One of the AEGEE locals that lies furthest to the east is AEGEE-Bakı, situated on a small peninsula in the Caspian Sea. You might think of them as a remote or different local, but nothing could be more wrong. If you spoke to them, you’d meet nothing but the most kind, open, and, above all, enthusiastic members, who organise the most amazing events. It just comes to show that, from the North to the Caspian Sea, Europe is everywhere. Let’s meet AEGEE-Bakı.
The AEGEEan: Could you tell us a little bit about AEGEE-Bakı?
AEGEE-Bakı: AEGEE-Bakı started its activities in 2004 and more than 1500 local students have been involved in different projects. It was registered by the Ministry of Justice on August 10th, 2007 . The main purpose of the organisation is to promote the European ideas by creating cooperation between Azerbaijani and European students. The number of members is about 100 and this number is increasing day by day.
Board members are Orkhan Babayev – the President, Anar Alizamanli – Treasurer and Fundraising Responsible, Elmin Allahverdiyv – Public Relations Responsible, Arzu Amirguliyeva – Secretary General and Human Resources Responsible, Khagani Gasimov – Projects and External Relations Responsible.
What are the most amazing things AEGEE-Bakı has ever organised?
Every year, we, AEGEE-Baki, hold different kinds of festivals and events for both our members and international youth. One of the main and popular events is Novruz festival. Novruz – International Youth Festival- is the annual celebration of Novruz with the youth from all around the world. This project will give you a unique chance to experience different parts of NOVRUZ holiday, such as jumping over bonfires and running through the streets, banging on pots and pans with spoons and knocking on doors with your hats and bags to ask for little presents (sweets and candies) and tasting national cookeries, such as shekerbura, pakhlava, goghal and so on.
Do you often collaborate with AEGEE-Sumqayit, considering that you’re only 26 km apart?
Yes, we collaborate almost with all AEGEE locals in Azerbaijan. The nearest one is Sumqayit and there is no distance when it comes to co-operation and future work for the better future society. We always share our thoughts and exchange our skills and practice with each other.
Azerbaijan is on the frontier of Europe and the Middle East. Does this shape the structure or culture of AEGEE- Bakı?
AEGEE- Bakı is in the edge of Europe. Even though we are far from the closest areas of Europe, we have a lot in common with Europe. AEGEE took the borders away and brought the idea of unity and friendship, made an exchange of cultures, customs and traditions, knowledge and other aspects for all around Europe. We feel the AEGEE spirit even from the farthest part of the Europe.
Being on the edge of the geographical network of AEGEE, are there any challenges to organize trips or have other members of AEGEE visit Baku?
We have been seen from the other parts of Europe too. Many AEGEEans every year visit our local and their main dream is to discover the Eastern Edge of Europe. We acknowledge them with the eastern European culture, traditions and this is the main exchange point of our cultures, thoughts, ideas and share these all with all around us.
We organise several events like Novruz-International Youth Festival, Summer University that are the main out of other projects. The main target is to invite the young AEGEEans to discover the eastern and mysterious part of Europe.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Currently, our working groups are implementing several upcoming local projects . In January we are going to have the local Agora. Because of that, we are busy with both a new upcoming Board elections and local projects.
Written by Willem Laurentzen, AEGEE-Nijmegen