Since its establishment in 1998, “Dunya” School has played an exceptional role in the education of more than 22,000 students and the graduation of nearly 1,600 alumni. Currently providing quality education to over 2,000 students, the school proudly marked a quarter of a century of its journey. Founded by Professor Hamlet Isakhanli and his wife Nailekhanim Isayeva, the school also celebrated the 10th anniversary of its publication, “Dunya” magazine.

The jubilee event, held on April 25, 2025, at the Samad Vurgun State Russian Drama Theatre, brought together intellectuals, artists, scholars, public figures, state officials, media representatives, school directors, members of the diplomatic corps, international guests, and representatives from Turkish universities.

The event was hosted by “Dunya” School teachers Arzu Omarova and Elshad Rzayev, who elaborated on the school’s path of development, its student body, and alumni, many of whom are now studying and working both in Azerbaijan and abroad. They highlighted that by Presidential Order dated August 6, 2013, Khazar University’s “Dunya” School was declared the winner of the 2012/2013 “Best General Education School” contest.

It was noted that “Dunya” School consists of the Azerbaijani-Russian section, the “Dunya” IB School, and the “Dunya” Preschool. The event also spotlighted the successful operations of its branches in Sumgait and Ganja.

Established in 2002, the “Dunya” Preschool has since prepared 2,250 children for first grade and currently educates 151 students. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the “Dunya” IB School has produced 286 graduates, with 953 students currently enrolled. In 2025, its graduates are set to continue their studies not only at local universities but also at prestigious institutions such as Stanford, Boston, Oxford, and London universities.

The Sumgait branch, which opened in 2016, currently serves 416 students. Its alumni have gone on to study at institutions such as Ege University, the University of Hong Kong, Khazar University, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

The Ganja branch was launched in 2021 and now educates 170 students.

Among the speakers at the event were Prof. Akad. Hamlet Isakhanli, founder of Khazar University and “Dunya” School; President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Akad. Isa Habibbeyli; Member of Parliament Azay Guliyev; 2010 graduate and representative of the Ministry of Science and Education, Second Karabakh War veteran Niftali Gasimli; 2009 graduate and doctoral student/lecturer at the University of Vienna’s Business Analytics Department Ulkar Garachali; and Ibrahim Allahverdiyev, an 11th-grade IB student and gold medalist of the national “Young Scientists” project competition.

The speakers emphasized the school’s role in society and its continued excellence in education. It was noted that “Dunya” School, much like Khazar University itself, has proven to be a competitive and reputable institution. Despite the growing number of private schools, “Dunya” has maintained its leading position in the sector.

Long-time staff members were recognized with certificates of appreciation and gifts. At the end of the event, Aygun Isayeva, Director of “Dunya” School LLC, delivered heartfelt words of thanks to the entire teaching staff and congratulated all team members.

The anniversary concluded with an expansive concert program. Students from all “Dunya” branches and young performers from the preschool’s dance troupe, along with the Gaga Band and the Khazar University Chamber Orchestra, delighted the audience with a series of musical performances.