On October 29, 2026, the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan held a seminar dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress. The event, titled “The First Turkological Congress: Scientific Heritage and Values Passed Down to Future Generations,” brought together university lecturers, students and researchers.

The seminar was organized by the Museum’s Department of Innovations and Educational Programs as part of the “Hour of Scientific Discoveries” project, in accordance with the Presidential Decree of October 22, 2025, on the celebration of the Congress’s centenary.

Farida Shamsi, Head of the Department of Innovations and Educational Programs, opened the seminar and highlighted the historical significance of the First Turkological Congress in the development of Turkology and the strengthening of academic and cultural ties among Turkic peoples. She also delivered a presentation titled “A Life Remembered Across Generations: Ali Bey Huseynzade.”

Arzu Khalilzade, Associate Professor at Baku State University and PhD in History, presented a paper titled “The First Turkological Congress: A Turning Point in the Academic and Cultural History of Turkic Peoples.” She examined the historical circumstances surrounding the Congress, the main issues discussed and the significance of its resolutions for the development of Turkology.

Ganira Gafarli, Chief Specialist at the Museum and coordinator of the “Hour of Scientific Discoveries” project, spoke about the project's role in encouraging young people to engage in academic research.

The seminar also featured presentations by Rena Najafova, Senior Lecturer at Azerbaijan Technical University, and undergraduate and graduate students from Baku State University. Their presentations explored the history of the Congress, the activities of its organizers and participants, its resolutions and debates on alphabet reform. Particular attention was given to the contributions of Ahmad Bey Pepinov, Samadagha Aghamalioghlu, Ruhulla Akhundov and Bekir Chobanzade. One of the presentations examined the history and architectural features of the Ismailiyya building, where the Congress had taken place.

The seminar concluded with discussions of the presentations and an exchange of views. Certificates were presented to the participants at the end of the event.