Organized by the Graduate School of Science, Art and Technology and the Department of History and Archaeology at Khazar University, a seminar by doctoral student Alim Nasirov on the topic "The Search for an Alliance with Spain during the Reign of Shah Ismail I" was held on May 13, 2026.

The presenter is pursuing doctoral studies in "Early Modern History" at Istanbul University in Türkiye under a tripartite agreement between the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Khazar University, within the framework of the "State Program on Increasing the International Competitiveness of the Higher Education System in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019–2023."

The seminar addressed the diplomatic relations that were being sought between the Safavid state and Spain against the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century. The presentation outlined Shah Ismail I's efforts to establish contacts with European states — most notably Charles V, King of Spain — with the aim of forming a joint military alliance against the Ottomans. The significant role of intermediaries such as Petrus de Monte Libano and Johann Balbi in conducting diplomatic correspondence and envoy missions was emphasized. During the seminar, issues related to the delayed delivery of letters and the obsolescence of political plans — owing to the limited communication capabilities in early modern diplomacy — were also discussed. It was further noted that geographical, technological, and political obstacles prevented Safavid–Spanish relations from developing into a tangible military alliance. Participants were provided with detailed information on the international relations system of the period and the characteristics of its diplomatic ties.