An international scientific conference titled “From the Caspian to China: Inter-Civilizational Mutual Learning” has been held in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China.
Sea-news.az reports that scholars and young researchers representing over 10 countries participated in the event. Approximately one hundred academic reports were delivered during the conference, covering fields such as language, literature, translation, history, intercultural relations, inter-civilizational dialogue, regional integration, education, arts, and economic cooperation among Caspian basin countries, Central Asian nations, and China.
An Azerbaijani delegation also took part in the conference. Speaking online at the opening ceremony, Founder of Khazar University and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees, Professor Hamlet Isakhanli, highlighted the historical ties forged between China and Azerbaijan along the Silk Road. He emphasized that centuries-old friendly relations are deeply reflected in our literary heritage. Furthermore, the expansion of educational cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in recent years was underscored, noting that this collaboration creates new learning and professional opportunities for youth in both countries.
Delivering the keynote address, Head of the Azerbaijani Language Department at Beijing Foreign Studies University, PhD in Philology Agshin Aliyev, presented a scientific paper on the characteristics and methods of translating Chinese philosophical terminology into the Azerbaijani language. The report specifically analyzed translation challenges associated with Confucian philosophy terms. The speaker highlighted cultural parallels between the two ancient nations, stressing their importance when translating nuanced philosophical concepts.
Scientific papers on Azerbaijani language and literature were also presented during sectional sessions. Tang Yuxuan, lecturer at the Azerbaijani Language Department of Beijing Foreign Studies University, presented research on satirical literature within Azerbaijani critical realism from the mid-19th to the early 20th century, analyzing its role in the national awakening movement.
Another lecturer at the department, Wang Siyuan, presented a study on the footprints of culinary terms across languages and cultures. The presentation focused on historical cultural interactions between the Chinese and Azerbaijani peoples traced through loanwords and culinary vocabulary.
It should be noted that the inaugural “From the Caspian to China” scientific conference took place in 2024. The next iteration of this event, which serves to expand international academic collaboration, is scheduled to be hosted in Azerbaijan.
