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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Patrick W. Ryan
Tennessee World Affairs Council
Tel: 1-615-523-9600
Email: PatRyan@TNwac.org
Web: http://www.TNwac.org
International
Student Briefing Program
Azerbaijan
- Ms. Nargiz Alekberli - May 2, 2009 - 6:30pm
TN WAC Office, Cookeville
 Azerbaijan Country Profile to be Featured at Saturday World Affairs Reception
Cookeville, TN – It has been known as the “Land of Fire” since at least as early as the year 5 AD when Hun leaders crossing the Caucasus on the way to Rome told of flames appearing from rocks. The natural gas seeping to the surface in Azerbaijan serves as a hint to its position as a petroleum rich nation with important economic considerations for global energy consumers.
The country of Azerbaijan is that and more but most Americans don’t know much about this former Soviet republic, an important way station on the ancient “Silk Road,” wedged along the western shore of the Caspian Sea between Iran and Russia. That lack of insight into the rich history, culture, art, society and cuisine will change on Saturday evening for those who visit “Azerbaijan Night” at the Tennessee World Affairs Council in Cookeville. Ms. Nargiz Alekberli, an international exchange student at Tennessee Tech, will present a briefing on the “Land of Fire” along with a sampling of Azerbaijani food. The event, set for 6:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2009, is the third in a series of international exchange student briefings sponsored by the Cookeville-based Council.
Ms. Alekberli said she may be among the first Azeris to study in Cookeville so she is anxious to help people learn about the country’s history and culture, “I want to explain that our country has very good relations with the United States and Europe but that as an Islamic country with Russia and Iran as our neighbors our culture is under much pressure.” She added, “Sometimes people here are surprised to learn that we are mostly Muslims in Azerbaijan but I hope to correct some of the stereotypes that exist and to tell people about the friendship that exists between our countries.”
The Azerbaijan briefing and reception are open to the public and there is no charge, but a small donation will be suggested to cover costs. It will be hosted at the Tennessee World Affairs Council office at 31 West First Street in Cookeville. It is recommended you reserve a spot as space is limited and these receptions have been popular, according to the Council. Call (615)523-9600 or email: info@TNWAC.org
The Council organized the international exchange student briefing program for the general public this semester and hosted presentations on Georgia and Ukraine in March. The Tennessee World Affairs Council provides internship opportunities for college students and this semester several international exchange students interning there became interested in sharing information about their homelands with the community according to Council President Patrick Ryan. “We are fortunate to have students from Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Georgia -- all former Soviet republics -- working with us at the Council and it seemed a great opportunity to host a community outreach program for people to learn more about their countries.” He added, “A foreign destination can come alive in your mind when you talk directly with someone from that place rather than just reading about it or watching news on television. As we found with the first two briefings, Georgia and Ukraine, these students are a great resource in our midst for learning something about the world.”
In addition to the international exchange student country briefings the Council hosts other public events designed to promote interest and understanding of global affairs. The programs are hosted by the Cookeville-based Tennessee World Affairs Council, a non-profit, non-partisan educational organization that seeks to promote global awareness in the community and especially in the schools. Among the Council’s efforts since it was founded in 2007 have been distinguished visiting speakers programs, academic competitions for high school students, teacher workshops, teacher study abroad programs, current affairs briefings and small group discussion programs. The Council, which receives no public funding, is operated by a small group of volunteers and it invites the public to support its work through memberships, sponsorships and volunteerism. More information is available online at: www.TNWAC.org .
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