Harvard University is set to launch a new student organization for Azerbaijani students, aiming to bring together youth from Azerbaijan and promote national culture and history on campus.
The initiative was announced by Gendab Mammadova, a second-year Harvard student, in a statement to Report.
“Our goal is to unite Azerbaijani students studying in the U.S., support newcomers, and showcase Azerbaijani identity,” said Mammadova. “Harvard allows students to create official student groups, evaluates proposals, and even provides funding. I saw that students from many countries—like Syria—have their own organizations. We want the same opportunity for Azerbaijani youth.”
She emphasized that many talented students in Azerbaijan wrongly believe Harvard is out of reach:
“That’s not true. With proper preparation, anyone can study not only at Harvard but at other top U.S. universities too.”
Currently, only two Azerbaijani students are enrolled at Harvard: Mammadova herself and Ayla Aliyeva. Others of Azerbaijani descent are mostly U.S.-born.
The new organization will be open to all students with a connection to Azerbaijan, and support is expected from Azerbaijani students in other American universities. Students from Italy, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. have also pledged their support for the initiative.
