“Azerbaijani Language” Digital Platform Launched at Azerbaijan University of Languages

Baku, The Gulf Observer: The presentation ceremony of the “Azerbaijani Language” digital platform was held on December 28 at Azerbaijan University of Languages, marking an important step toward the preservation, development, and global promotion of the Azerbaijani language. The project was authored and led by Alena Aliyeva.

The event was attended by Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of IDEA Public Union Leyla Aliyeva, Head of Baku Media Center Arzu Aliyeva, and the project’s author and head Alena Aliyeva.

At the outset, Rector of Azerbaijan University of Languages Kamal Abdulla briefed the guests on the university’s activities. The participants then toured the university museum, where they were introduced to its work and exhibits.

Addressing the ceremony, Kamal Abdulla highlighted the significance of the platform in safeguarding and advancing the Azerbaijani language within the modern digital environment. Referring to President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks on the preservation and development of the Azerbaijani language during a meeting dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, the rector noted the strong need for such an initiative. He emphasized that the university’s scientists and young specialists had successfully fulfilled this important task.

“As Azerbaijan University of Languages, we establish centers for the Azerbaijani language, culture, and the multiculturalism model at foreign universities and teach our language to young people abroad. The creation of such platforms and projects is directly linked to the work carried out by President Ilham Aliyev in this field,” Kamal Abdulla said. He also underlined the importance of coordination among institutions implementing language-related projects and suggested the establishment of a Coordination Council to ensure continuity and more effective implementation of the President’s instructions.

In her remarks, project author and head Alena Aliyeva stressed the vital role of education in society and congratulated participants on the presentation of the platform. She expressed gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan University of Languages, and all contributors for their support in implementing the project.

Vice-Rector of Azerbaijan University of Languages Jala Garibova and project coordinator Sabina Aliyeva subsequently presented the “Azerbaijani Language” platform, providing detailed information on its objectives, functional capabilities, and content tailored to different age groups and users.

Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev, delivering a congratulatory address, said the platform would make a significant contribution to improving the quality of teaching and learning the state language and expanding digital educational resources. He noted that such initiatives play a special role in developing the Azerbaijani language in line with modern challenges.

Highlighting efforts undertaken in accordance with President Ilham Aliyev’s instructions to preserve the purity of the Azerbaijani language, the minister said the platform is designed primarily to teach Azerbaijani to non-native speakers. He pointed out that the language has more than 50 million speakers worldwide and that mastering it is important from cultural, educational, and practical perspectives. He added that the platform would be particularly useful for foreign students studying in Azerbaijan, foreigners wishing to work in the country, and those seeking to learn Azerbaijani as a foreign language. Built initially in English, the platform can be translated into other languages and actively incorporates artificial intelligence solutions.

A video presentation introducing the platform was also screened during the ceremony.

Pakistani student Mahmud Athar, a doctoral candidate at the Pakistan Centre operating at Azerbaijan University of Languages, shared his experience of learning and using the Azerbaijani language in daily life. Emphasizing that language is the soul of a nation, its culture, and its worldview, he described Azerbaijani as a rich language shaped by great literary figures such as Nizami and Fuzuli. He noted ongoing efforts to promote the Azerbaijani language and culture abroad through academic and cultural initiatives, expressing pride in mastering the language.

Well-known journalist and Honored Journalist of the Russian Federation Mikhail Gusman, a graduate of Azerbaijan University of Languages, also addressed the gathering. He spoke about the growing global interest in the Azerbaijani language, citing annual research conducted by Stanford University. According to him, despite Azerbaijan’s relatively small size, international interest in its language has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting the country’s effective policies and growing global profile under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership.

An artistic program was presented as part of the event, which concluded with commemorative photographs.

The “Azerbaijani Language” platform is designed to support teaching and learning through modern digital resources and to reach a broad international audience. Holding the presentation on the eve of December 31 — World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day — once again highlighted the Azerbaijani language as a core value uniting Azerbaijanis around the world.