On September 13 of this year, an international scientific and practical conference entitled “The Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Model of the Turkic World” was held in the ancient city of Ganja. The event was organized by the Institute of Literature named after Nizami under the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and the Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature named after Alisher Navoi.

Students from higher education institutions in Azerbaijan also took part in the conference. They learned about the long-standing mutual support between the Uzbek and Azerbaijani peoples and the importance of future generations strengthening the successful cooperation achieved today.

The rector of the Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature named after Alisher Navoi, Academician Shukhrat Sirojiddinov compared the roots of the Uzbek and Azerbaijani peoples to intertwined trees, emphasized the importance of reviving the ancient friendship between these historically close nations in todayʼs challenging times. He also stressed that one of the key future tasks is to effectively communicate the reforms being implemented for the well-being of the Uzbek and Azerbaijani people.

Additionally, as part of the conference, the Alisher Navoi Uzbek Language and Culture Center was inaugurated at the Ganja branch of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. The center not only serves as a hub for modern scientific and educational activities but is also adorned with miniatures that vividly depict the rich literary heritage of Alisher Navoi. The university donated approximately 300 literary and scientific works in the Uzbek language to the center. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and creative legacy of the Uzbek people, as well as Alisher Navoiʼs contributions. Besides bringing together scholars from both nations, the centerʼs primary mission is to provide information to all interested individuals on Uzbekistanʼs history, culture, current events, and political and social life. To ensure the center operates effectively, an agreement was made to actively engage Azerbaijani students and pupils in events and practical activities held at the center.

At the opening ceremony, Alimukhtar Mukhtorov, Director of the Nizami Ganjavi Center, remarked, “Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are like two souls in one body,“ expressing his hope that the sincere dialogue between the two nations will continue forever.