The event was moderated by the Academic Secretary of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, PhD in History, Associate Professor Ellada Bakirova, who welcomed the participants with an opening speech. “Young people from 7 higher and 2 secondary educational institutions are currently involved in the volunteer program established by the Institute. This reflects the relevance of our initiative. Within the framework of the program, young volunteers have gained experience in the museum exhibition hall of the Institute, attended scientific lectures delivered by scholars on various topics, and participated in academic trainings and scientific-practical masterclasses,” E. Bakirova emphasized.

Next, Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS, PhD in History, Associate Professor Farhad Guliyev, spoke about the significance of the program. He noted that the volunteer program implemented by the Institute aims, on one hand, to stimulate young people’s interest in the history of Azerbaijan and in science as a whole, enhance their scientific knowledge, raise awareness, and guide their career choices. On the other hand, it aims to promote socialization, teamwork, and organizational skills through engaging them in socially beneficial activities. “As part of our future plans, we intend to organize visits for our young volunteers to archaeological research sites across the country within the framework of our upcoming ‘Archaeological Summer School’ program,” he stated.

Alovsat Amirbeyli, Head of Public Relations and Media at Khazar University, emphasized the importance of archaeology and anthropology in understanding the history of the Azerbaijani people and wished success to all institutions involved in implementing the volunteer program, particularly the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS.

The Head of the Volunteer Program, Head of Department at the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS, Orkhan Zamanov, delivered a speech highlighting the activities carried out within the program, including scientific seminars attended by volunteers, experience exchange related to scientific research, and public events. He also touched upon the upcoming directions and tasks set for the volunteers.

Subsequently, a video clip was presented to the event participants, showcasing the activities involving volunteers over the past four months — the spring session of the program.

PhD in History, Associate Professor Farhad Guliyev, Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS, presented certificates and gifts to volunteers representing Baku State University, Khazar University, Azerbaijan University of Languages, Azerbaijan State Academy of Arts, Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University, Sumgayit State University, Azerbaijan Institute of Theology, the Baku Turkish High School under the Turkish Diyanet Foundation, and Secondary School No. 193, all of whom had participated in the “Spring Session of the Volunteer Experience Program.” Volunteers who demonstrated outstanding performance — Konul Ibrahimli and Zalika Beybalayeva (Khazar University), Gulnara Asadullayeva (Azerbaijan Institute of Theology), Nazrin Valiyeva (Baku State University), and Malak Karimova (Sumgayit State University) — were awarded diplomas.

Malak Karimova, a student of the Faculty of History and Geography at Sumgayit State University, gave a speech in which she discussed the knowledge and experience gained by volunteers through the program. She expressed her gratitude to the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS for organizing the Volunteer Experience Program, as well as to all academic institutions that supported the initiative.

It should be noted that on January 31, 2025, the “Volunteer Program” associated with applied scientific-practical training was announced at the Museum-Exhibition Hall of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS, located in Icherisheher. The official public launch of the program took place on February 27, 2025, with the support of the “Icherisheher” Museum Center. Young individuals with an interest in archaeology and historical artifacts, and who aspire to develop themselves in this field, submitted applications using a specially prepared form. From nearly 150 applications, 60 young candidates were selected for training by an academic jury.

The trainings were conducted by highly qualified professionals from the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS, as well as experts from the Institute of Radiation Problems of ANAS, the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan, Khazar University, and independent specialists. The selected topics covered not only academic issues in archaeology but also included interdisciplinary, interactive, and practical modules on museum studies and tourism.

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