The year 2025 has officially been declared in Azerbaijan as the Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty.

On this occasion, on October 17, an exhibition was opened in the Central Foyer of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski," organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Bulgaria and the Center for Azerbaijani Language and Culture.

The exhibition presented books and photographs dedicated to Azerbaijan’s path to sovereignty, the role of national leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev in the creation of modern Azerbaijan, as well as the relations between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria.

The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions, professors and students, journalists, Azerbaijanis living in Bulgaria, and friends.

At the opening of the exhibition "Azerbaijan on the Path to Sovereign Statehood," Mrs. Sofia Shigaeva-Mitreska, Director of the Center for Azerbaijani Language and Culture at Sofia University, noted that the initiative is not only an occasion for historical reflection, but also for consideration of the foundations of statehood, law, and national identity. She emphasized that for the Azerbaijani people, the concept of sovereignty holds deep meaning, symbolizing the centuries-long struggle for independence, freedom, and recognition. She highlighted that the roots of the modern Azerbaijani state go back to 1918, when the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was established, laying the foundations of parliamentarism and civil rights. Mrs. Shigaeva-Mitreska stated that after the restoration of independence in 1991, Azerbaijan confidently set out to strengthen its sovereignty, and the Constitution adopted in 1995 became the foundation on which it has been built as a legal and democratic state.

"Azerbaijan is an example of how a state can successfully combine loyalty to its national values with developing partnership and dialogue with other countries around the world. Of course, the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria holds a special place among these relations – two countries connected by deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties, with over 30 years of diplomatic relations that have reached the level of strategic partnership," she emphasized.

Prof. Reneta Bozhankova, Vice-Rector for International Activities, also addressed the guests. She congratulated the Azerbaijani side on the celebration of the Day of Restoration of Independence, which embodies the aspiration towards sovereignty and national dignity, and noted that the opening of this exhibition is a symbol of respect and friendship between the two nations. She pointed out that Sofia University has long-standing and fruitful cooperation with Azerbaijani universities and expressed her appreciation to the Embassy of Azerbaijan for supporting the Center, its colleagues, and its students, who with dedication and enthusiasm sustain and develop these relations, turning them into a dynamic partnership.

Mr. Chingiz Garibli, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Bulgaria, emphasized that the Constitution of 1995, drafted under the leadership of President Heydar Aliyev, marked a turning point in Azerbaijan’s history and laid a solid legal foundation for state governance, guaranteeing the protection of human and civil rights of the Azerbaijani people and affirming the principles of independence and national sovereignty.

He noted that 2025 has been declared in Azerbaijan as "The Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty," marking two important anniversaries: the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the fifth anniversary of the victory in the 2020 Karabakh War, which allowed "the full restoration of national sovereignty under the professional and decisive leadership of President Ilham Aliyev."

Prof. Gergana Petkova, Dean of the Faculty of Classical and Modern Philology, stated that independence is a very important concept, especially in the 21st century, when the world is engulfed in wars, lack of solidarity, and restrictions on freedom of speech. The mission of the university has always been to prepare the younger generation for the challenges of today, to nurture brave and freedom-loving young people who can defend their positions and fight for important public causes. The dean thanked the Embassy of Azerbaijan for its support of the Center for Azerbaijani Language and Culture, whose mission is not only to teach the Azerbaijani language, but also to promote the culture and history of Azerbaijan in Bulgaria. She noted that this exhibition will prompt reflection, raise important questions, and deepen our understanding of the role of independence in the modern world.

The event concluded with a performance of an Azerbaijani dance by Joanna Yordanova, a student majoring in Turkology.

The photographs were provided by the Center for Azerbaijani Language and Culture at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski."