Elevating Azerbaijani Studies:

Academic Pathways, Research, and Global Integration

12:00 – 2:00 PM

Background

Azerbaijani Studies remains an emerging field within many universities, offering significant potential for growth and deeper academic engagement.

As geopolitical, economic, and connectivity dynamics across Eurasia continue to evolve, there is a growing need for rigorous scholarship, informed policy dialogue, and sustained academic focus on Azerbaijan and the broader region in which it is situated.

This special session will examine the current landscape of Azerbaijani Studies and explore opportunities to strengthen research, teaching, and institutional collaboration.

Objectives

This session is designed to:

  • Assess the current state of scholarship related to Azerbaijan across disciplines

  • Highlight existing models and best practices in developing country and regional studies programs

  • Explore strategies for advancing Azerbaijani Studies within global academic frameworks

  • Encourage dialogue among scholars, practitioners, and institutions interested in this field

Speakers

  • Amin Mahini, PhD (c)

    MODERATOR

    University of California, Santa Barbara

  • Professor Emeritus and former Chair of Gender & Women’s Studies Department and the Founding Director of the Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (2011-2021)

    Dr. ⁠Nayareh Tohidi

    California State University, Northridge

  • Assistant Professor of Anthropology

    Dr. Serkan Yolachan


    Stanford University

  • Senior Lecturer (ret.), Central Eurasian Studies

    Dr. Shahyar Daneshgar

    Indiana University