Cultural Relations between the Republics of Azerbaijan and France: A Historical Perspective
Salima Guliyeva
Abstract. The article examines the historical development stages of cultural, scientific, and humanitarian relations between Azerbaijan and France. The study analyzes the role of Azerbaijan as a cultural bridge between East and West in the formation of these relations. Particular attention is devoted to the influence of French Enlightenment ideas on Azerbaijani socio-philosophical thought in the nineteenth century, as well as to the activities of intellectuals such as Mirza Fatali Akhundov, Ismayil bey Gutgashinli, Ahmad bey Agaoglu, and Mahammad agha Shahtakhtli in the context of Azerbaijani-French relations. The article also highlights Alexandre Dumas’s journey to the Caucasus and the significance of his observations about Azerbaijan in shaping European perceptions of the country. The research further explores scientific and educational cooperation between Azerbaijan and France during the period of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, including the education of Azerbaijani students in France, the activities of Azerbaijani émigré intellectuals in Paris, and the promotion of Azerbaijani culture in Europe. In addition, the article analyzes the specific characteristics of Azerbaijani-French cultural relations during the Soviet period, the ideological framework of these relations, and the main directions of humanitarian cooperation. The study concludes that Azerbaijani-French cultural relations have undergone a long historical evolution and have reached the level of strategic humanitarian partnership in the modern era.
Keywords: Azerbaijan, France, cultural relations, cultural diplomacy, Enlightenment, humanitarian cooperation, Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, French Enlightenment