A delegation led by Aygun Muradly, Director of the Center for Socio-Psychological Research and Counseling at Azerbaijan University, participated in the international youth project “Sports, Health, and Cultural Exchange” held in Edirne, Turkiye. Azerbaijan was represented in this project by six young participants. The delegation also included Vusala Mukhtarova, currently pursuing her master’s degree at Uskudar University (Turkiye) and a graduate of the Faculty of Social Work at Azerbaijan University. The project was implemented with the support of the Turkish National Agency, Yeshilay (The Green Crescent Society), and the European Union.

In addition to Azerbaijan, the event gathered around 30 young people from Turkiye, Jordan, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia. The main aim of the Project was to promote healthy lifestyles among youth, raise awareness about various types of addiction, strengthen intercultural dialogue and exchange of experience.

Within the framework of the Project, awareness rising seminars and trainings were held on topics such as “Substance Addiction”, “Technology Addiction”, “Tobacco and Alcohol Addiction” and “Gambling Addiction”. Simulation activities, such as the “Alcohol Goggles” exercise, along with participant presentations, generated great interest.

Speaking at the event, Aygun Muradly, head of the Azerbaijani delegation, spoke about the work carried out in Azerbaijan in the fields of youth and sports policy, psychological support, and combating addictions, and answered questions from participants.

During the next stage of the Project, participants visited the YEDAM Center (Yeshilay Counseling Center) located in Edirne to familiarize themselves with its activities. The program also included city tours, nature walks, individual and team sports competitions, and an event called “Cultural Night,” aimed at fostering intercultural understanding. At the Azerbaijan stand during Cultural Night, the history, culture, traditions, and national cuisine of Azerbaijan were showcased.

At the end of the visit, a meeting between prof. Mustafa Hatipler, rector of Trakya University and the participating representatives took place. During the meeting, Aygun Muradly expressed gratitude to the Project organizers for their support and shared her impressions of the Project in an interview with Anadolu Agency.

Public Relations Department