On April 30, 2025, a seminar titled “Environment and Urban Area Improvement” was held through the joint initiative of the Department of Architecture and Design and the State Agency for Science and Higher Education’s “SABAH Groups Project.” The event featured a presentation by Professor Ebru Çubukçu from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the Faculty of Architecture, Dokuz Eylul University (Türkiye).

Attendees included students and faculty members of Architecture and Design programs. The presentation provided both theoretical and practical insights into urban planning and environmental improvement. Professor Çubukçu delivered a detailed talk on the significance of sustainable development and the revitalization of urban spaces, sparking a dynamic discussion on the enhancement of modern urban environments.

Pervin Guliyeva, Head of the SABAH Center, also took part in the seminar, sharing her professional experience in urban planning with participants.

The seminar not only enriched participants’ understanding of environmental and urban development but also fostered professional exchange and opened doors to future collaboration among peers.

On April 3, 2025, two seminars dedicated to modern research directions in the field of art and the development of contemporary Turkish art were held in the Marble Hall of Khazar University, organized by the Department of Architecture and Design.

The first seminar was delivered by Prof. Nilay Köleoğlu, Head of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Çanakkale University (Türkiye), on the topic “Research Directions in the Field of Art.” Prof. Köleoğlu explained various methodologies and approaches in art research, emphasizing the impact of such studies on society and the academic world.

The second seminar was conducted by Dr. Banu Davun, a lecturer at the Department of Art Education at Aksaray University (Türkiye). In her presentation titled “Women Artists in the Contemporary Turkish World,” Dr. Davun provided an in-depth analysis of the historical and current role of female artists in Turkish art. She elaborated on how women artists have held a significant place in the development of Turkish art and discussed the contemporary dynamics in this field.

Students majoring in Art Education were invited to attend both seminars. They actively participated in the discussions by asking engaging questions. The seminars offered students the opportunity to expand their theoretical knowledge and learn about the latest research and innovations in the field of art.

On April 23, 2025, Fuad Najafov, head of the “Greenwood Interior” company, met with third-year students majoring in Design at Khazar University’s Department of Architecture and Design within the framework of the “Support Design” project and shared his advice with them.

On April 22, 2025, an educational excursion was organized for third-year students majoring in Design at Khazar University’s Department of Architecture and Design, under the guidance of instructors Leyla Huseynova and Iskandar Mammadov, within the framework of the “Support Design” project. The excursion took place at the “Greenwood” and “Turkesh Decor” companies. Its main goal was to enable students to study the furniture design production process in a real manufacturing environment and to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice.

During the excursion, students closely observed the production stages of various interior materials. They received detailed information about modern technologies and the raw materials used. Company executives and representatives demonstrated how production processes are organized and provided students with valuable insights into the industrial aspects of product design.

This excursion proved to be both educational and motivational for the students. They expanded their knowledge in the field of design and gained important experience that will serve them well in their future careers.

The globally renowned Adobe World Championship was held in Azerbaijan for the first time on April 12, 2025. The winners of the competition will earn the opportunity to participate in the international final round to be held in the United States. This remarkable initiative was implemented by Baku Design Academy (BDA), the sole official representative of Adobe and Certiport in Azerbaijan, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Creative Industries Center.

Out of 450 participants in the first round, 50 were selected, and in the second round, 25 semifinalists earned the right to advance to the Hackathon stage. Among these semifinalists are third-year students of the Design program at the Department of Architecture and Design of Khazar University — Aydan Safarova and Heydar Khudaverdiyev.

The competition was organized to foster young people's creative talents and professional skills, as well as to showcase the country's potential in the field of creative industries.

As part of the Product Design course, students were tasked with creating furniture designs for individuals with physical disabilities. Based on this assignment, the first presentation of the project, titled “Supportive Design,” was held on April 10, 2025.

Faculty members of the Department of Architecture and Design—Shahla Abbasova, Leyla Huseynova, and Gunay Mammadova—participated in the event. To ensure a more comprehensive and effective presentation, the event also welcomed heads of collaborating companies: Tural Mammadzada, Head of the Marketing and Public Relations (PR) Department (Head of AZMOB), Khagani Humbatov, Head of Turkes Decor, Fuad Najafov, Head of Greenwood, and Shahriyar Mammadli, Head of Azefurniture.

The project aims to design furniture that is both aesthetic and functional for individuals with physical limitations. It also creates an opportunity for company representatives to share their expertise and insights. The final phase of the project will see the winning design produced and gifted to a person with physical disabilities—an important step that underscores the social responsibility and purpose behind the initiative. The project’s financial partners—Turkes Decor, Greenwood, and Azefurniture—have played a crucial role in supporting the initiative. With their backing, the project is set to expand and positively impact the lives of individuals with physical disabilities.

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On December 16, 2024, the national competition for philosophical and mystical stories and essays, announced by Khazar University's "Literature Travelers" (klv.az) website on the occasion of the 530th birth anniversary of the great Azerbaijani poet Muhammad Fuzuli, concluded. The award ceremony was attended by university faculty and students, representatives from NAB Holding and the Mevlana Literary-Philosophical Research Institute (MLFRI) who sponsored the competition, as well as admirers of Fuzuli's poetry.

The event, held in Khazar University's Marble Hall, began with performances by Khazar University's Chamber Orchestra and student choir. Nearly 100 students from the Schools of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Engineering demonstrated their boundless love for Fuzuli's poetry by performing his ghazal beginning with "Don't surrender to love's grief, for love is the soul's affliction" in chorus to the "Shur" mugham. J. Jahangirov's "Fuzuli" cantata, excerpts from "Leyli and Majnun" opera including "Arazbari," and the romance "Vatanimdir" set to Fuzuli's words performed by university student Elvin Aliyev were met with applause.

Minakhanim Gasimova, a third-year student from the School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, and Aytaj Miriyeva, a first-year student from the School of Natural Sciences and Engineering, performed Fuzuli's ghazals in their unique styles.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli, founder of Khazar University, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees, and founder of the "Literature Travelers" website, discussed Fuzuli's role in Azerbaijani and world literature, noting that his poetic world is rich with deep philosophical and mystical meanings. He emphasized that Fuzuli's works should be evaluated not only as literary texts but also as a search for answers to profound philosophical questions about human existence, love, and spiritual quest.

Gardashkhan Azizkhanly, lecturer at the Department of Languages and Literature and editor-in-chief of "Literature Travelers" website, addressed the theme of love and the search for perfection in Fuzuli's heritage. He emphasized that the concept of mystical love in Fuzuli's "Leyli and Majnun" is connected with the concept of perfection in Islamic philosophy. He stated that Fuzuli's love represents not only romantic love but spiritual elevation on the path to divine truth.

Dr. Rustam Lazimov, NAB Holding's representative and Ph.D. in Philology, conveyed greetings from Shahram Mohaghegh Oromi, president of NAB Holding, and highlighted the ideological similarities between Fuzuli's mystical worldview and those of Ibn Arabi, Shahabeddin Suhrawardi, and other Eastern thinkers. He noted that Fuzuli's work represents one of the brightest manifestations of Eastern mystical tradition in Azerbaijani literature.

Then, the winners of the national competition for stories and essays were announced. Ali Aghazade, Fatmakhanim Heydarli, and Tahmina Verdiyeva won in the essay category, while Nurlana Ishig (Mammadova), Sama Guliyeva, and Gulnaz Allahverdiyeva won in the story category. Assoc. Prof. Irada Khalilova, Rector of Khazar University, Assoc. Prof. Dilbar Zeynalova, Head of the Department of Languages and Literature, Prof. Nazakat Mammadli, Director of the Mevlana Literary-Philosophical Research Institute (MLFRI), and Assoc. Prof. Ulvi Babasoy, managing editor of "Literature Travelers" website, presented monetary awards and diplomas to the winners.

An exhibition titled "Fuzuli-530" featuring handicrafts by students of the Architecture and Design Department was displayed at the event.

On December 20, 2024, an exhibition titled "Cultural Bridge - From Shusha to Nakhchivan" was displayed at the Neftchilar campus of Khazar University by students of the Department of Architecture and Design. The exhibition was dedicated to the declaration of Shusha city as the "Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" for 2024 and the 100th anniversary of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The exhibition aimed to reveal the creative potential of students and emphasize the cultural significance of these notable events.

The event featured works dedicated to the city of Shusha and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The theme, carrying both historical and cultural significance, generated deep interest among the participants.

On January 31, 2025, the Baku City Main Department of Culture organized an event titled "Youth of the Future" at the Azim Azimzade House Museum, in collaboration with the Mammad Said Ordubadi Memorial Museum and Jafar Jabbarli House Museum, celebrating Youth Day on February 2.

Students from Khazar University participated in the event under the guidance of Iskandar Mammadov, lecturer at the Department of Architecture and Design. Artwork on various themes by students Jeyran Suleymanova, Asya Mammadova, Leman Hajiyeva, Gulgun Aliyeva, and Nigar Hasanli was exhibited.

The event aimed to showcase the creative potential of young talents and engage them in new projects. The works by Khazar's students were well-received by the attendees.

On February 26, 2025, an exhibition titled "From Memory to Art" dedicated to the 33rd anniversary of the Khojaly tragedy was held at Khazar University. The exhibition showcased artwork by students studying Fine Arts Teaching and Design at the Department of Architecture and Design. The students' works reflected young artists' creative perspectives on the Khojaly tragedy.

On March 3, 2025, a workshop titled "Design Without Borders: A Creator's Journey" was organized by the Career and Alumni Center with the support of the Architecture and Design Department for Khazar University students studying "Fine Arts Teaching," "Design," and "Architecture." The workshop was conducted by Sabina Ahmad, Chief Artist of Khazar Television and a Khazar University alumna.

Drawing on her extensive experience in the design field, S. Ahmad shared her knowledge with students on topics including 3D design, graphic design, studio design, and artistic arrangement. She also presented projects she had implemented as a designer and art director, as well as spaces she had designed.

At the end of the event, S. Ahmad answered questions from the students.

On March 10, 2025, the Marble Hall of Khazar University hosted a distinguished seminar titled "Celebration of Satire," organized by the Department of Architecture and Design. The featured guest, Sevil Fuks, daughter of renowned caricaturist Rizvan Guliyev, delivered a comprehensive presentation on her father's artistic legacy as a pioneering figure in Azerbaijani caricature art.

During her erudite exposition, Ms. Fuks conducted an exhaustive analysis of the "Kirpi" (Hedgehog) magazine's influential four-decade span from 1952 to 1991, emphasizing its significant position, function, and societal impact within Azerbaijani press. The publication distinguished itself not merely through its satirical illumination of contemporary issues but also through its incisive satirical approach to social and political challenges, thereby occupying a pivotal role in societal development.

Ms. Fuks, an Azerbaijani expatriate residing in Germany, has published several German-language volumes dedicated to promoting Azerbaijani culture, including "Nizami-Bibliography," "Nizami in Poetry and Prose," and "Fitna," all focusing on the illustrious Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi. The design and illustrations for "Fitna" were crafted by Iskandar Mammadov, a faculty member of Khazar University's Department of Architecture and Design.

Among the attendees, Fuad Akhundov, a journalist and researcher of Baku's history, highlighted the substantial journalistic significance of "Kirpi" magazine during its publication era and acknowledged Rizvan Guliyev's considerable contributions to caricature artistry, while commending the thoroughness of Ms. Fuks's presentation.

The event catalyzed extensive discussions from both artistic and historical perspectives, reaffirming for participants the magazine's crucial societal role.

The gathering concluded with Ms. Fuks generously donating her published works to the Khazar University library.

On October 16, 2024, an international symposium titled "On the Eve of COP29: Coordination of Education, Public Health and Sustainable Development" was held in the Marble Hall of Khazar University by the Center for Environmental Studies. Instructors, scientists, healthcare professionals, and politicians gathered at the event to discuss climate change issues. The symposium was opened with an introductory speech by Assoc. Prof. Irada Khalilova, Rector of Khazar University. She welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of discussing climate changes and their resulting problems, as well as the interconnection between science and policy in solving these issues.

Dr. Rovshan Abbasov, Associate Professor at Khazar University's Center for Environmental Studies and representative of the German International Cooperation Organization (GIZ), spoke about the impacts of modern climate change on human life and the necessity of community and scientific activities in preventing them.

Dr. Rovshan Karimov and Dr. Shahnaz Amanova, researchers at the Center for Environmental Studies, presented reports on "Cities and Climate" and "Climate Change and Migration in Mountain Areas" respectively.

Presentations were also given by Professor Suzanne Leroy from Liverpool University, Professor Mahluqa Yusifova from Baku State University, Professor Alovsat Guliyev, Director of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Khazar University's visiting professor Natalia Rekhter, and others on topics related to climate change, health, and climate-related problems in human life.

GIZ representatives Gunay Hasanova and Samir Abbasov discussed projects implemented by the organization in Azerbaijan. During the symposium, future collaboration on projects implemented in Azerbaijan between Khazar University's Center for Environmental Studies and GIZ was also discussed.

Afterward, Khazar University students presented artwork dedicated to climate change.

On June 25, 2024, the Department of Architecture and Design at Khazar University's School of Science and Engineering organized an exhibition and charity fair titled "Ripples of Khazar."

 The event featured practical coursework and extracurricular projects created by students of Architecture, Design, and Fine Art Teaching during the 2023-24 academic year. Alongside university faculty and students, the event was attended by various guests, including Faig Mutallimov, the head of the Environmental Policy Department of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.

Students' and faculty members’ individual works from the department were sold at the charity fair following the exhibition. The money raised from the fair will be donated to the orphanage.

 A section of the exhibition, which aligns with the declaration of 2024 as the "Year of Solidarity for a Green World," focused on this theme. It is worth mentioning that the displayed works included eco-design projects, "Green World" advertising posters, ceramic products, architectural projects and models, logos and branding, paintings, and national costumes.

On October 16, 2024, an international symposium titled "On the Eve of COP29: Coordination of Education, Public Health and Sustainable Development" was held in the Marble Hall of Khazar University by the Center for Environmental Studies. Instructors, scientists, healthcare professionals, and politicians gathered at the event to discuss climate change issues. The symposium was opened with an introductory speech by Assoc. Prof. Irada Khalilova, Rector of Khazar University. She welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of discussing climate changes and their resulting problems, as well as the interconnection between science and policy in solving these issues.

Dr. Rovshan Abbasov, Associate Professor at Khazar University's Center for Environmental Studies and representative of the German International Cooperation Organization (GIZ), spoke about the impacts of modern climate change on human life and the necessity of community and scientific activities in preventing them.

Dr. Rovshan Karimov and Dr. Shahnaz Amanova, researchers at the Center for Environmental Studies, presented reports on "Cities and Climate" and "Climate Change and Migration in Mountain Areas" respectively.

Presentations were also given by Professor Suzanne Leroy from Liverpool University, Professor Mahluqa Yusifova from Baku State University, Professor Alovsat Guliyev, Director of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Khazar University's visiting professor Natalia Rekhter, and others on topics related to climate change, health, and climate-related problems in human life.

GIZ representatives Gunay Hasanova and Samir Abbasov discussed projects implemented by the organization in Azerbaijan. During the symposium, future collaboration on projects implemented in Azerbaijan between Khazar University's Center for Environmental Studies and GIZ was also discussed.

Afterward, Khazar University students presented artwork dedicated to climate change.

As it is known, 2024 was declared the "Year of Solidarity for the Green World" in the Republic of Azerbaijan by Order No. 40 of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated February 20, 2024. In accordance with the action plan related to the order, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan jointly organized a scientific – practical conference on May 23-24, 2024 on the topic of "Role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Improving the Environment in Azerbaijan" . Students of the Department of Architecture and design of Khazar University majoring in “Design” attended the conference, and posters on Eco-Design prepared by them were exhibited at the event.

Under the supervision of the instructors of the department, Leyla Huseynova and Ilaha Tahmezli, students of the "Design" specialty Jamila Safarova, Nuray Huseynli, Naina Mehdipour, Sabina Aliyeva, Ayla Papanzade, Aydan Safarova, Roya Hamidova, Sama Bayramova and Latifa Babayeva made posters and placards called "Green World". The works of young talents dedicated to the protection of nature and environmental education et c. have aroused great interest.

On December 5, 2023, "Archida Group" held a " Visualizing Design" seminar organized by the departments of Architecture and Design and Civil Engineering in the Marble Hall of Khazar University. The head of "Archida Group" Afaq Hashimli and its employees, professors and teachers of the university and students took part in the seminar. At the end, a number of students were awarded certificates for their active participation in the seminar.

On April 4th, 2023, the Eco Architecture and Design Perspectives Congress was held at the Marble hall of Khazar University in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Congress was organized by the Architecture and Design Department of Khazar University in collaboration with IKSAD Institute of Türkiye, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the "Icherisheher" State Historical-Architectural Reserve, Eskisehir Osmangazi University's Faculty of Engineering and Architecture and UNEC Design School both in person and online.

An art and design themed exhibition of works by students and participants was also displayed in the marble hall.

At the opening ceremony, professor, academician Hamlet Isakhanli, the founder of Khazar University, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees, welcomed the participants, stated that the congress was dedicated to an important and urgent issue, and wished them success in their work.

Professor Shahla Abbasova, head of Khazar University Architecture and Design Department, spoke about the purpose of the event. She emphasized that speakers from different countries, including Türkiye, Germany, South Africa, Indonesia, Pakistan, Hungary, Malaysia, Algeria, Morocco and Ukraine, participated in the congress and stated that this international participation demonstrates the importance of the topic and the need for global cooperation to solve environmental problems.

Mirsalam Ganbarov from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the State Ecological Expertise Agency talked about the current problems of ecology and emphasized the importance of approaching these issues comprehensively, taking into account social, economic and ecological factors.

Assoc. Prof. Lala Mammadova, director of the UNEC School of Design spoke about her expertise in the field of design and her views on eco-architecture.

Architect Sergei Tchoban, director of TCHOBAN VOSS Architekten architectural firm and founder of Tchoban Foundation, and Teymur Osmanov, the project architect from TCHOBAN VOSS Architekten, who joined the event from Germany, made a presentation about their experience in eco-architecture projects and highlighted their innovative approach to environmentally friendly design and construction.

Dr. Mustafa Latif Emek, President of IKSAD, also gave a speech during the Congress. He shared his extensive knowledge and experience in the field of architecture and design and how it can be applied to create sustainable and eco-friendly buildings.

Prof. Dr. Vefa Guliyeva, advisor on Scientific Affairs to the Director of "The Icherisheher" Scientific and Cultural Center, shared her experience and speech on the topic. She provided valuable insights into the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing eco-architecture and sustainable design.

Joining the Congress online from Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Ayshen Ozturk, director of Building Knowledge and Specialization at ESOGU, presented the latest developments in eco-architecture and how they can be used to address environmental challenges.

The Congress then continued its work in sections. At the end, a thank you plaque was presented to the congress organizers for the successful organization of the event.