Karabakh University Symbolizes Azerbaijan’s Victory and Revival in Education

Khankendi, The Gulf Observer: Shahin Bayramov, Rector of Karabakh University, highlighted the enduring significance of Azerbaijan’s 44-Day Patriotic War victory and its ongoing legacy in an interview with AZERTAC.

“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 secured its rightful place in the annals of the statehood of Azerbaijan,” Bayramov said. He emphasized that this fifth anniversary of the historic triumph is not merely a military achievement, but a testament to national unity, strategic leadership, and the political determination of the state under President Ilham Aliyev. The restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, achieved through the heroism of the Azerbaijani Army and the sacrifice of martyrs, has demonstrated the nation’s resilience, cohesion, and enduring patriotic values to the international community.

Bayramov noted that the subsequent “Great Return” process marked a new era of reconstruction, development, and renewal in Karabakh. Under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, large-scale infrastructure, social, cultural, and educational projects are being implemented in liberated cities, with education and science playing a central role in the region’s revival.

In line with this vision, President Ilham Aliyev established Karabakh University by decree on 28 November 2023. Bayramov described the founding of the university as an ideological, intellectual, and cultural manifestation of the nation’s victory, aimed at transforming the dream of returning to the homeland into reality through knowledge, innovation, and youth energy.

The university officially opened on 20 September 2024, the Day of State Sovereignty, with the participation of President Aliyev. Bayramov underscored that the launch of its first academic session symbolically marked a new chapter in the history of national education, reflecting the transformation of the victorious spirit of the nation into advancement in education, creativity, and cultural heritage.

Karabakh University, located in Khankendi, is rapidly developing into a modern university town. Facilities including academic buildings, laboratories, libraries, student residences, and a university clinic are being established, creating a sustainable social and academic infrastructure in the region.

Currently, the university employs 288 staff members, including 137 academic personnel, 123 administrative staff, and 28 technical specialists, alongside 66 professionals in the university clinic. The student body comprises 2,152 students across seven schools, with a gender-balanced and geographically diverse population representing 66 districts and cities. Notable achievements include high entrance exam results, a Presidential Scholarship award, and successful participation in national and international Olympiads.

Bayramov highlighted that the university’s educational philosophy draws on the timeless ideas of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, guided by President Ilham Aliyev’s principle that “issues of national spirit and moral preparedness come first.” Karabakh University emphasizes patriotism, social responsibility, innovative thinking, and leadership, preparing students to become active citizens and future specialists in diverse fields.

The institution has actively pursued international cooperation, joining the Union of Turkic Universities (TÜRKÜNİB) and planning joint-degree programs, academic exchanges, research projects, and collaborative laboratories to integrate into the global academic space.

“This center of intellectual revival on land where historic victory was achieved embodies triumph in science, innovation, and national values,” Bayramov stated. He concluded that if the Azerbaijani Army secured victory in the Patriotic War, Karabakh University continues this victory in the fields of education, science, and creativity, shaping the “Generation of Victory” and contributing to the long-term development of Karabakh and Azerbaijan.