On May 18, 2026, within the framework of a series of events held in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated October 22, 2025, the International Scientific Conference on “Contemporary Issues in Language, Education, Research, and Sustainability” (Contemporary Issues in Language, Education, Research, and Sustainability) officially began. The conference is jointly organized by Mingachevir State University and Dokuz Eylül University.

The opening ceremony of the conference took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center in the city of Mingachevir. The event was attended by members of the National Assembly, representatives of the Mingachevir City Executive Authority, law enforcement agencies, the Mingachevir city organization of the New Azerbaijan Party, the Mingachevir Municipality, the Public Council under the Ministry of Science and Education, as well as representatives of reputable scientific and educational institutions. Among the guests were Afet Abbasova, Birol Akgün, Ufuk Turqaner, Recep Öztop, Hayrettin Özçelik, Mahira Huseynova, and scholars and researchers from various countries. In total, representatives of higher education and research institutions from 23 countries, linguists, teachers, media representatives, and students participated in the event.

Prior to the event, participants visited the monument of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and laid flowers in tribute, expressing deep respect.

Afterward, attendees viewed a book exhibition titled “Language Knows No Borders.” The exhibition featured scientific works, monographs, and teaching materials in the field of linguistics published by scholars of Mingachevir State University, various scientific centers of the country, and publishing houses. The exhibition provided participants with an opportunity to become closely acquainted with the directions, methodological approaches, and innovations of modern linguistic research.

The conference was officially declared open with a moment of silence in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland, followed by the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In his opening speech, Rector of Mingachevir State University Anar Eminov emphasized the significance of the conference, noting that the interconnection of language, education, and research plays a fundamental role in the formation of a knowledge-based society in the modern era. Highlighting the international scale of the conference, he stated that more than 545 articles and abstracts had been submitted by scholars representing 77 higher education and research institutions from 23 countries. This figure was evaluated as an important outcome in terms of expanding scientific cooperation, strengthening knowledge exchange, and forming new academic platforms.

In his speech, the rector also noted the symbolic and scientific importance of dedicating the conference to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress. He further highlighted that the first panel of the event is dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Professor Mahira Huseynova, presenting this as recognition of her contributions to Azerbaijani linguistics. He wished success to the conference.

Azerbaijani philologist, Doctor of Philological Sciences, professor, Presidential scholarship holder, Honored Teacher, poet, and Vice-Rector for International Relations at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Mahira Huseynova, emphasized in her speech that language is not only a means of communication but also the primary carrier of national memory, cultural identity, and historical continuity. She noted that although processes of interlingual integration are accelerating in the context of modern globalization, each nation’s native language remains one of the main pillars of its national identity, and research in this direction holds strategic importance.

Mahira Huseynova stated that linguistics today is not limited to theoretical frameworks but also forms new research directions in the context of educational policy, social communication, digital technologies, and multicultural environments. In this regard, such international platforms make a significant contribution to establishing dialogue between different scientific schools, forming common terminological and methodological approaches, and particularly integrating young researchers into the scientific community. She also emphasized that the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress is not only a historical event but also offers a new perspective on the development of modern Turkological research.

At the end of her speech, Mahira Huseynova expressed her gratitude to the organizers for the high-level organization of such a prestigious international conference and conveyed her confidence that such initiatives will expand further and strengthen scientific cooperation in the Turkic world.

Following her speech, Rector Anar Eminov was awarded the Honorary Professor diploma and the “Order of Honor” by the International Academy of Sciences of Turkic World Studies. It was noted during the award ceremony that his contributions to science and education, as well as to the development of international academic cooperation, are highly appreciated.

In his speech, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Öztop noted that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye in the fields of science and education is based on shared history, language, and cultural roots. He emphasized that such international conferences serve not only as platforms for academic exchange but also contribute to deepening the humanitarian dimension of strategic partnership between the two brotherly countries. Highlighting the unifying role of language in the integration of the Turkic world, he stressed the importance of expanding joint scientific projects and academic mobility.

Afet Abbasova, Director of the Presidential Library of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, underlined the role of libraries in preserving, systematizing, and disseminating scientific knowledge to the wider public in the modern era. She noted that in the context of digitalization, libraries are no longer merely sources of information but also function as centers of scientific communication. She emphasized the relevance of the conference topic in this regard and noted the important role of integrating language, education, and research in the development of the knowledge economy.

Member of Parliament Parvin Karimzade emphasized that science and education are among the priority areas of state policy. She highlighted that such international scientific events are important for strengthening the country’s intellectual potential, developing human capital, and fostering an innovative mindset. She also stressed the importance of engaging young people in scientific activities.

Another Member of Parliament, Elnara Akimova, emphasized that language is one of the core components of culture, noting the close interconnection between literature, language, and national identity. She highlighted the importance of language in preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations.

Editor-in-Chief of “Literature” newspaper Azer Turan spoke about the stages of development of literary language, emphasizing that language is not only a means of communication but also a form of artistic expression. He stressed the importance of maintaining the purity of language while ensuring its openness to development.

Secretary of the Public Council under the Ministry of Science and Education Gunay Akbarova highlighted the importance of active participation of the educational community in such initiatives, noting that strengthening cooperation between academia and the public sector contributes to improving the quality of education and implementing innovative approaches.

Dr. Murat Ata from Dokuz Eylül University in İzmir emphasized the importance of expanding international academic cooperation in science and education, noting the significance of joint research projects, co-publications, and academic exchange programs in the modern scientific environment. He highlighted the need for such platforms to have a sustainable character to strengthen scientific integration in the Turkic world.

After the opening speeches, a group of participants and staff were awarded for their contributions to the organization of the conference and the development of scientific cooperation.

The event continued with an artistic program featuring patriotic and Turkic-themed music and national dance performances.

In the next stage of the conference, a theatrical performance titled “Classics on Stage,” performed by students, will be presented at the Mingachevir State Drama Theater, organized jointly by the International Language Center of the Lifelong Learning School and the Department of Foreign Languages of the university.

The International Scientific Conference will continue on May 19 with panel discussions, parallel sessions, sectional meetings, academic workshops, and a scientific-practical forum.

It should be noted that this international conference on “Contemporary Issues in Language, Education, and Research” is not only a platform for scientific discussion but also an important initiative contributing to the expansion of knowledge exchange, the promotion of inclusive and quality education, and the establishment of a sustainable environment for scientific cooperation.