- 19 Mar 2025
A festival dedicated to the Novruz holiday and Earth Tuesday was held, organized by Baku Eurasian University (BAAU), Baku Eurasian College (BAAK), the Azerbaijan Student Youth Organizations’ Union (NGO), and the university’s Student Youth Organization. The event, which emphasized sustainability education, environmental awareness, and cultural heritage preservation, was attended by members of the academic and administrative staff, as well as students and graduate students of BAAU and BAAK.
The celebration began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan followed by opening speeches from BAAU Rector, Associate Professor Dr. Sayavush Gasimov, and BAAK Deputy Director Pasha Mammadov, who congratulated participants on the occasion of the Novruz holiday.
In his speech, Rector S. Gasimov emphasized that Novruz represents not only the change of seasons but also a powerful symbol of renewal, unity, and peace. He noted that this ancient celebration, deeply rooted in traditional knowledge and place-based education, embodies ecojustice values and environmental harmony, reminding people of their responsibility toward the planet. The rector highlighted that Novruz preserves the core values of national identity, promotes social cohesion, and plays an important role in the self-development of youth by encouraging them to acquire knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable social change and inclusive development. Expressing his confidence in the younger generation, he stated his belief that they would strengthen the sovereignty and democratic governance of the state through their professional competence and ethical worldview.
P. Mammadov noted that Novruz, which gained official recognition after the restoration of state independence, symbolizes both the awakening of nature and the triumph of unity and solidarity. He emphasized that this celebration reflects human rights, citizenship values, and collective resilience rooted in cultural and environmental sustainability. He also honored the memory of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland, linking the spirit of the holiday with peace, justice, and national self-determination.
As part of the festival, the traditional Novruz bonfire—one of the main symbols of renewal and environmental balance—was lit. Students gathered around the fire, celebrating the arrival of spring with dances and cheerful applause, representing solidarity, community resilience, and intergenerational learning through land-based traditions.
The event continued with a cultural program. During this segment, students from the Azerbaijan National Conservatory performed national music pieces, while BAAU’s dance group presented folk dances reflecting the national spirit and indigenous cultural knowledge. Beloved Novruz characters Kosa and Kechal also participated, adding color and joy to the event with performances that emphasized peaceful coexistence, cultural diversity, and humane education.
The Novruz and Earth Tuesday festival at BAAU thus combined environmental education, climate awareness, and cultural sustainability, fostering an inclusive and eco-conscious academic community that values both heritage and global citizenship.
