The “Solidarity Forum,” organized by the Eternal Unity Youth Public Union in partnership with Iğdır Azerbaijani House, Kerkük Cultural Association, Southern Azerbaijan Democratic Turkic Union, Araz Azerbaijani National-Cultural Autonomy, and the Australia-Azerbaijan Association, was held in a patriotic spirit on the occasion of the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis. The forum lasted nearly three hours.
The event was moderated by the chairman of the Eternal Unity Youth Public Union, Mr. Shahin Aliyev, and featured special guests such as Mr. Ziya Zakir Acar, chairman of Iğdır Azerbaijani House; Dr. Şemsettin Kuzechi, chairman of the Kerkük Cultural Association; Mr. Tehmasib Zeynalov, chairman of the Araz Azerbaijani National-Cultural Autonomy; Mr. Mikayil Oyta, president of the Australia-Azerbaijan Association and representative of the SADTU in Australia; and Mr. Mustafa Sarıkamış, chairman of the World Crimean Tatar Association.
The forum began with a moment of silence to honor the victims of the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane and martyrs of the entire Turkic world.
During the event:
Mr. Ziya Zakir Acar spoke about the historical and cultural ties of Azerbaijanis in Iğdır with Azerbaijan, recited Azerbaijani poems, and discussed the significance of the Aras River, Iğdır, and Nakhchivan in the Turkic world.
Dr. Şemsettin Kuzechi emphasized the historical and cultural bonds between Azerbaijani Turks and Iraqi Turkmens, stating that Iraqi Turkmens are ethnically Azerbaijani Turks. He also introduced young participants to Kerkük Xoyrats (Bayatis) to strengthen cultural ties.
Mr. Tehmasib Zeynalov highlighted the solidarity of Azerbaijanis living in Russia, encouraging young people to learn from history. He remarked that disunity during the Khanates period led to fragmentation and stressed the need for unity and solidarity today.
Mr. Mikayil Oyta spoke about the struggle for freedom and justice of Southern Azerbaijanis, emphasizing that unity and a shared vision for the Turkic world and Greater Azerbaijan are vital.
Mr. Mustafa Sarıkamış reflected on the historical ties between Azerbaijani and Crimean Tatar Turks, quoting Ismail Bey Gasprinsky’s motto: “Unity in language, thought, and work!” He called for eternal unity and solidarity.
The forum served as a platform to promote cultural and historical awareness and to strengthen bonds among the global Azerbaijani community.
