A seminar titled "The Foundation of Azerbaijani Identity: Conquering and Renewing National Identity" was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Orkhan Valiyev, Head of the Department of Political Science and Philosophy at Khazar University, at Baku State University (BSU) on April 10, 2026. This was the fifth seminar organized by the BSU Alumni Society.

BSU Vice-Rector for International Relations Shahin Panahov noted that BSU graduates play an important role in the socio-political, economic, social, and cultural life of the country. The Vice-Rector then touched upon the relevance of the seminar topic, stating that the scholarly study of issues related to national identity, statehood, and public consciousness holds particular significance in the contemporary era.

Assoc. Prof. Orkhan Valiyev, a graduate of BSU's Faculty of Social Sciences and Psychology, delivered a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical foundations of the concept of national identity in modern Azerbaijani statehood and its transformation process. He noted that in the contemporary period, the question of identity functions not only within ethnic and historical frameworks, but also as a multi-layered concept shaped across political, social, and institutional dimensions.

Assoc. Prof. Valiyev highlighted that in the post-victory period following the historic triumph in the Patriotic War under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijani society is reassessing its concept of national identity against the backdrop of new realities. At this stage, identity is no longer defined solely in relation to the past, but is taking shape as a forward-looking strategic value.

He stated that the nation serves as a fundamental pillar in terms of preserving the collective memory of the state's history and transmitting intergenerational identity. He also noted that geography is a key factor in the concept of the Homeland acquiring political and cultural meaning.

At the conclusion of the seminar, questions from students and alumni were answered, a broad exchange of views took place, and various scholarly approaches to the topic were discussed.

The seminar was covered by AZERTAC.

Links: Bakı Dövlət Universiteti

BDU Məzunlar Cəmiyyətinin seminarı - Azərbaycan kimliyinin əsası: yenən və yenilənən milli kimlik - AZƏRTAC