Throughout history, the science, values, language and literature, art, and culture of the Uzbek and Azerbaijani peoples have developed in close harmony. While the works of Nizami Ganjavi and Muhammad Fuzuli are deeply admired and widely studied in Uzbekistan, in Azerbaijan reverence for the genius of Alisher Navoi has been elevated to the level of national pride.

The strengthening of friendly ties between the two countries is evidenced by the active work of the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Tashkent, the construction of the Mirzo Ulugbek School in the city of Fuzuli, presidential decrees of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan awarding citizens of both countries, as well as more than 70 high-level meetings held over the past seven years.

During the state visit of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan on 22–23 August 2024, thanks to the strong political will of both leaders, bilateral relations were elevated from strategic partnership to the level of alliance. This historic decision marked a new stage not only in socio-economic cooperation, but also in cultural and humanitarian relations.

As part of this new phase, on 13 September of the current year, an international scientific and practical conference titled “The Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Model of the Turkic World” was held in the ancient city of Ganja. The event was jointly organized by the Nizami Institute of Literature of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan and its Ganja Branch, the Ganja City Administration, and the Alisher Navo’i Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature.

Speaking at the conference, Academician Teymur Karimli, Director of the Muhammad Fuzuli Institute of Manuscripts of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, and Academician Fuad Aliyev, Head of the Ganja Branch of the Academy, emphasized that the rapidly intensifying cooperation with Uzbekistan is yielding positive results across various fields. They noted that the conference contributes to shaping a new model of Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan relations, which hold a special place in the Turkic world.

In his address, Academician Shuhrat Sirojiddinov, Rector of the Alisher Navo’i Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature, likened the shared roots of the Uzbek and Azerbaijani peoples to a single mighty plane tree. He stressed the importance of renewed unity and joint forward movement in today’s challenging global environment, as well as the need to effectively communicate ongoing reforms aimed at improving the well-being of both nations.

Dr. Samira Gasimova, Doctor of Philosophy in History, in her presentation titled “The Role of Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Relations in the Turkic World,” described Uzbekistan as a reliable ally that consistently supports Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. In turn, Dr. Nargiz Rasulova, Doctor of Philosophy in History, in her report “Prospects for Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Cooperation,” highlighted that the approval of a programme of events marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, along with an interagency dialogue and exchange plan, will further accelerate the development of bilateral cooperation.

Students studying at higher education institutions in Azerbaijan also took part in the conference. They were reminded that the Uzbek and Azerbaijani peoples have supported each other since ancient times and that future generations bear responsibility for strengthening today’s successful partnership. Students were tasked with sharing the historical significance of the conference with their peers.

Within the framework of the conference, the Alisher Navoi Center for Uzbek Language and Culture was opened at the Ganja Branch of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan. The center serves not only as a modern academic and pedagogical hub, but also as a cultural space adorned with miniatures reflecting the rich literary heritage of Alisher Navoi. The university donated nearly 300 works of Uzbek fiction and academic literature to the center.

Visitors to the center can familiarize themselves with the history and culture of the Uzbek people, as well as with the creative legacy of Alisher Navoi. Beyond uniting scholars from both countries, the center aims to provide broader audiences with information about Uzbekistan’s history, culture, contemporary development, and socio-political life. An agreement was reached to actively involve Azerbaijani students and pupils in events and practical activities organized by the center.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Alimukhtar Mukhtarov, Director of the Nizami Ganjavi Center, described Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan as “two souls in one body,” expressing confidence in the enduring nature of sincere relations between the two states.

The conference proceedings and the opening of the center provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen academic ties, exchange ideas, and outline future plans for cooperation.