On October 10, a conference dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Languages (AUL), academician and People’s Writer Kamal Abdulla, was held in the Turkish city of Iğdır. The Rector participated as an honorary guest at the international conference hosted by Iğdır University and dedicated to the epic “Book of Dede Korkut.”

The event was attended by Zamin Aliyev, Consul General of Azerbaijan in Kars, Ercan Turan, Governor of Iğdır Province, Elbrus Isayev, Rector of Nakhchivan State University, and Ekrem Gürel, Rector of Iğdır University.

Delivering the opening speech, Governor Ercan Turan referred to the “Dede Korkut” epic as the “cultural code” of the Oghuz Turks. “The name ‘Iğdır’ itself originates from one of the Oghuz tribes. The values promoted through the legends and songs in the epic have preserved their significance to this day,” he noted.

He emphasized that the path to strengthening the Turkic peoples lies through unity and solidarity. E. Turan described the close cooperation and dialogue between the presidents of Türkiye and Azerbaijan as “a guarantee of peace and stability in the region.”

In his address, Rector of Iğdır University Ekrem Gürel highlighted the importance of the “Dede Korkut” epic, stating:

“I sincerely believe that the outcomes of this conference, held with the participation of distinguished scholars from Türkiye and Azerbaijan, will give rise to new successful beginnings in many fields including literature, history, linguistics, art, and sociology.”

Zamin Aliyev, Consul General of Azerbaijan in Kars, emphasized that the “Dede Korkut” epic is internationally recognized.

He noted that the “Book of Dede Korkut” has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. “Its international recognition places a responsibility upon us. The shared historical and cultural roots of Türkiye and Azerbaijan make us members of the same family,” said Aliyev.

During the conference, reports were presented on the literary and academic contributions of People’s Writer and academician Kamal Abdulla, his role in the development of Turkic world studies, his research on the “Dede Korkut” epic, and his scholarly work in the field of “Korkut Studies.”

It was emphasized that the creative work of academician Kamal Abdulla attracts the attention not only of the Turkic world but also of readers worldwide.

At the end of the event, a video dedicated to the 75th anniversary of academician Kamal Abdulla, Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Languages, was presented.

The international conference continued its work in two sessions with the participation of scholars from Azerbaijan and Türkiye.