SAKOM Scholarship Holders and Azerbaijan: History, Education and Cultural Heritage

During Nowruz, an Azerbaijani holiday that marks the arrival of spring, the Serbian-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce “SAKOM” traditionally organized an event for its scholarship holders. During this event, they were given an opportunity to learn more about the culture, history, traditions, and educational system of Azerbaijan. In this manner, SAKOM took a step further in bringing the two peoples together, bound by traditional friendship. The event was organized in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Serbia.

During three years, SAKOM provided scholarships for more than 50 hardworking students from Serbia, as well as for their Azerbaijani peers studying in Serbia. Students receive a scholarship throughout the year, and support is provided primarily to those who face financial challenges, as well as demonstrate exceptional academic abilities and a developed sense of social responsibility.

At the beginning of his address, H.E. Kamil Khasiyev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Serbia, greeted the gathered scholarship holders, expressing his pride in seeing so many young people because, as he noted, young people are every nation’s future.

“I am particularly pleased that our guests are students, as youth is the future of every nation. But they are not only the future, they are also the present, which they are shaping right now as we speak. It is also young people who can contribute to the further strengthening of the friendship between the two nations by connecting with Azerbaijani students and by studying in Azerbaijan. And we can all agree that the relations between Serbia and Azerbaijan are excellent, based on a long-standing friendship”, said H.E. Khasiyev and invited all those present to visit Azerbaijan.

Stojan Vučinić, a third-year student at the Faculty of Law, originally from Kosovo and Metohija, says that the SAKOM scholarship was a decisive step for him and his family in making the decision to study in Belgrade.

“This represents a tremendous financial relief for us, and in addition, SAKOM has supported our development through various trainings and lectures. Through this experience, we realized that personal success must be accompanied by assistance to others – that is what SAKOM teaches us, and we could see that in SAKOM’s deeds,” Vučinić pointed out.

Jovana Ristić, who completed her studies in Turkish Language and Literature at the Faculty of Philology in Belgrade with the help of a SAKOM scholarship, says that the scholarship meant a lot to her both financially and in many other ways.

“During the three years of the scholarship, I gained many valuable experiences, friendships, and valuable contacts. This is something that will make me feel a part of SAKOM forever.”

Petar Isaković, a third-year student at the Faculty of Agriculture in Belgrade, states that this organization has provided him with selfless support during the three years he has been a SAKOM scholarship holder.

“The SAKOM scholarship has made it easier for us scholarship holders to study both financially and in other ways. In this organization, I always come across words of support, and more importantly, I encounter people I can call real friends.”

The SAKOM emphasizes that the event not only provided valuable insights into Azerbaijan’s rich heritage, but also strengthened ties between students and the cultures of our countries. According to their statement, this initiative has not only broadened their scholarship holders’ horizons, but also deepened international friendship and understanding, which will certainly help them in their future endeavors to contribute to society at large.