Baku, February 15

On February 15, participants of the 10^th International Multiculturalism Winter School entitled "Contribution of Azerbaijani multiculturalism model to the world peace" organized by Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC), paid tribute to the builder of modern independent Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev in the Alley of Honor and laid flowers on his grave.

Then, the prominent ophthalmologist and academician Zarifa Aliyeva was also remembered and fresh flowers were laid on her grave.

The guests arrived at the Alley of Martyrs and laid fresh flowers on the graves of the heroic sons of the motherland, who gave their lives for the freedom and sovereignty of the country, and paid a visit to the Eternal Flame monument.

Participants of the project, enjoying the view of the capital of Azerbaijan from the highest point of Baku, were informed about the history of the Alley of Martyrs and the renovation and reconstruction works carried out in the capital.

BIMC Executive Director Ravan Hasanov told reporters in his interview that since the day of its establishment the Center has been realizing significant projects to introduce to the world, to promote and propagate Azerbaijani multiculturalism in the international arena, as a goal set by President Ilham Aliyev. One of BIMC's most important projects is winter and summer schools, which have already become a tradition and are regularly organized twice a year. The 10^th International Multiculturalism Winter School will be held from February 14 to 22 in Guba, Gusar and Khachmaz districts along with Baku city, which will be attended by students studying at foreign and local universities where the subjects of "Azerbaijani Multiculturalism" and "Introduction to Multiculturalism" were taught in the fall semester of 2019.

He said that the educational-methodical and practical work of the school is based on the lectures of Azerbaijani scientists and specialists. The lecturers' method of interaction with students will enable the school participants to get acquainted with the wisdom of the lives of national and religious minorities and to understand the theoretical and practical aspects of the Azerbaijani model of multiculturalism. It was emphasized that the focal point of the school is the popularization of various models of multiculturalism in the light of modernity, coping with migration and demands of the modern time, the regulation of stabilizing mechanisms within the context of ethno-religious diversity, and etc. pressing issues.

It should be noted that the International Multiculturalism Summer and Winter Schools project is a logical continuation of the project of “Teaching Azerbaijani multiculturalism at foreign and local universities”. The purpose of the winter and summer schools organized for students studying Azerbaijani multiculturalism at 21 foreign and 38 Azerbaijani higher education institutions under the educational project is to enable those young people to see and witness with their own eyes what they have learned theoretically, in our country where the values of multiculturalism and tolerance are preserved.

During the winter school, the participants will meet with the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of BIMC, academician Kamal Abdullayev, the Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations Mubariz Gurbanli, the Chairman of the Caucasian Muslims Office Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh. It is also planned to visit Gobustan, Ateshgah, Icheri Sheher (Old City), Shahdag Winter and Summer Tourism Complex, Khachmaz Museum of History and Ethnography, Guba Genocide Memorial Complex, to meet the local people in the Red town of Guba district, densely populated by the Mountain Jews, and to pay a visit to the mosques, churches and synagogues.

As a result of multiculturalism summer and winter schools, which have already become a valuable tradition, a communication platform and powerful lobby consisting of the intellectual young people who support the rightful work of our country in the image of young friends of Azerbaijan and their immediate surroundings abroad, has been formed. The ongoing intensive process proves that the goals set by President Ilham Aliyev towards Azerbaijan's promotion in the world are being successfully implemented.