History of University

 

 

Most of the patriotic intellectuals who worked hard for the progress, development, and prosperity of Azerbaijan were graduates of this national educational institution... It is noteworthy that throughout its history, Baku State University, in addition to being a temple of science and education, has played the role of a center that has made a significant contribution to the development of the Azerbaijani language, national consciousness, and patriotic spirit.     
                                                             
Heydar Aliyev
National leader of the Azerbaijani people

 

 

 

 

Baku State University (BSU), the largest higher education institution in Azerbaijan, is the first European-style higher education institution established in the Muslim East. BSU, which has a rich and glorious history, was founded in 1919 by the decision of the Parliament of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. Having passed through various turbulent periods of history, throughout its development the University has honourably fulfilled its sacred mission and gained the reputation of being the main temple of science and education in our country.

On 15 November, the first lecture was held at the university, which opened in 1919 with the Faculties of History-Philology and Medicine. Although the BSU operated for a very short period during the Democratic Republic, it made a great contribution to the enlightenment of our people.

During the Soviet period, despite oppression and repression, it was the centre of science and education in our country, especially the bearer of the national spirit. In 1969, after the great leader Heydar Aliyev came to power in the republic, a new stage in the life of the BSU began. It gained great authority as the flagship of Azerbaijani science and education in the country and among the educational and scientific institutions of the Union republics.

BSU, which entered a new stage of its development after the restoration of Azerbaijan's state independence, has further strengthened its scientific potential and material-technical base. Thanks to the attention and care of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, the greatest graduate of BSU, Heydar Aliyev, as well as the constant attention and care of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr Ilham Aliyev, BSU has become one of the most important scientific and educational centres of our country, where highly qualified personnel is trained and fundamental research is carried out.

By the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the 100th anniversary of the BSU was solemnly celebrated in 2019. On 26 November 2019, the President delivered a keynote speech at the anniversary ceremony.

Founded in 1919 with 2 faculties, 44 teachers and 1094 students, today the University has 16 faculties, 120 departments, 2 scientific research institutes, a centre of excellence for research, development and innovation, a scientific research centre and laboratories, a scientific library with a collection of over 2 million books, 5 museums, 5 international institutes and centres, 1 branch campus, 1 college and 1 lyceum. The University has about 25 thousand students at all levels of higher education. It employs more than 3,000 people, including up to 1,500 teachers and researchers. More than 250 of them are Doctors of Science and Professors, and about 1000 of them are Doctors of Philosophy and Associate Professors.

Today, BSU trains personnel in 86 disciplines and 264 specializations. BSU has 11 double degree programs with prestigious universities around the world (Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel, Holon Institute of Technology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg in Germany, Lumière Lyon 2 University in France, UBIS in Switzerland, Lincoln University in the USA, Kazakh National Research and Technical University named after Satbayev in Kazakhstan, etc.).

At present, the teaching process at the University is carried out in the form of the unity of historical traditions and innovative world practices, the contents of scientific research works are updated, international academic relations are developed, and domestic cooperation, especially with industrial enterprises, is promoted. A variety of innovative methods and techniques are used to provide students with a high level of education and to encourage them to carry out scientific research. Students are involved in the management of the university on various platforms. The role of student organizations is increasing day by day.