Govhar Bakhshaliyeva: Azerbaijani science and diplomacy need Arabists

Study of the Arabic language and preparation of Arabists in Azerbaijan are extremely important both for researches in the field of Azerbaijani history and for modern foreign policy, director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of Azerbaijan National Academy of Science, Govhar Bakhshaliyeva, said in an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza.

"We need these people: right now, there are 15 Arab states and three sultanate principalities, and we must maintain diplomatic, economic or any other relations with these countries. So there's always a need for people who know the Arabic language," she said.

"Unfortunately, not everyone is good at this language, not everyone can work as translator after studying it at the faculty, since you have to practice in order to master it," she added.

Arabic language is also necessary for studying classical Azerbaijani heritage. "Since Azerbaijan has been a part of the united Arab caliphate for a long time, a certain part of our scientific and literary heritage was written in Arabic. We need people who are capable of reading manuscripts and works, making accurate translations," she noted.

"In addition, it is needed to study our history and culture, which is reflected in the Arabic manuscripts, created by representatives of other nationalities that were part of the Arab Caliphate," she concluded.