On March 13, 2026, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between Mingachevir State University and the Mamedyarov Chess School, which has достойно represented Azerbaijan in international and local tournaments and made significant contributions to the development of Azerbaijani chess.

The memorandum envisages the establishment and expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation between the university and the chess school in the fields of education, science, and the development of intellectual sports.

On the occasion of the signing ceremony, a delegation led by Rector Anar Eminov visited the Mamedyarov Chess School. The delegation was welcomed by the founders and leaders of the school — renowned chess players Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Zeynab Mamedyarova, and Turkan Mamedyarova. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on expanding university–sports cooperation, promoting intellectual sports among young people, and developing strategic thinking skills.

In his speech, Rector Anar Eminov emphasized the importance of developing not only students’ academic knowledge but also their analytical and strategic thinking skills. He noted that intellectual sports such as chess play an important role in shaping young people’s logical thinking, decision-making abilities, and leadership qualities. The rector expressed confidence that the cooperation established between Mingachevir State University and the Mamedyarov Chess School would make a significant contribution to the development of chess in the region and strengthen the intellectual potential of youth.

The leaders of the Mamedyarov Chess School also highlighted the importance of promoting chess among young people and highly appreciated the initiative taken by the university administration. It was noted that the university environment creates broad opportunities for the intellectual development of youth, and the initiatives implemented within the framework of this cooperation will contribute to the further popularization of chess in the region.

During the meeting, the parties discussed promising directions for future cooperation. In particular, attention was given to initiatives such as the establishment of a chess club for students and young people within Mingachevir State University, the organization of open chess games and intellectual competitions in the region, conducting master classes and training sessions with professional coaches, organizing open chess days for schoolchildren, and holding regional chess tournaments at various levels.

In addition, innovative directions were highlighted as an important component of the cooperation, including the establishment of an “AI Chess Research Lab” using the university’s scientific potential, the analysis of chess games through artificial intelligence-based software, the study of data-driven game strategies, and the application of chess models in robotics and artificial intelligence courses.

The parties also specifically emphasized the organization of regional or national-level chess tournaments every year on the eve of the birthday of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

It should be noted that the signed Memorandum creates an important cooperation platform for supporting the development of chess among young people, enhancing strategic thinking and analytical skills, and implementing joint initiatives in the fields of science, education, and intellectual sports. At the same time, this cooperation aims to contribute to the development of chess in the region, strengthen the intellectual potential of youth, and further promote the culture of intellectual sports within the university environment.