Azerbaijani ambassador attends opening of Turkic culture centre in Poland PHOTO

The University of Warsaw, one of Poland’s most prestigious higher education institutions, has held a ceremonial opening of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Centre, with Azerbaijani Ambassador to Poland Nargiz Gurbanova in attendance.

The centre was established with financial support from the Foundation of Turkic Culture and Heritage, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The ceremony began with opening remarks and moderation by the head of the Department of Turkic, Mongolian and Tibetan Studies, Dr. Jan Rogala.

Speakers at the event included Dean of the Faculty of Cultures of Asia and Africa at the University of Warsaw, Professor Agata Bareja-Starzyńska; Counsellor of the Embassy of Kazakhstan Saule Turginbekova; Counsellor of the Embassy of Türkiye Sinem Turgut Bingöl; and Counsellor of the Embassy of Uzbekistan Rovshanbek Jabbarov.

The importance of the Foundation of Turkic Culture and Heritage in establishing the centre was highlighted, along with its financial support and the significance of inter-institutional cooperation.

Officials described the initiative as an important contribution to strengthening academic and cultural-diplomatic ties and expanding dialogue across the Eurasian space.

Agnieszka Bereza, Chief Specialist at the International Cooperation Department of Poland’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education, also attended the event, along with university faculty members and students.

In her remarks as guest of honour, President of the Foundation of Turkic Culture and Heritage Professor Aktoty Raimkulova called the opening a historic event, saying the centre is not only an educational space but also an important cultural bridge between East and West.

She noted that the centre was a practical result of a memorandum of understanding between the foundation and the University of Warsaw, as well as a product of mutual trust and joint efforts. She also expressed gratitude to the university leadership, Ambassador Gurbanova, and embassy staff for their support and cooperation.

The opening ceremony was formally carried out by Raimkulova, Dean Bareja-Starzyńska, and Ambassador Gurbanova.

During the event, embassies of Turkic states and partner organisations presented commemorative gifts, academic publications, cultural exhibits and educational materials to the new centre.

The centre will function as an educational and exhibition space, as well as a venue for workshops, and is expected to promote Turkic cultural heritage and strengthen dialogue between academic circles and the wider public in Poland.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov