At the current time, Greece’s image around the world is rather negative but young Azeris don’t forget the country’s perennial cultural offer and have decided to study Greek culture and history at the Baku Slavic University.
Azeris first discover references about Greece during their school age, when they are taught “The Myths of Ancient Greece,” by Nikolai Kun, translated into the Azeri language.
After graduating, some of them enroll in the Center of Hellenic Studies. They are now able to speak Greek fluently and aspire to continue their studies in Greece; most of them have visited Greece several times.
The Azeri students translated a part of C.P. Cavafy into Azeri, under the supervision of Greek Professor Bechraki Calliope. The class “discovered” the Alexandrian poet on the anniversary of the March 25 Greek national holiday and were fascinated by the prominent poet. Greek Ambassador in Baku Ioannis Metaxas, once informed about this work, decided to support the students to get the book published. The joint efforts had a happy conclusion, as the book is expected to be published in September.
The Center of Hellenic Studies was established in Baku in 2004, despite the fact that Greek had already been taught at the University since 1999. Three of the previously graduated students are now professors at the University.
There are many needs, as there is not even an Azeri-Greek dictionary available and the young students have to search in Greek-Russian dictionaries.
But their love for Greece is not just university-limited. They learn Greek dances and music and they love Greek pop singer Sakis Rouvas!
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