A major initiative to reinforce the cultural and academic bonds within the Turkic world has been launched at our university. The Azerbaijani Turkish Language Center was officially inaugurated with a formal ceremony held at the Gazi Faculty of Education.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the event began with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Attendees included our Rector Prof. Uğur Ünal; Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Saadet Yusufova; Vice Rector Prof. Serhat Karyeyen; Rector’s Advisors Prof. Selami Candan, Prof. Togay Seçkin Birbudak, and Dr. Ahmet Bilal Dostbil; Dr. Meryem Böcek; Deputy Secretary General Sena Aydoğan; Head of the Azerbaijani Cultural Center Samir Abbasov; representatives from the Azerbaijani Embassy; as well as academic and administrative staff and students.

In his opening address, Prof. Uğur Ünal emphasized the historical and cultural foundations of the relationship between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Beginning with the heartfelt words, “We are gathered here for a meaningful and emotional inauguration—welcome,” Prof. Ünal underlined the unity of the two nations under the principle of “one nation, two states.” He noted that the Language Center would be open to all students interested in learning Azerbaijani Turkish and pledged his full support during his tenure: “As long as I am in office, I will provide support for any need that may arise.”

Following Rector Ünal, Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Saadet Yusufova addressed the audience. She highlighted the center’s role not only in language education but also in strengthening the brotherhood between the two nations. Yusufova emphasized that the center would help shape future generations under shared cultural values and extended her gratitude to the university.

Director of the Azerbaijani Cultural Center Samir Abbasov also spoke, stating that the establishment of the center is a reflection of the deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries. He underscored the importance of the center in promoting Azerbaijani Turkish and preserving its cultural heritage.

During the event, students currently enrolled in Azerbaijani Turkish language courses at the center also gave brief speeches. They expressed that learning Azerbaijani Turkish builds heartfelt bridges between the peoples of the two nations. Inci Akçay, a graduate of Bilkent University, noted her deep affection for learning the language, while TRT News Anchor Ayşe Şimşek stated, “Our fellowship is profound and unshakable.”