Congress chairman: Azerbaijani diaspora has become a part of Moldovan society – INTERVIEW

In an interview with the Eastern European Bureau of Report, the Chairman of the Congress of Moldovan Azerbaijanis, Elchin Bayramov, touched upon the Russia-Ukraine war, the current situation in Moldova, the integration of Azerbaijanis into the local society, cooperation between the two countries, and other issues.

Report presents the interview:

- What is the current situation in Moldova? The social and political situation in the country has become more sensitive against the background of the war in neighboring Ukraine, which has been going on for more than two years. Has it affected the lives of our compatriots in any way?

- Of course, there are changes. The incidents in Ukraine have had a significant impact on the situation in the region in almost all areas - political, economic, and social. The war in the neighboring country affected Azerbaijanis living in Moldova to the same extent as the rest of the country's residents. Notably, the Azerbaijani diaspora has been successfully integrated into Moldova and has become a part of society. Moldova is our second homeland. We love Moldova as much as we love Azerbaijan, our historical motherland. Therefore, any pleasant or unpleasant event here undoubtedly affects the lives of our compatriots. If you are part of a holistic system, this is a normal and predictable process.

By the way, in April of this year, the population census will be held in Moldova, and citizens of the country will be able to show that they belong to two nationalities for the first time in history. In the autumn of this year, a presidential election will be held in Moldova. Of course, we will actively participate in the election mentioned. Parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held next year. We even have certain hopes regarding the parliamentary elections, because representatives of our diaspora will put forward their candidacies.

Returning to your question about the war in Ukraine, I can say that the local authorities were able to adapt quickly to the situation. The whole world has seen that the country's leadership managed to regulate and organize the work related to the large influx of refugees as soon as possible without chaos, panic, and collapse.

- How many Azerbaijanis have crossed from Ukraine through Moldova since the beginning of the war? How is the transit of our compatriots through the country?

- Since the first days of the war, thanks to the operational agreements and actions of the Moldovan government and parliament, city mayors, the Azerbaijani government, the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora of Azerbaijan, and the Azerbaijani embassy in Moldova, a clear mechanism has been developed for the evacuation of Azerbaijani citizens who want to leave the war zone and return to their historical homeland within the framework of cooperation with our Congress. Bus journeys and evacuation flights were organized from the territory of Türkiye.

Indeed, in those days, a great burden fell on us and the embassy staff, which required not only physical but also certain emotional endurance. We literally lived in the stations, we welcomed and sent off our compatriots, who were in a state of severe stress. It is clear that people had to give up what they had acquired and decide to leave Ukraine in just a few hours. Of course, all this caused great nervous tension. I would like to thank everyone who participated in all these stages and ensured that people got to Azerbaijan safely.

Here, the focus isn’t on the quantity. Despite the fact that thousands of our fellow citizens have been repatriated, it’s acknowledged that we have collectively accomplished a significant task and contributed to shaping people’s destinies.

- What actions and projects is Congress currently implementing?

- First, these are projects aimed at the diaspora itself. We celebrate all our national holidays in a friendly, cheerful manner and in accordance with all the traditions of Azerbaijan. For example, roughly 500 people gathered at our outdoor event dedicated to the Novruz holiday this year! Every year, we distribute sacrificial meat to our compatriots on Eid al-Adha. We are organizing a big event on Victory Day for the third time in a row. For the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis, we have been holding a gift marathon covering all regions of the country and all children of the Azerbaijani diaspora for many years. So, on the eve of the holiday, Congress activists and representatives of the young generation go to every village and city of the country where there are Azerbaijani children up to 10 years old and give them gifts.

Last year, for the first time, we organized an amateur backgammon championship between our compatriots and representatives of the Moldovan people. It was quite an interesting competition, and it united Azerbaijanis and Moldovans.

We commemorate all the unforgettable days of mourning for our people: Black January, Khojaly Genocide, and Genocide Day of Azerbaijanis. This is also a part of the history of our nation, and we remember it with deep respect. An important and necessary part of the activity of the Congress, which is not related to historical days, but is carried out continuously, is the charity projects carried out within the Azerbaijani community. We regularly help our compatriots and veterans in need. This includes everything that people need, including food, clothing, shoes, equipment for daily use, and even construction materials.

Another noteworthy direction of the work of our Congress is the activity aimed at the promotion of Azerbaijani culture and language in Moldova, as well as the integration of our compatriots into this society. In order to achieve this goal, we actively participate in television programs, ethnic festivals, and various cultural events. In December 2023, we were pleased to organize a Mugham concert performed by artists from Azerbaijan at the Organ Music Hall in Chisinau. Everyone could listen to a real Azerbaijani mugham.

I would like to talk about our school, where classes are held on Sundays. This project is already two years old. Every week in Chisinau and Bendery, a professional teacher conducts classes in the Azerbaijani language for the children of our community. Children learn grammar, mathematics, literature, and the and the historical traditions of their homeland. This is a wonderful project that we are very proud of.

The life of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Moldova is really full of events. We not only try to be aware of the problems of our compatriots, but also constantly monitor the success of our children. In our community, there are many talented athletes, including judokas, boxers, and tennis players, who have performed brilliantly in international and regional competitions.

By the way, in two international judo tournaments held in Antalya and Austria in March, Adil Osmanov, an activist of our Congress and a titled athlete, faced Azerbaijani athlete Rashid Mammadaliyev in the finals and won. It's also quite an emotional moment for us. Because the two strongest athletes who participated in the competition were Azerbaijanis!

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the Azerbaijani diaspora in Moldova is really strong and one of the most active diasporas. We are often cited as an example of a proactive and active structure in public organizations representing other ethnic minorities. In my opinion, that says a lot. Above all, we are one and united.

I would like to say once again that Moldova is not a foreign country for us. Because it has become a second homeland where we actively express ourselves and where our voice is heard. Our task is to live happily here, preserving the historical memory of the Azerbaijani people, national pride and love for our historical Motherland.