On February 19, 2026, an event titled "Books Are My Best Friend-2," dedicated to International Mother Language Day, was held in the Marble Hall of Khazar University. The event, which opened with the university's anthem and a video dedicated to books, was remembered as a continuation of the tradition established last year on the occasion of International Book Giving Day. Dr. Milana Abbasova, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Khazar University, opened the event by speaking about the irreplaceable role of books in human spirituality and the importance of preserving the mother tongue.

Assoc. Prof. Aynur Gazanfarghizi, coordinator of the Khazar University Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Folklore (Khazar ICAF), emphasized the importance of preserving the purity of the mother tongue and instilling folklore in the younger generation. Gullu Eldar Tomarli, head of the Mirvarid Dilbazi Poetry Council Public Union and director of the Kalagayi Museum, spoke about the unity of national attire and poetry, touching upon the significance of reading in the formation of one's personality. Renowned researcher Ali Shamil noted in his address that a book serves as a spiritual bridge between the past and the future, while Turan Ibrahimov, son of prominent writer Aziza Jafarzadeh, spoke about his mother's creative journey and the way books, like a vast ocean, enrich human imagination.

Within the framework of the event, a "Reading Panel" held under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Aynur Gazanfarghizi brought together poets — Tarlan Musayeva, Vaqif Osmanli, Sevil Huseynova, Lala Ismayil, Aybaniz Jamalova, Esmira Fuad, Matanат Ulu Shirvanli, Aziza Agahuseyнghizi, Qulu Khaleddinoglu and Rovshan Khaleddinoglu — who engaged in close dialogue with students.

In the survey, which proved to be the most engaging and interactive moment of the event, students who correctly answered the questions posed by Assoc. Prof. Aynur Gazanfarghizi were presented with books authored by Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli. At the conclusion of the programme, the poets donated their books both to the students and to the Khazar University library.

The event also featured performances by the university's all-female dance ensemble and Ramin Garayev, a university instructor and renowned ashiq.

Nigar Alasgarli

 Second-year student, Azerbaijani Language and Literature Teaching, Khazar University