Yessentuki hosted the grand unveiling of a bas-relief of the outstanding Russian scientist, the first rector of Baku State University, Vasily Ivanovich Razumovsky. The ceremony was attended by members of the administration of Yessentuki and a large delegation of guests from Baku. It was the Azerbaijani side that initiated the creation of a stone bas-relief of the great Russian doctor, surgeon and scientist. Another important event was the signing of a cooperation agreement in the field of culture and education between the city of Yessentuki and Baku State University.
While opening the ceremony, the rector of Baku State University, Abel Maharramov Mammadali oglu, spoke about the history of the foundation of the University: "Vasily Ivanovich Razumovsky was a major organizer of science and education. He was one of the founders and the first rector of Saratov State University, the rector of the Transcaucasian University. At the end of April 1919, Professor Razumovsky received an offer to take over the organization of the University in Baku from the Azerbaijani government. In the words of Vasily Ivanovich, Azerbaijan received its highest center of education, a new shining page in the history of the Turkic people was issued, a new torch was lit between Europe and Asia."
A deputy of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, Mikhail Zabelin, noted that: "It is very difficult to combine science and administrative work. But Vasily Ivanovich did it. He was not only an excellent scientist but also a remarkable organizer. And one of those people who laid the foundation not only by establishing the university in Baku, but by creating and developing the entire higher education of Azerbaijan."
The Rector of Dagestan State University, Murtazali Rabadanov, noted the importance of the event and the strengthening of contacts between Russia and Azerbaijan: "This event is also significant in the fact that it underlines the common history of our countries, the common history of our peoples, who have lived together for centuries. 1919 was a hard time for our country, for Russia, at this particular time Baku State University was founded, and it survived and became successful as a university thanks to people like Vasily Ivanovich Razumovsky."
The Mayor of Yessentuki, Alexander Nekristov, spoke about the prospects of cooperation between Baku State University and the city: "A large medical base, scientific personnel in terms of health resorts, in terms of treatment, sanatorium activities are concentrated in the city of Yessentuki. Here, given the specifics of Baku University, the main direction is medicine. I think we can find a lot of points of contact for cooperation and the development of both the university and our medical base. And do not forget, after all, Yessentuki is a favorite resort of the residents of Azerbaijan. Every year up to 20 thousand tourists from this country come here."
