Baku State University (BSU) marked International Chinese Language Day with a cultural event organized by the Faculty of Oriental Studies in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at BSU.

The celebration began with a traditional Chinese dance performance that highlighted elements of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Dean of the Faculty, Aydan Handan, delivered opening remarks, noting that International Chinese Language Day was established by the United Nations in 2010 to promote cultural diversity and encourage equal use of the UN’s six official languages. She also spoke about the teaching of Chinese at BSU, highlighting key developments in the field.

According to the dean, the "Regional Studies: China" program has been offered at BSU since 2004. In 2011, the Confucius Institute, established in cooperation with Anhui University of China, began operating at BSU. The institute plays a significant role in promoting Chinese language and culture. Among its initiatives is the international Chinese language competition "Chinese Bridge." Additionally, in 2022, the university launched a Chinese Philology major, and in 2023, a joint bachelor’s degree program in International Teaching of the Chinese Language was established through a partnership between BSU, Anhui University, and the Center for Language Education and Cooperation under China’s Ministry of Education.

Wang Haoqiang, Director of the Confucius Institute at BSU, emphasized that the institute’s main goal is to teach the fundamentals of the Chinese language, strengthen educational ties between Azerbaijan and China, and promote scientific and cultural exchange.

The event also featured performances by students, who delivered speeches in Chinese reflecting on the significance of International Chinese Language Day.

The celebration concluded with a Chinese Culture Fair, where attendees explored traditional calligraphy, games, and painting, offering an immersive experience into Chinese art and customs.