On October 28, 2017, the 8th International Conference on Semiotics, jointly organized by the Semiotic Research Centre of Ilia State University, Georgia and Khazar University, was held at Khazar University.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference, Professor Hamlet Isakhanli, the founder of Khazar University and Chairman of its Board of Directors and Trustees, expressed his satisfaction with the International Conference on Semiotics organized in collaboration with Ilia State University, Georgia. He shared his memories of Georgia, and noted that both countries - Azerbaijan and Georgia are very native to him. Professor Tsira Barbakadze, director of the Semiotic Research Centre, thanked for the great support provided by Khazar University for the organization of the conference and emphasised the tight friendly relations between the two countries and presented her valuable gifts to Professor Isakhanli.
During the plenary session, the speeches delivered by Prof. Rahila Geybullayeva, the head of the Department of Azerbaijani Language and Literature of Baku Slavic University, and Associate Professor Grigory Jokhadze were truly memorable.
In total, 15 participants from Azerbaijan, representing Azerbaijan State University of Languages, Azerbaijan State University of Economics, and Khazar University, delivered their speeches on fascinating topics covering different areas of Semiotics.
In parallel, at a three-session conference, along with Azerbaijani speakers, the participants representing Ilia State University, Shota Rustaveli State University, Tbilisi State University, Iakob Gogebashvili State university, Ivane Javakhishvili State University, Akaki Tsereteli State University, Tbilisi Classic Gymnasium, Gory State Teaching University, European School (Bonn, Germany) focused on Semiotics mainly in Literature and Architecture (Prof. Guram Kipiani's speech).
At the end, the chairs of each session spoke about the outcome of the presentations and discussions conducted in each session.
The last word to close the conference was once again given to Prof. Tsira Barbakadze and Prof. Hamlet Isakhanli. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the level of the conference and interesting issues touched upon, and emphasised the importance of collaboration in organising conferences, such as the 8th International Conference on Semiotics, which would cover a wider geography.