By Vestnik Kavkaza
Recently in Oxford the president of Baku branch of MSU, co-chairwoman of the English-Azerbaijani Society, Professor Nargiz Pashayeva signed the Memorandum on intentions with the Director for International Development of Oxford University, Leisl Elder. It requires establishing of the Azerbaijan and Caucasiology Scientific Center n.a. Nizami Gyandzhevi.
Nargiz Pashayeva spoke at the Oriental Studies Department of Oxford University about scientific and literature heritage of the Azerbaijani poet and philosopher, saying in the conclusion: “If we have two things to be proud of, one of them is Nizami Gyandzhevi.”
The center named after him will be the first Azerbaijani scientific center, studying history and culture of Azerbaijan and the Caucasus region in Oxford University. It will provide long-term scientific projects connected with historic heritage and culture of Azerbaijan, conduct scientific, cultural, and social arrangements, lectures, and discussions. The center intends to provide programs on student exchange and build contacts in various spheres between Baku branch of MSU and Oxford University.
After the signing of the Memorandum on intentions, Oxford University organized official dinner in the oldest college of the university in honor of the guest – Christ Church College. Nargiz Pashayeva learnt about educational opportunities in Oxford and also visited the gallery of Islam and ancient Middle East in the well-known Ashmolean Museum.
Nargiz Pashayeva also visited the Bodlein Library of Oxford, which is thought to be one of the oldest and richest libraries in the world. She looked through works of classic authors of the East, including Nizami Gyandzhevi. Oxford gave Mrs. Pashayeva a copy of Gyandzhevi’s work as a gift, she gifted books on history and culture of Azerbaijan to Oxford. Students and tutors of Oxford, as well as members of the English-Azerbaijani Society gathered in the guest hall of St. John’s College to listen to Azerbaijani classic music and music by Bach and Paganini.
