Participants of the XV International School of Multiculturalism, "The Role of Cultural Heritage in Preserving Peace, Dialogue, and Tolerance," visited the grave of the National Leader and the Alley of Martyrs. They paid tribute to the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, the architect and founder of the modern independent Azerbaijani state, by laying flowers at his grave in the Alley of Honor. The participants also visited the grave of the renowned ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva, and honored her memory.

Following this, the school participants laid carnations on the graves of Azerbaijan's heroic sons who died in the struggle for the freedom and sovereignty of our Motherland. The Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC) informed the students about the January 20 tragedy, which has become a symbol of Azerbaijan's fight for freedom and independence. Mr. Hasanov emphasized that, despite the passage of time, the people of Azerbaijan continue to remember the January 20 massacre with pride, always honoring the martyrs who gave their lives for our freedom.

It should be noted that around 30 students from 21 countries—Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, China, Serbia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Romania, Moldova, Uzbekistan, India, Morocco, Bulgaria, Georgia, the United States, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, Pakistan, Algeria, Mozambique, and Congo—are participating in the 15th International School of Multiculturalism, organized by the BIMC. The project will continue until October 1.

In addition to Baku, the School of Multiculturalism will take place in the districts of Shusha, Lachin, and Aghdam. Participants will visit these cities to observe the state of cultural heritage and the ongoing reconstruction efforts in the historical lands of Azerbaijan, recently liberated from occupation. They will also receive detailed information on Azerbaijan's multicultural environment, tolerance, ethno-religious diversity, and the peaceful coexistence of different nationalities and faiths in the country.

Students will attend lectures on topics such as "Features of the Azerbaijani Model of Multiculturalism," "Intersection of Culture and Faith: An Example of Religious Diversity in Azerbaijan," "The Heritage of Caucasian Albania in Political Discourse," and "Acts of Vandalism Against Azerbaijani Cultural Heritage." Lectures will be delivered by Irin Kunina, head of the Center for Multiculturalism; Gunel Yusifli, chief consultant of the State Committee for Work with Religious Institutions; Farda Asadov, head of the Department of the History of Arab Countries at the Institute of Oriental Studies, Ziya Bunyadov, of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan; and Laman Aliyeva, Senior Advisor at the State Administration for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture.

As part of the project, meetings are planned with Kamal Abdullayev, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the BIMC; Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office; Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations; and Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director of the BIMC.

Additionally, musical evenings titled “Introduce Your People” will be held, where students will present the cultures and traditions of their respective countries.

Since its establishment, the Baku International Multiculturalism Center has been implementing several projects aimed at promoting and advancing Azerbaijani multiculturalism internationally, as envisioned by President Ilham Aliyev. One of BIMC's key initiatives is the International Schools of Multiculturalism, which have become a tradition. These schools are a continuation of the project “Teaching Azerbaijani Multiculturalism in Higher Education Institutions Abroad and in Azerbaijan.” The International School of Multiculturalism is organized twice annually for students studying Azerbaijani multiculturalism in universities worldwide and within Azerbaijan. The goal is to provide young people with the opportunity to experience firsthand what they have learned theoretically, in a country where multiculturalism and tolerance are actively practiced.

Through these summer and winter schools, a communication platform and a strong lobby of intellectual youth are being formed abroad, supporting Azerbaijan's just cause. This ongoing process demonstrates the successful realization of President Ilham Aliyev's vision for presenting Azerbaijan to the world.