A farewell ceremony was held at Khazar University on May 26, 2026, in connection with the departure of Honoured Journalist Alirza Balayev, who served for many years as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Khazar Review journal.

Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli, Founder of Khazar University and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees, highly commended Alirza Balayev's contributions to the journal, noting his professionalism and the particular role he played in bringing Khazar Review to its current level and transforming it into a distinguished publication. Wishing Balayev success in his future life and creative endeavours, H. Isakhanli expressed confidence that he would continue to maintain his ties with his alma mater.

Khazar University Rector Dr. Razia Isaeva acknowledged Alirza Balayev's contributions to the university's development in his capacity as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the journal, and placed particular emphasis on the fact that Alirza Balayev's high standards also played an important role in fostering a creative rapport with colleagues.

Among those in attendance, Dean of the School of Science and Engineering Fakhrandeh Afandiyeva, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Milana Abbasova, Dean of the Graduate School of Science, Art and Technology Gunel Bahaddinova, Head of the Quality Assurance Centre Lyudmila Sotova, and Khazar Review staff members Afruz Farzaliyeva and Telman Nazarli extended their warm wishes to Alirza Balayev and shared their memories of him.

Honoured Journalist Alirza Balayev expressed his gratitude to the university leadership for organising the ceremony, and made a point of emphasising that he would always remember Khazar University with great respect and would consider this institution of learning his true home.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Khazar University Rector Dr. Razia Isaeva presented Alirza Balayev with a gift on behalf of the university in recognition of his long-term and productive service.