The Center for Azerbaijani Multiculturalism of Alexandru Ioann Cuza Iasi University celebrated the University Days with “SIGHTS OF AZERBAIJAN AS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF WORLD CULTURE” round table, which was attended by students of partner universities: Azerbaijan University of Languages,  Ion Crianğa Chisinau Pedagogical University and Alexandru Ioann Cuza Iasi University. In her welcoming speech, Associate Professor Lyudmila Bejenaru noted that the goals of the multiculturalism policy of Azerbaijan are based on commitment to universal values, preservation and protection of ethnic, linguistic and cultural identity of peoples through culture, language and the Word. In this context, learning about the image of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani culture through country’s sights is one of those bridges that not only connects peoples, but also helps to overcome differences and stereotypes.

Dean of the Faculty of Philology and History of Ion Crianğa Chisinau Pedagogical University, Associate Professor Gabriella Topor, in her welcoming speech mentioned the invaluable contribution, made by the Baku International Center for Multiculturalism (BIMC) and the Azerbaijan University of Languages in the opening of the optional course Azerbaijan Multiculturalism for master's students of the Chisinau Pedagogical University. This course allows masters to better understand what Azerbaijan means to the world community, to get to know the Azerbaijani specific ethnocultural space, which has always been an invariable component of universal world culture.

Chairman Nijat Aliyev spoke on behalf of the student organization of the Azerbaijan University of Languages, who congratulated the student community of the University of Iasi on the 164th anniversary of its foundation and expressed confidence that the cooperation of partner universities at the level of student organizations can be a favorable opportunity for the development of friendly relations between our countries.

Within the framework of the round table, the participants discussed and commented on the speeches of  Stefan Bachu, II year student of the Faculty of Literature of Alexandru Ioann Cuza Iasi University, who provided an interesting work on the topic "Kamal Abdulla’s magical realism: the transfer of the medieval imaginary into postmodern rhetoric"; and Mustafa Kerimov, a student of the Azerbaijan University of Languages, who told the audience about the wonderful natural pearls of Azerbaijan.

Anastasia Kaledzhi, a student of the IV year of Ion Crianğa Chisinau Pedagogical University, and Daria Dima, a second year student of the Faculty of Literature of Alexandru Ioann Cuza Iasi University, told about their impressions after staying in Azerbaijan within the framework of the XV International School of Multiculturalism "The Role of Cultural Heritage in Preserving Peace, Dialogue and Tolerance", THE INTERNATIONAL MULTICULTURALISM SCHOOL PROGRAM 2024 "THE ROLE OF CULTURAL HERITAGE IN MAINTAINING PEACE, DIALOGUE AND TOLERANCE" ORGANISED BY BAKU INTERNATIONAL MULTICULTURALISM CENTRE. The students noted the historical places they visited - the grave of the National Leader, architect and founder of the modern independent Azerbaijani state Heydar Aliyev and the Alley of Martyrs, the graves of the heroic sons of Azerbaijan who died in the struggle for freedom and sovereignty of their homeland. They also noted the hospitality of the Azerbaijani people, interesting events and lectures held within the framework of the School, which contributed to overcoming stereotypes in understanding and accepting cultural differences.

III year student of the Faculty of Literature of Alexandru Ioann Cuza Iasi University Dumitru Prisekaru in his speech "Religious and Worldview Problems in "Iskander-name" by Nizami Ganjavi and "Alexandria", offered a brief comparative analysis of some aspects between "Iskander Name" by the Persian and Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi and "Alexandria", a popular work from the Romanian region borrowed from the Byzantine Empire according to the Serbian model.

Azerbaijan University of Languages’ student Maryam Alizade, gave an interesting presentation on the architectural monuments of Azerbaijan, so that the round table participants learned about  Azerbaijani culture attractions such as "Ismailia" magnificent palace, wbuilt by Baku millionaire Musa Nagiyev in the style of Venetian Gothic in memory of his prematurely deceased son Ismail. The house of Isa bey Gajinsky, the most beautiful building next to the Maiden Tower, whose facades are saturated with rich plastic, three-dimensional elements, including balconies, bay windows and loggias, also connects elements of Eastern and Western culture, which had given rise to the beautiful architectural monuments in the capital of Azerbaijan. The story about the Tezepir Mosque and the Maiden Tower has also cotributed to Romanian and Moldovian students views on architectural buildings that formed the unique appearance of Azerbaijan.

The participating students thanked the organizers for an interesting event that supplemented their knowledge of Azerbaijan, and expressed confidence that such communication platforms contribute to the formation of cultural and ethnic tolerance in the complex process of getting to know Others.

 

Associate professor Lyudmila Bezhenaru,

 

Iasi Center for Multiculturalism director