On the 5th year of the collaboration protocol signed between Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY), an event within scope of the protocol was organized to commemorate Molla Penah Vagif, one of the strongest representatives of the 18th century Azerbaijan Literature.
As part of 2017 Molla Penah Vagif Commemoration Year, Molla Penah Vagif, who was born at Kazakh Province’s Salahlı village of Azerbhataijan in 1717 and died in 1797, was commemorated at Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tahiroğlu Conference Hall on the 300th anniversary of his passing.
At his speech on the commemoration ceremony opening, EMU Vice Rector for International Affairs and Promotion Prof. Dr. Cem Tanova stated that “Our lives are being shaped by the contributions of important figures to our lives. Molla Penah Vagif’s work influences us deeply.” Prof. Dr. Tanova also added that EMU who has adopted virtue, information and advancement as its mission, is not only an institution that prepares students for their prospective careers, but is also an institution that can teach right and wrong such as virtue. Prof. Dr. Tanova put forth that the information EMU provides is virtue-oriented.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, TÜRKSOY General Secretary Prof. Dr. Düsen Kaseinov conveyed his happiness to be present in EMU and also his hope that the collaboration protocol that was signed on the same day yields fruitful outcomes. Prof. Dr. Kaseinov stated that they will continue to organize joint-events with EMU. Prof. Dr. Kaseinov provided information about Molla Penah Vagif and said that he believes Vagif’s works will prevail for a long time.
After the opening speeches, the panel which hosted the Azerbaijan Atatürk Center President and Member of Parliament Ord. Prof. Dr. Nizami Jafarov, EMU Faculty of Education, Department of Turkish Language Teaching Lecturer Prof. Dr. Vügar Sultanzade, and Çukurova University Conservatoire Performing Arts Department Lecturer Prof. Dr. Jahangir Novruzov as speakers commenced.
The event continued with a short film about Molla Penah Vagif’s life and a poetry performance. Books titled “Penah Vagif” and “Molla Penah Vagif Bibliyografya” were also introduced to the audience. The participants of the panel were presented a certificate of attendance and a plaque for their contributions. EMU Faculty of Arts and Sciences Academic Staff Member Prof. Dr. Agamirza Bashirov and Faculty of Communication Academic Staff Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güneş Bashirova were also amongst the participants of the event.
