A ceremony dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Khazar University, one of Azerbaijan's leading higher education institutions, was held on March 17, 2026, at the Hilton Hotel.

The event brought together a broad array of state officials, Members of the Milli Majlis, representatives of the diplomatic corps, foreign and local university administrators, the academic community, and business circles.

Prior to the ceremony, attendees familiarized themselves with an exhibition of books published by the university throughout its history, organized by the Khazar University Library and Information Center.

The ceremony commenced with the performance of the Azerbaijani State Anthem by a student choir, accompanied by the university's Chamber Orchestra.

Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli, founder of Khazar University and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees, delivered a speech in which he elaborated on the idea behind the establishment of Khazar University — Azerbaijan's first private English-language university — against the backdrop of the processes unfolding in the country during the 1990s, its realization, the university's developmental journey, and its transformation into a research-oriented institution.

The documentary film "The Signature of Khazar," directed by Rahman Furgatoghlu based on a script by Elxan Khanalizada, featured remarks by People's Writer Anar, People's Artist Alim Gasimov, Professor and Honored Art Worker Javanshir Guliyev, Director of the ANAS National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi and Member of the Milli Majlis Rafael Huseynov, Dean of the School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Khazar Dr. Milana Abbasova, and others, as well as a recorded address by Nailakhanum Isaeva, who co-founded Khazar University and the "Dunya" school alongside Hamlet Isakhanli.

University Rector Dr. Razia Isaeva delivered a speech highlighting Khazar University's achievements in the field of higher education and its international collaborations.

During the official proceedings, Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, emphasized in his address that institutions of knowledge such as Khazar have played a significant role in nurturing the younger generation against the backdrop of Azerbaijan's independence, gained 35 years ago. The Minister noted that it is a source of pride to see young people actively participating not only in education but also in a wide range of activities and projects, and expressed his wish for this successful path to continue.

Birol Akgün, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of Azerbaijan, congratulated the university on its anniversary and commended its role in the fields of education and science in the region.

Former Prime Minister and diplomat Hasan Hasanov, former Minister of Education of Azerbaijan Prof. Misir Mardanov, Director of Hasvet company Hidayet Simsek, and Director of "Dunya" school Aygun Isaeva Gardiner also delivered speeches conveying their anniversary congratulations.

The ceremony also featured addresses by the rectors of several prestigious higher education institutions — Atilla Arkan, Rector of Ibn Haldun University; Bahodir Turaev, Rector of the International University of Turkic States; Assylbek Kozhakhmetov, Rector of Almaty Management University; Kanat Kozhakhmet, Rector of Narxoz University; Rustam Jumaev, Vice-Rector of Bukhara State University; and Eminagha Sadiqov, Acting Rector of Sumgayit State University.

In the continuation of the ceremony, Dr. Razia Isaeva presented special anniversary awards to Hasan Hasanov, Birol Akgün, Hidayet Simsek, Murat Akkoc — Head of the TRT Baku Bureau — Arzu Javadova, Vice-President of SOCAR, and Nargiz Hajiyeva, Director of the British Council for Azerbaijan.

The event concluded with a concert program accompanied by the Chamber Orchestra, followed by a reception.

It is worth noting that Khazar University's 35th anniversary reflects not only a recognition of the path already traveled, but also a strategic vision aimed at further consolidating the university's standing in the international academic arena.