Professor Robert Hoyland: "I want to learn the history and culture of Azerbaijan and the region in which it is located"

Trend

 
Vestnik Kavkaza publishes an interview that the Director of the Nizami Ganjavi Scientific Center of Azerbaijan and Caucasian Studies at the University of Oxford, Professor Robert Hoyland, gave to the correspondent of AzerTAc.

- The official website of the Center noted that the study of the rich culture and history of Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, where Azerbaijan is located, has remained out of sight of the international scientific community. Will tomorrow's conference compensate for this gap?

- Yes, I think it will be compensated for, as we invited German, British and Azerbaijani scientists, who are considered in the Caucasus, particularly in Georgia and Azerbaijan, as specialists in the spheres of architecture, history and archeology. Therefore, I believe that, yes, the current conference will contribute to the expansion of the world of knowledge about Azerbaijan and the neighboring regions.

- In the last year you noted during your interview with AzerTAc that the Nizami Ganjavi Scientific Center will start its work soon. What can you say about the activities and projects of the center now?

- We have tried to do a great job in a short time. During this time we have provided scholarships for scientific work to two researchers. These scholars will begin elaborations in September. These investigations are associated with the languages ​​and cultures existing in Azerbaijan. We have begun to translate books from the Azerbaijani and Russian languages ​​into English. I want to note Yevgeny Beltels' book 'The Great Azerbaijani Poet Nizami'. In addition, through the first archaeological excavations in Barda we are exploring the process of the transformation of Caucasian Albania into the Islamic empire from the Early Middle Ages.

- People in Azerbaijan, of course, show a deep interest in this project. How can people who are interested in the project participate in the activities of the Center?

- Those interested can follow our activities on the webpage of the Center, which is located within the website of the Oriental Institute of Oxford and to contact us. Of course, Professor Nargiz Pashayeva is our representative in Azerbaijan, everyone can contact her and track activities related to the Center, her important work.

- You are the one of the famous scientists in this field, you are engaged in very important projects. Are you satisfied with your work as the head of the Nizami Ganjavi Scientific Center at the University of Oxford?

- Of course, I enjoy working in different areas, and was engaged in researches in Syria, Yemen and Egypt. The region covered by the Nizami Ganjavi Center is a new research direction for me, so I want to explore deeply its history and culture. We will regularly post information about all our activities on the website of the Center. You can follow our web page and send your letters of support.