Alongside the real world in which we live, there also exists a world of dreams - an infinite and boundless world. People constantly move between dreams and reality, wishing to see in real life what they imagine in their dreams. Dreams are the soul and the mother of creativity. Fiction is the product of dreams. Music and art are the children of dreams. Both the natural sciences and technology owe many of their extraordinary successes to dreams. Albert Einstein expressed it this way: “Dreams are more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited, but dreams embrace the whole world and open the way to progress.”   

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the Soviet Union was experiencing a deep crisis, the economy and political system were collapsing, and the people’s desire for freedom was growing stronger. In the middle of 1990 I was filled with a sense of excitement and responsibility, also inspired by my travels in Europe and North America. I believed that serious changes and reforms were necessary in our higher education system. Yet this was a long and difficult task, essentially a matter for the state. Still, I asked myself: perhaps I could do something myself? Was it possible to realize the idea of a “good, strong, modern university” that I had long cherished in my heart and in my dreams? Although this idea seemed incredible, almost utopian, it was deeply attractive.

I wondered how the government would view such an initiative. Fortunately, the head of government at the time shared a similar vision, even though the government itself was going through a very difficult period. After several important and memorable meetings, two historic decisions were signed: the order of December 20, 1990, initiating preparations, and the government resolution of March 18, 1991, establishing Khazar University, which exists and flourishes today. At that time, there were seven months left until the National Independence Day of Azerbaijan. Khazar University thus became the first private university established by a government decision not only in Azerbaijan but in the entire Soviet Union.

In the spring of 1991, a small group of 19 students together with teachers and administrators, about 30 people in total, began the work. As I spoke about the beautiful and exciting future that I had envisioned, drawing on international experience, I could see the enthusiasm in the shining eyes of those around me. We sent our teachers and students to the United States through exchange programs, and when they returned, they often said, “Mr. Hamlet, now we understand much better what you meant.” We established close ties with universities around the world and learned greatly from these collaborations. While serving our country and region, we also aspired to become a world university. Our first collaborations were with the United States, followed by partnerships with Europe, Turkey, and Iran, as well as universities in China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Australia. We also strengthened our ties with Georgia and Central Asia.

Along this path, we achieved many “firsts.” We became the first institution in our country where English was the main language of instruction and the first student-centered university. We developed and launched the first bachelor’s and master’s degree programs based on modern international standards and introduced the first credit-based education model. We were the first higher education institution in the country to emphasize and actively implement transparency and academic freedom. For the first time in Azerbaijan, we established advanced laboratories in several fields. We founded the first national network of schools, “Dünya,” offering international IB programs. We also created the first university Board of Trustees in the country, and many other initiatives followed.

We worked to develop all the elements that determine quality in education and research. We devoted great attention to the careful selection and development of both learners - the students and teachers - the scholars. We focused on building a strong dynamic educational model, modern academic programs, and innovative scientific and technological ideas. At the same time, we created the necessary material and technical resources: buildings, laboratories, clinics, libraries, and sports and cultural centers. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we succeeded in building a warm, inspiring, and productive human environment.

Over time, we became a happy family - the Khazar University family, composed of students, teachers, staff, parents, graduates, and those who employ our graduates. We began with only about 30 people. Today, together with Dünya School, Khazar University has grown into a major center of science, education, and culture, where about 10,000 people study and work, and which is recognized throughout the country, the region, and the world. Together we have succeeded, grown, and become stronger, establishing a creative, welcoming, and sincere environment where the inner and the outer, the mind and the heart, exist in harmony. We have tried to institutionalize and sustain the natural human desire to learn, and to be happy. Nailə xanım, the founding director of Dünya School, often said: “Happiness does not fall from the sky. You must build it. Making those around you happy is the highest form of happiness.” Of course, there is no paradise in this world, and nothing is perfect. Yet we strive for perfection. Our motto, our guiding principle, has always been: “Towards perfection every day, every hour,” or simply, “Always Leading the Way.”