Nargiz Mahmudzada - AIJA First Vice-president

In a remarkable display of unity, education and sport, a new youth development initiative has kicked off between two schools in Azerbaijan - one based in the capital Baku and the other in the resilient village of Çocuk Mercanlı. The collaborative project, spearheaded by the students and educators of Istanbul Liseyi Baku, aims to foster cross-cultural understanding through sport.

A Visit of Purpose and Friendship

The first major event of the partnership saw students from Istanbul Liseyi travel south to Çocuk Mercanlı, a village known for its resilience and spirit. The visit included cultural exchanges and meaningful conversations before culminating in a spirited football tournament. “When we launched this program, we knew it would be something special,” said Samaya Turabkhanli, Principal of Istanbul Liseyi Baku. “But witnessing our students compete with heart and connect through sport has been truly inspiring. This is what education is about — building community.”

The Teams: Village Warriors vs. Baku Eagles

The football match featured two enthusiastic teams:

Team Village Warriors, representing the hosting students of Çocuk Mercanlı, stood out with their resilience and deep-rooted village pride. The team featured Samad Shirinli, Elchan Shirinli, Subhan Hazizade, Farrukh Shirinov, Nihad Shirinov, Kanan Gahramanov, Omar Safarli, Yusif Huseynli, and Mahammad Farzaliyev.

Team Baku Eagles, made up of visiting students from Istanbul Liseyi Baku, brought with them the dynamic energy and strategic mindset of the city. The team was led by coach Vali Zeynalzade and accompanied by referee Elsevər Puri. Team members included Sami Hajibabazade, Hamid Rahimov, Mirseyid Jalalzade, Polad Namazov, Tunar Nabizade, Fakhri Farajli, and Ilham Safarov.

The match drew cheers from students, educators, and local residents. While the scoreboard mattered little, the sense of community and sportsmanship left a lasting impression.

A Moment of Pride for the Host School

The principal of the Çocuk Mercanlı village school shared his appreciation for the event:

“For our students, this visit is deeply meaningful,” said Zamin Haziyev. Principal of Çocuk Mercanlı School with joy and pride. “They feel seen, included, and empowered. Opportunities like this inspire hope, pride, and motivation in our youth — and remind them that they are part of a much larger story of progress and connection.”

A Nationwide Movement: The Power of Youth Sport

This program is part of a growing number of initiatives under the Azerbaijan Sports Journalists Association’s Youth Development Program, which promotes healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and national unity through sport. The program boosts events across the country — from remote villages to large cities — bringing together people in a shared pursuit of growth and connection. These dedicated educators — Zulfiyya Mirzayeva, Parvana Aliyeva, Gulnisa Mammadzada, Gulderen Aydin, Fatima Aliyeva, and Vusala Aliyeva — enriched the event with their guidance and unwavering support, ensuring a meaningful and well-organized experience for all participants.

“We see sport not only as a game but as a tool for education, integration, and hope,” noted the project coordinator Ilaha Rahimli.  “Projects like this one, bringing together Baku and Çocuk Mercanlı, demonstrate what’s possible when communities invest in their youth”, she added. 

Photos by Nursafa Abbasov