Project of the International Center for Diaspora in Prague
Project of the International Center for Diaspora in Prague – Exhibition “Repatriation of Refugees to Their Homeland: The European Experience” and Meetings Held in the Czech Republic
On October 5, 2025, a major exhibition was held in the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, within the framework of the project “Repatriation of Refugees to Their Homeland: The European Experience,” organized by the International Center for Diaspora (IDC) with the financial support of the State Agency for Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The event took place at Křížovnické Square (“Cross Square”), located in the very heart of the city.
According to bdmxeber.az, Ismayil Aghayev, President of the International Center for Diaspora, stated that the main goal of the exhibition was to present to the international community historical documents and facts related to deportation, as well as to provide extensive information on acts of vandalism and attacks on cultural heritage to the residents of Prague and tourists visiting the city. He emphasized that the key purpose of the project is to study the European experience in the repatriation of refugees, to protect their rights, and to prepare proposals for solving the problems they face in their countries of residence.
The exhibition displayed booklets, badges, Azerbaijani and Czech flags, roll-up stands, books, and brochures on the topic of deportation in English and Czech. Particular attention was drawn to materials about Western Azerbaijan, preserved over the years by Irada Rizazade, President of the Public Union for Social Welfare of Citizens, as well as books by Tahir Amiraslanov, former General Director of the Azerbaijani National Culinary Center.
The exhibition was attended by Dr. Alexander Shapiro Suliman, Head of the International Innovative Center for Intercultural Life – Alliance of the Peoples of the World; Vladimir Balaš, former Minister of Education of the Czech Republic; Marcel Chládek, former member of the Senate; and other prominent public figures. Numerous NGOs participated actively in organizing the event, including Rauf Zeyni, President of the NGO Resource and Training Center in Baku; Farid Amiraliyev, founder of the diaspora organization “Land of Fire” and Coordinator of the Eastern European Coordination Council of the Azerbaijani Diaspora for the Czech Republic; as well as diaspora activists Murad Sadigov, Rashid Shikhaliyev, Imam Azizov, Ali Alashrafov, and other young participants.
During the exhibition, an incident occurred when two Armenians, posing as tourists, attempted to spread false information about Western Azerbaijan and Karabakh among visitors. However, the activists of the International Center for Diaspora and fellow countrymen immediately prevented their provocative attempts. The event concluded with commemorative photographs.
The activities under the project continued in the following days. On October 8, 2025, a delegation from the International Center for Diaspora — President Ismayil Aghayev, Board Member Rauf Zeyni, and Eastern European Coordinator Farid Amiraliyev — held several official meetings in the Senate of the Czech Republic. During the meeting, a broad exchange of views took place with Marcel Chládek, former Minister of Education and former Senator, and Jana Hauserová, First Secretary of the Senate Committee on Education, Science, Culture, Human Rights, and Social Affairs.
It was noted that the Senate’s Office for Human Rights would inform all members of the Senate about the activities of the International Center for Diaspora and the materials provided, and would prepare recommendations on the topic “Return of Western Azerbaijanis to Their Homeland: The European Experience.” During the meeting, the Azerbaijani delegation presented carpets, booklets related to Western Azerbaijan, a film on the “Concept of Return of Western Azerbaijanis”, books, souvenirs, and a selection of Western Azerbaijani tea. The Czech side also presented their gifts in return.
In his speech, Ismayil Aghayev shared information about ongoing projects and research aimed at assisting Western Azerbaijanis in returning to their homeland, emphasizing the importance of studying European practices. Rauf Zeyni highlighted the importance of promoting patriotic ideas within the framework of diaspora activities and strengthening solidarity among Azerbaijani communities living in European countries.
The next phase of the project took place on October 9, 2025, when the IDC delegation held a meeting at the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics, and Cybernetics (CIIRC), operating under the Czech Technical University. The Institute’s Director, Dr. Ondřej Velek, warmly welcomed the Azerbaijani delegation and emphasized the significance of the meeting for developing cooperation in science, education, and technology.
Ismayil Aghayev presented a documentary film titled “Deportation of Western Azerbaijanis” as well as books and brochures reflecting the cultural heritage, history, and national cuisine of Western Azerbaijan. The “Western Azerbaijan Exhibition” organized within the meeting attracted great interest among institute staff and guests.
In his address, Rauf Zeyni emphasized the importance of scientific cooperation in strengthening diaspora diplomacy and promoting national identity among youth. The meeting was held in a sincere and constructive atmosphere, with discussions on future cooperation opportunities and joint humanitarian initiatives.
At the end of the visit, commemorative gifts were exchanged, and participants toured the institute’s laboratories and research centers.
Thus, the events organized by the International Center for Diaspora in Prague and various scientific and political institutions of the Czech Republic made a significant contribution to strengthening Azerbaijani diaspora diplomacy, preserving the historical memory of Western Azerbaijanis, and promoting the right to a just return to their homeland on the international stage.
