The opening ceremony of the International Azerbaijan Congress, titled “In the 35th Year of the Restoration of Independence,” was held at Anadolu University in Eskişehir, Türkiye, marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan’s state independence.

The congress was co-organized by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Türkiye, Karabakh University, Anadolu University, Ibn Haldun University, the Heydar Aliyev Application and Research Centre at Anadolu University, the Federation of Turkish-Azerbaijani Associations (TADEF), the Eskişehir Azerbaijanis Association, the Centre for International Relations, Social and Strategic Studies (KUT), and other partner institutions.

Before the event, Valeh Hajiyev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, met with Anadolu University Rector Professor Yusuf Adıgüzel. They exchanged views on the development of Azerbaijan–Türkiye relations, expanding cooperation between higher education institutions, promoting the realities of Azerbaijan in academic circles, and diaspora activities. Valeh Hajiyev expressed the gratitude to the rector for his support in organizing the congress and for the hospitality extended to the participants, expressing confidence that the event would contribute to further strengthening scientific and cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

The opening ceremony began with a rendition of the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Türkiye, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of both countries.

The event was attended by representatives of government institutions, higher education establishments and public organizations from Azerbaijan and Türkiye, as well as academics, researchers and students.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Valeh Hajiyev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, İlyas Topsakal, Member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Deputy Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and professor, Fuzuli Majidli, Counsellor at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Türkiye, Anadolu University Rector Yusuf Adıgüzel, and Burhan Sayılır, professor, Congress Coordinator, Head of the History Department at Anadolu University and Director of the university’s Heydar Aliyev Application and Research Centre, spoke about the significance of Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherhood.

Valeh Hajiyev noted that the congress served to further strengthen relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. He highlighted the historical significance of the Victory in Karabakh, achieved under the leadership of Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, and the strategic importance of the Shusha Declaration signed by the presidents of Azerbaijan and Türkiye, emphasizing the important role of younger generations in preserving and passing on their shared history and national and spiritual values.

“Never forget that the strength of Türkiye is the strength of Azerbaijan, and the strength of Azerbaijan is the strength of Türkiye,” the First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee said.

He called on 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 am proud today, that I am Azerbaijani.”

The congress continued with a panel session.

Moderated by Gökhan Güneysu, Professor at the Faculty of Law at Anadolu University, the panel focused on Azerbaijan’s struggle for independence, the future of the Turkic world, and prospects for regional cooperation. He described Azerbaijan’s restoration of state independence as “a period of revival and historical triumph.”

During the panel, Valeh Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijani and Turkish diaspora communities had cooperated closely during the 44-day Patriotic War and jointly countered disinformation campaigns conducted by the Armenian lobby. He also stated that 33 Azerbaijan Houses operated in 21 countries around the world to preserve and promote Azerbaijan’s moral and cultural values.

Yücel Karauz, Türkiye’s former military attaché in Azerbaijan, spoke about the historical significance of the Victory in Karabakh, the development of the Azerbaijani Army, and the application of modern military technologies. He emphasized the strategic importance of Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherhood amid global developments.