14.10.2026

Bukhara State University hosted a series of international academic, cultural and diplomatic events as part of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture and Arts, held in Bukhara from 11 to 13 October 2026. The visit of Rashad Mammadov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Uzbekistan, his open dialogue with students, the inauguration of the Centre for Azerbaijani Studies named after Yusuf Qarabaghi, an international conference devoted to the scholar’s intellectual legacy, and a performance of the operetta Arshin Mal Alan offered a vivid expression of the historical friendship and cultural cooperation between the two brotherly nations.
 

The programme sought to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, advance academic cooperation among higher education institutions, deepen the study of their shared historical and cultural heritage, and introduce younger generations to the rich scholarly and spiritual traditions of both peoples.
 

Azerbaijani Ambassador Visits BukhSU: Strategic Partnership and Prospects for Academic Cooperation
 

On 12 October, a delegation led by Dr Rashad Mammadov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Uzbekistan, visited Bukhara State University.
 

During the visit, the diplomat met with Professor Obidjon Khamidov, Rector of Bukhara State University. Their discussions addressed the current development of the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, the expansion of cooperation in education, science and culture, the implementation of joint research projects, and opportunities to strengthen academic mobility for faculty members and students.
 

Both sides emphasised the importance of consolidating mutually beneficial ties between universities in the two countries, enhancing the effectiveness of scientific research, and broadening access to international educational opportunities for young people.
 

The visit was followed by a seminar entitled “Historical and Cultural Relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan”, attended by university leaders, faculty members, and students of history, international relations, philology and other disciplines.
 

Opening the event, Rector Obidjon Khamidov warmly welcomed the Ambassador and members of the delegation to the historic city of Bukhara.
 

The Rector expressed his satisfaction that the Days of Azerbaijani Culture and Arts were being held in Bukhara for the first time, describing the initiative as a tangible reflection of the enduring friendship, shared historical roots and cultural affinity between the two nations.
 

He also highlighted the countries’ strategic partnership, prospects for cooperation in higher education and research, and the importance of expanding collaborative studies and academic mobility programmes. Particular attention was given to opportunities for students from Bukhara to pursue studies at Azerbaijani universities, participate in international education programmes and gain academic experience abroad.
 

Professor Khamidov additionally addressed the planned Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Summit in Bukhara in 2027, noting its significance for strengthening the city’s international standing and promoting multilateral dialogue and cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
 

Ambassador Engages with Students and Presents an Uzbek-Language Journal
 

Dr Rashad Mammadov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan, also addressed the seminar.
 

The diplomat expressed his pleasure at visiting Bukhara and spoke warmly of Uzbekistan’s rich history, ancient cities, distinctive cultural heritage and hospitality. He particularly acknowledged Bukhara’s longstanding importance as a centre of scholarship, education and culture.
 

In his presentation, the Ambassador provided students with an extensive overview of Azerbaijan’s geographical location, history, political and social life, national culture, customs, and intellectual and spiritual heritage.
 

He also discussed the shared historical roots of the Uzbek and Azerbaijani peoples, their linguistic and cultural affinities, the common values of Turkic nations, and the contemporary importance of friendly relations between the two countries.
 

The question-and-answer session unfolded in an open and engaging atmosphere. BukhSU students raised questions about Azerbaijan’s higher education system, opportunities available to international students, academic exchange programmes, diplomatic careers, and the future of bilateral cooperation.
 

Dr Mammadov responded to the students’ questions in detail, commending their interest in history, culture and international relations. The discussion also explored the importance of foreign-language proficiency, international experience, academic inquiry and a deeper appreciation of the cultural heritage of different peoples.
 

A further highlight was the Ambassador’s presentation to Bukhara State University students of the Winter 2025–2026 issue of İRS Miras, published in Uzbek.
 

Issued under the motto “Discover Azerbaijan”, the journal covers history, culture and anthropology, introducing Uzbek readers to Azerbaijan’s rich historical and cultural heritage, national values and traditions.
 

The presentation of the journal in the Uzbek language provided another tangible expression of the cultural and educational ties, mutual respect and friendship shared by the two nations.
 

BukhSU Inaugurates the Centre for Azerbaijani Studies Named after Yusuf Qarabaghi
 

On 13 October, the Faculty of History at Bukhara State University hosted the official inauguration of the Centre for Azerbaijani Studies named after Yusuf Qarabaghi, a distinguished Azerbaijani thinker of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
 

The ceremony brought together university leaders, representatives of the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Centre under the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Uzbekistan, faculty members and students.
 

Established by the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Centre, the new centre is intended to promote the study and dissemination of the historical, scholarly and cultural connections between the two countries.
 

A ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked the official opening of the Centre for Azerbaijani Studies named after Yusuf Qarabaghi. Participants subsequently toured the facilities and learned about the centre’s academic resources, educational opportunities and prospective areas of activity.
 

Following the inauguration, representatives of the university and the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Centre participated in a roundtable discussion.
 

The exchange focused on the historical and cultural relations between the two peoples, their shared scholarly and literary heritage, Yusuf Qarabaghi’s philosophical thought, the study of historical sources concerning his life and works, and ways to introduce Azerbaijani history, culture and literature to a wider student audience.
 

Participants also considered opportunities to organise academic seminars, roundtables, joint research projects and educational meetings through the centre, support early-career researchers, and expand cooperation between scholars from both countries.
 

A collection of books was presented to the Centre for Azerbaijani Studies during the event. These publications will serve as valuable resources for students and researchers exploring Azerbaijan’s history, culture, literature, and intellectual and spiritual heritage.
 

The inauguration represented a significant initiative in Bukhara State University’s efforts to expand international scholarly and cultural cooperation and promote a deeper understanding of the shared heritage of the two nations.
 

International Conference Explores the Intellectual and Spiritual Legacy of Yusuf Qarabaghi
 

On the same day, Bukhara State University hosted an international scientific and practical conference entitled “The Life, Scientific and Spiritual Legacy of Yusuf Qarabaghi and Global Civilisation: A Dialogue of Philosophy, Science and Spiritual Traditions.”
 

Organised by the Department of Islamic History, Source Studies and Philosophy of BukhSU’s Faculty of History, the conference brought together university leaders, representatives of Azerbaijan’s academic and cultural communities, faculty members, researchers and students.
 

Opening the conference, Rector Obidjon Khamidov highlighted the significance of the centuries-old friendship between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, their shared spiritual foundations and the growing importance of contemporary academic cooperation.
 

“There was a time when Yusuf Qarabaghi travelled from Karabakh to Bukhara in pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. Today, his name has become a symbol of unity for a new generation of scholars and students from both nations,” the Rector stated.
 

Yusuf ibn Muhammadjon al-Qarabaghi was a prominent intellectual who lived from the second half of the sixteenth century to the first half of the seventeenth century. His scholarly pursuits encompassed philosophy, logic, kalam (Islamic scholastic theology) and other disciplines. Having developed his knowledge within the intellectual environments of Karabakh, Shirvan and Shiraz, he later undertook academic and teaching activities in Samarkand and Bukhara.
 

His life and scholarly legacy exemplify the historical intellectual connections between Azerbaijan and Transoxiana.
 

The conference featured research presentations and discussions examining Yusuf Qarabaghi’s philosophical ideas, scholarly writings and manuscript heritage, the continuity of Eastern intellectual traditions, and the contribution of philosophy and spirituality to the development of global civilisation.
 

Further attention was devoted to the study of historical and philosophical sources, manuscript research, the preparation of critical scholarly editions, translation initiatives and support for emerging researchers.
 

The future research agenda of the newly established Centre for Azerbaijani Studies named after Yusuf Qarabaghi also featured prominently. Participants emphasised the centre’s potential to facilitate manuscript-based research into the thinker’s works, promote collaborative studies of the two peoples’ historical and philosophical heritage, and strengthen academic partnerships.
 

Arshin Mal Alan: A Celebration of Azerbaijani Art and Friendship in Bukhara
 

The Days of Azerbaijani Culture and Arts extended beyond academic meetings and conferences. Bukhara State University also hosted a performance of the celebrated operetta Arshin Mal Alan by the renowned Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli.
 

The production was staged by the Kharibulbul Theatre Troupe of the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Centre under the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Uzbekistan.
 

The cultural event was jointly organised by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Uzbekistan, the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Centre, the Bukhara Regional Administration and Bukhara State University.
 

The event was opened by Professor Obidjon Khamidov, Rector of Bukhara State University. In his remarks, he emphasised that the peoples of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are united by centuries of shared history, language, culture, traditions and values.
 

He also noted that the two countries’ friendship and strategic partnership are entering a new phase of development, including in education, science and culture.
 

Arshin Mal Alan is regarded as a distinguished work of Eastern musical theatre, portraying love, human sincerity, national values and social relationships through a blend of music and satire.
 

The Kharibulbul Theatre Troupe brought Azerbaijan’s distinctive musical traditions and rich cultural heritage to the stage through memorable characters, traditional costumes, songs and expressive stage movements.
 

The performers’ compelling acting, nationally inspired musical arrangements and stage design made a lasting impression on the audience.
 

The production attracted considerable interest not only from Bukhara State University’s faculty members and students but also from numerous arts enthusiasts across the Bukhara region. The enthusiastic atmosphere, sustained applause and warm audience response once again demonstrated the power of the arts to bring people closer together.
 

The performance in Bukhara became a tangible expression of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, while also serving as a significant occasion for celebrating the shared spiritual values of the two peoples.
 

Strengthening Friendship through Science, Education and Culture
 

The events hosted by Bukhara State University during the Days of Azerbaijani Culture and Arts reflected the diverse dimensions of cooperation between the two countries.
 

The Ambassador’s meetings with university leaders and students helped advance diplomatic and academic dialogue. Meanwhile, the inauguration of the Centre for Azerbaijani Studies named after Yusuf Qarabaghi and the international conference opened new avenues for the in-depth study of the nations’ shared intellectual and philosophical heritage.
 

The performance of Arshin Mal Alan enriched the academic and educational programme, introducing the Bukhara community to Azerbaijan’s national musical and theatrical traditions.
 

Taken together, these international events made a meaningful contribution to expanding Bukhara State University’s academic and cultural partnerships, reinforcing its role as a platform for international dialogue, broadening young people’s perspectives, and further strengthening the historic bonds of friendship between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.
 

Press Service of Bukhara State University