Over one hundred youths from 53 different countries, comprising both Azerbaijanis residing overseas and representatives from friendly nations, are in attendance at the Fourth Summer Camp of Diaspora Youth. This camp stands as one of the most prominent projects in the annals of Azerbaijani diaspora history.
The choice of Nakhchivan as the venue is particularly meaningful. This ancient city, where Heydar Aliyev was born a century ago, adds further weight to the event’s significance. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation, in collaboration with the special representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, has organized this camp, which runs from August 12 to 18, 2023.
An important moment worth noting was at the V (Victory) Congress of World Azerbaijanis held in Shusha from April 22-23, 2022. During this event, the President of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Ilham Aliyev, stressed the essence of Azerbaijanis abroad staying closely connected with their historical homeland. He advocated for them to journey to Azerbaijan with their families at least annually, to persist in speaking their native language, and to deeply understand the history of Azerbaijan. He also issued a special call to the second and third generations of Azerbaijanis to remain closely linked to their rich cultural heritage.
Such summer camps, specifically tailored for the Diaspora Youth, serve as a tangible manifestation of the President’s guidelines, creating a space for cultural immersion and engendering a unified spirit.
For historical context, Sheki hosted the inaugural Summer Camp of Diaspora Youth in 2018 to commemorate the centenary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. The following camp, themed “Nasimi – 650”, was staged in Shamakhi in 2019. The third, named “Shusha – 270”, was held in Shusha, the cultural epicenter of Azerbaijan, just last year.
