One of the most momentous chapters of twenty-first-century history is the victory of the Azerbaijani people in the 44-Day Patriotic War, which has taken its rightful place in the annals of the statehood of Azerbaijan. This glorious victory whose fifth anniversary is being marked this year is regarded not merely as a military triumph, but as the outcome of national unity, the political determination of the state, and the strategic leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev. The restoration of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, ensured through the heroism of the Azerbaijani Army and the self-sacrifice of the martyrs, demonstrated to the international community the capacity of the state, the cohesion of its people, and the nation’s enduring values of patriotism,” said Shahin Bayramov, Rector of Karabakh University, in an interview with AZERTAC.
“The “Great Return” process, launched after this historic victory, marked the beginning of a new era for the Azerbaijani people. The victorious nation has returned to its ancestral lands and entered a phase of reconstruction, development, and renewal. Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, large-scale infrastructure, social, cultural, and educational projects are being implemented in the liberated cities, laying the foundation for the comprehensive revitalization of the region. In this context, one of the most important directions of the broader restoration agenda is the return of education and science to Karabakh, as the development of the region’s intellectual and spiritual potential is an integral part of the overall revival process and represents the continuation of Victory in the non-material sphere.
With this strategic purpose, President Ilham Aliyev established Karabakh University by Decree on 28 November 2023. The founding of this university is not merely an event within the education sector it is an ideological, intellectual, and cultural manifestation of Victory itself. Karabakh University carries a mission that, through knowledge, innovation, and the energy of youth, transforms a national dream of returning to the homeland into reality, forming a bridge between freedom and learning,” he emphasized.
“The opening of Karabakh University on 20 September 2024 on the Day of State Sovereignty and with the participation of the President of Azerbaijan was one of the most symbolic events of contemporary history. It reaffirmed the strategic significance of education for the reconstruction and development of the region. On this day, the university launched its first academic session, symbolically opening a new chapter in the history of national education and demonstrating the practical implementation of state policy in the fields of science, culture, and innovation. On lands once echoing with gunfire and the thunder of battle, the voices of knowledge, scholarship, and youth can now be heard—clearly reflecting the transformation of the victorious spirit of the nation into the advancement of education, creativity, and cultural heritage.
The location of Karabakh University in the city of Khankendi holds profound symbolic importance, underscoring the revival of the region as a center of science and education. Today, the university is undergoing rapid development, and Khankendi is gradually becoming a modern university town filled with academic liveliness, youth, and intellectual energy. The establishment of a university clinic, new academic buildings, laboratories, libraries, and student residences contributes to the formation of a sustainable social infrastructure and integrates the institution into the life of the city, reinforcing its status as a scientific, educational, and cultural nucleus of the region.”
“At present, Karabakh University employs 288 staff members, including 137 academic, 123 administrative, and 28 technical personnel. Sixty-six specialists work in the university’s clinic. It is gratifying that the high reputation gained by the university in such a short time is reflected in applicants’ choices and the composition of its student body. Currently, 2,152 students pursue studies across seven schools: 1,024 first-year students, 1,068 second-year students, and 60 SABAH-group students in their third year. Young people who achieved high results in entrance examinations in both academic years have chosen Karabakh University. Notably, 228 students scored 600 or more points, 717 students scored 500 or more, and 1,342 exceeded 400 points. The highest recorded score 684 points was achieved in the programmes of Law and Medicine. One student of Karabakh University has been awarded the Presidential Scholarship, and six students were admitted out of competition as winners of subject Olympiads, reflecting the high academic potential of the student body. The university’s student community is also characterized by gender balance and geographic diversity: 52% are female, 48% male, and students represent 66 districts and cities of the country, attesting to its broad national reach.
The conditions created for staff and students ensure not only comfortable living and working environments but also the foundations of a new life in Karabakh built upon knowledge, diligence, and pride in the homeland. The organization of the educational process, along with the university’s social infrastructure, contributes to the holistic development of students and personnel, strengthening the academic and cultural environment and upholding high educational standards,” the rector noted.
“The timeless ideas of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev form the philosophical foundation of education at Karabakh University, while the principle proclaimed by President Ilham Aliyev “issues of national spirit and moral preparedness come first” guides the university’s pedagogical and social mission. Within this framework, the primary mission of the university is not only to impart knowledge, but also to educate young people in the values of patriotism, social responsibility, innovative thinking, and leadership. This mission is advanced through a student-centred governance model that ensures the comprehensive development of learners. As a result, graduates of the university become active citizens and future specialists across diverse fields from science and education to economics, medicine, the arts, and public administration.
From its first year of operation, Karabakh University has actively expanded its international cooperation, establishing platforms for academic exchange and global integration. Within a short period, university students have achieved notable results at national and international forums, competitions, Olympiads, and festivals, demonstrating not only their talent but also the healthy academic environment cultivated at the institution, which supports the development of competencies and creativity. The university’s accession to the Union of Turkic Universities (TÜRKÜNİB) under the Organization of Turkic States marked a significant step in its integration into the global academic space. Future plans include the launch of joint-degree programmes with foreign universities, academic exchange initiatives, the creation of scientific laboratories, and the implementation of collaborative research projects. These measures aim to transform Karabakh University into not only a regional but also an international center of science and education.”
“This center of intellectual revival located on land where a historic victory was achieved embodies the spirit of triumph in science, innovation, and national values. Every event held at the university contributes to transmitting the legacy of Victory to future generations and ensures the continuity of knowledge and ideals. If the Azerbaijani Army secured Victory in the Patriotic War by liberating the homeland, then today Karabakh University continues this Victory in the realm of science, education, and creativity, contributing to the future development of both the region and the country.
The strategic objectives of the university sustainable development, student-centred governance, research-oriented learning, and an innovation-driven knowledge ecosystem aim to establish the institution as a beacon of academic and scientific excellence shaped by the spirit of Victory. This mission is closely linked with the heritage of Victory, which embodies not only the memory of military triumph but also a system of moral, political, and cultural values reflecting the ideals of freedom, statehood, and national unity. In this context, the university serves as a scientific-educational and spiritual center that preserves national memory and patriotic spirit. It is here that the “Generation of Victory” is forged an educated, creative, and responsible youth, loyal to the national idea and open to the world, as each graduate not only acquires knowledge and skills but also becomes an active contributor to the revival of Karabakh, upholding national unity and cherishing every stone of the homeland,” Shahin Bayramov added.
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