Azerbaijan Review

On a fine Thursday evening in July, Yoonwoo, Sean, and I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Emin Teymurov, the Economic, Academic, and Scientific Counselor of the Embassy of Azerbaijan. As we have conducted multiple interviews preceding this one, we felt prepared and enthusiastic. Upon entering the two-story embassy, we were led to a small and cozy floor where we observed meticulously arranged photos, rugs, paintings, and statues.

The Republic of Azerbaijan, a transcontinental country located at the boundary of Western Asia and East Europe, boasts a population of around 10 million citizens. With its climatic divergences, drainage patterns, and sharply defined vegetation zones, Azerbaijan is characterized by a wide variety of landscapes, including plains and mountains that cover 60 percent of the total area of the nation. 

Curious about the cultural relationship Azerbaijan shares with Korea, Yoonwoo asked Dr. Teymurov about the activities that the Embassy of Azerbaijan hosts or participates in order to facilitate cultural exchange. Dr. Teymurov listed a myriad of examples, such as having Azerbaijani professors in the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) lecturing students at Ewha University on Azerbaijani multiculturalism, having a Eurasia turkology department in Dongduk Women’s University, and more. Indeed, Dr. Teymurov expressed his gratitude toward the prosperous economic, political, and societal relationships that were conducted by the meticulous efforts of both the South Korean and Azerbaijanian governments.  

Azerbaijan holds great pride and historical significance in its arts, with examples including traditional carpets, outfits, and folktale songs. Dr. Teymurov even showed us the different traditional artifacts kept throughout the embassy, such as carpets and dresses from Azerbaijan. He explained that the embassy hosts exhibitions to showcase Azerbaijani culture, thus promoting cultural exchange with Korea. Afterward, we discussed Dr. Teymurov’s upbringing and journey to becoming a diplomat. 

Dr. Teymurov advised us to always experience things first hand–whether it be through traveling abroad, learning about diverse cultures, or attending local cultural fairs that offer a wide spectrum of regional experiences. He also expressed his belief that while many students and parents tend to think that fully focusing on academic studies is the best approach to becoming successful, no person can truly be successful until they are able to understand and empathize with those from different cultures and backgrounds.

We thank Dr. Emin Teymurov for the comprehensive and insightful responses he provided during the interview. Consulate Circle looks forward to visiting the Embassy of Azerbaijan again to learn more about Azerbaijan’s cultural values, geopolitical positions, and social and economic matters in the near future!