On December 24, 2024, the fourth poetry recitation competition titled "Poetic Voices" was held in the Marble Hall of Khazar University, organized by the Department of English Language and Literature. Nearly 20 students performed selected poems from English classical literature.
The event began with an opening speech by Milana Abbasova, head of the English Language and Literature Department, followed by Michael Collins, an American specialist and department teacher, who read his poems dedicated to Khazar University and its students. Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli, founder of Khazar University and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees, noted the importance of the competition in his speech and wished success to the participants.
The jury consisted of senior lecturer Firangiz Nasirova, Naila Gasimova (Khazar University, Department of English Language and Literature), Michael Collins, and Leyli Salayeva (member of Azerbaijan Writers Union and British Poetry Society, poet, writer, and literary translator).
The jury evaluated the participants based on predetermined criteria. Students from the School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences majoring in English Language Teaching won the competition:
1st place: Ravan Shahmarly - fourth-year student;
2nd place: Khadija Ahmadzada - third-year student; Narmin Mulkumova - fourth-year student;
3rd place: Sakina Aghayeva - third-year student; Fidan Novruzova - third-year student of Philology (English Language and Literature); Adila Abbasova - second-year student.
Winners were presented with certificates and plaques.