"Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." - Ibn Battuta
And that's precisely what we did at AYID! We took our youth on an exciting journey to discover the rich culture and heritage of Azerbaijan. The Explore Azerbaijan event was nothing short of a thrilling adventure that allowed us to immerse ourselves in Azerbaijan's traditions, music, and cuisine. With the support of the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, the Azerbaijan Students and Alumni Platform (ASAP), and the Azerbaijan House in Hungary, we were able to showcase Azerbaijan's ancient history, rich culture, and national cuisine. The event was attended by youth from over 15 countries, including Hungary, Spain, Italy, Ukraine, Vietnam, Russia, and more.
Our journey began with the warm welcome of the Head of Azerbaijan House, Mr. Ibrahim Safarli, who shared his enthusiasm for foreign youth's interest in Azerbaijan. This was followed by an inspiring speech by the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Hungary, H.E. Mr. Tahir Taghi-Zadeh, who emphasized the importance of Azerbaijan in the international arena and its growing role in energy security in the region and the world.
The first part of the event was a screening of a short video clip prepared by Kamil Shukurov that showcased Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage, national-spiritual values, and its irreplaceable role at the international level. Ramil Shukurov and Gular Taghiyeva, the event's organizers, talked about the program and hosted a lively Q&A session that sparked fruitful discussions.
We also had the pleasure of hearing the experience of young people who visited Baku and Shusha as part of the International Student Forum on Youth, Peace, and Security. They shared their impressions of the trip, giving us a glimpse into Azerbaijan's breathtaking landscapes and diverse culture.
The event continued with a mesmerizing artistic performance by Kamal Aslan, Nazim Musabeyli, Aysel Mammadova, and other talented young people.
The performances showcased Azerbaijan's folk songs and dances, leaving the audience captivated.
Finally, we got to experience Azerbaijan's delicious cuisine, which was nothing short of a feast for the senses. We savored the flavors of traditional Azerbaijani dishes such as Plov and Dolma that left us with a delicious aftertaste.
Our Explore Azerbaijan event was just one of the many ways we foster intercultural dialogue among young people by developing their social skills and enabling personal growth in an international environment.
We invite you to join us on our next adventure and discover the richness and beauty of other cultures. At AYID, we believe that exploring the world is the best way to become a storyteller and inspire others to embark on their own journeys of discovery.