On December 2, 2025, the next academic seminar was held within the framework of the Khazar Talks-2 project, organized by the Department of Political Science and Philosophy of Khazar University. At this seminar, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Azerbaijan, Prof. Birol Akgün, presented a lecture on the topic of “Transformation of the Global Order and Türkiye”. The event took place in the Marble Hall of Khazar University, moderated by Dr. Oder Alizade, and was watched with interest by the university administration, academic staff, and students.
Khazar Talks was first launched by the Department of Political Science and Philosophy in the 2024-2025 academic year. Meetings with ambassadors, academic seminars, and book presentations are planned within the framework of this project.
The program opened with the playing of the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Türkiye. The rector of Khazar University Dr. Raziya Isayeva welcomed the participants, the Turkish Ambassador Prof. Birol Akgün and all the guests, then spoke about the political changes in the modern world and the role of the Turkic community in these processes.
The main speaker of the seminar, Prof. Birol Akgün, made a comprehensive presentation on the topic and informed the participants about the changing global order and Türkiye's place in these processes. After the seminar, Prof. Akgün answered various questions from the audience.
At the end of the event, the rector of Khazar University Dr. Raziya Isayeva presented a commemorative gift to Prof. Birol Akgün from the university. The seminar ended with the guests taking a joint commemorative photo.
The Department of Political Science and Philosophy at Khazar University has inaugurated a new academic series titled "Khazar Talks" starting from 2025. For its inaugural seminar, artificial intelligence, one of the world's most pertinent contemporary issues, was selected as the focal point. Subsequently, invitations were extended to Prof. Erman Akıllı from the Department of International Relations at Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University and Dr. Gloria Özdemir from SETA. Following deliberations with the Turkish scholars, the program's theme was established as "Geopolitics of Technology." The academic seminar was successfully conducted on February 18-19, 2025.
The opening ceremony, held in the Marble Hall, drew participation from university administration, faculty members, students, and specialists. The event was particularly distinguished by the presence of Türkiye's newly appointed Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Prof. Birol Akgün, marking Khazar University as the first higher education institution visited during his tenure.
Associate Professor Orkhan Valiyev, Head of the Department of Political Science and Philosophy, moderated the opening program. In his address, he provided a concise overview of the Khazar Talks initiative and the organization of the technology geopolitics seminar. The ceremony commenced with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Türkiye.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Academician Hamlet Isakhanli, founder of Khazar University and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees, welcomed Ambassador Prof. Birol Akgün and the distinguished guests, expressing gratitude for the ambassador's inaugural visit. Prof. Isaxanli elaborated on technology's transformative impact on politics, global change, and the unprecedented implications of artificial intelligence for human existence.
Ambassador Prof. Birol Akgün's address highlighted both the benefits and potential risks of technological advancement, emphasizing Turkey's emergence as a significant hub for new technology development, particularly in the defense industry sector. He also underscored the strategic alliance between Turkey and Azerbaijan within this context.
The first day featured lectures by Dr. Gloria Özdemir on "Introduction to AI" and "AI, International Relations, and Technopolar System," followed by an engaging Q&A session. Notably, Dr. Özdemir has commenced teaching "Geopolitics of Technology" at the graduate level at Khazar University this year.
The opening ceremony included a concert performance by the University Chamber Orchestra, led by Zulfiyya Sadigova, an honored teacher and renowned pianist who heads the Music and Fine Arts Department.
The second day of the seminar featured Prof. Erkan Akıllı's presentations on "Türkiye and Turkic World Cooperation in Technology" and "Counterterrorism, AI and Usage of AI in the Security of the Black Sea Region," followed by substantive discussions.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation and commemorative gifts to the guest speakers, facilitated by Associate Professor Telman Guliyev, Head of the History and Archaeology Department, and Alovsat Amirbayli, Director of Public Relations and Media. The seminar culminated with a commemorative photograph session.
The opening program received extensive coverage in both Azerbaijani and Turkish media outlets:
https://www.ekoturk.com/son-dakika/bakude-yapay-zeka-ve-sorumlu-kullanimi-konusuldu/
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