World War I? The Azerbaijan D
            Republic proclaimed its independence in 1918 as the first Muslim-majority democratic and s

            following the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917 and a brief existence of the Transcau
            Federative Republic, which had joined Azerbaijan with Georgia and Armenia into one state i
            February to May 1918. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was also the first Muslim-majorit

            operas, theatres and modern universities. The independency of the state, lost to Soviet Un
            1920, was reestablished in October 18, 1991.
            Although brief, Mr Shafiyev’s  overview of Azerbaijani history encompassed the essential m

            the past few centuries, and thus sparked a fuse for an interesting intellectual debate dur
            and answer session.
            “I have a recent interest in the history of Czechoslovakia.” Mr Shafiyev began by telling 

            to success, from the very routes of his career, stemming from his impressive academic and 
            achievements at Baku State University (established 1919) – up until now, where he maintain
            interest in History.

            Truly captivating! There was complete and utter silence from the audience as Mr Shafiyev t
            tale of Azerbaijani origins, and past and present relations with Russia and Armenia which 
            deep thought, and thus proved to be a favourite topic during the debate.

            The informal and relaxed approach to this lecture was truly a delight; Mr Shafiyev would c
            bewilder guests with his personal experiences as a child growing up alongside the Soviet r
            proved to legitimize his knowledge and thus further engrossed the guests.

            In a flash the evening drew to a close. What followed the lecture was an array of delightf
            tastes of Azerbaijani culture. It was an incredible opportunity to talk to academic expert
            witnesses to life and connections to Azerbaijani history and culture – whilst eating plent

            drinking hot tea. Be sure not to miss out on another spectacular evening, who knows, it ma
            new area of interest – give it a try and come along!