Azerbaijan, as an independent state, has an independent domestic and foreign policy and strategic priorities. Unlike individual countries, Azerbaijan is not subordinate to any power center and pursues a policy based on normal, equal, and mutually respectful relations with all countries.
The preservation of national-spiritual, moral values, customs and traditions, the mother tongue, and national characteristics is among the main priorities in the country, and consistent efforts are being made in this direction.
The cult of the Russian language
Unfortunately, in Azerbaijan, which was part of the USSR for many years, a cult of the Russian language was created, and in the national consciousness, the Russian language began to occupy as much space as our mother tongue. This was the result of centralized ideological activity implemented in all republics of the former USSR. The city of Baku, once called the "city of internationalists," was not given this name by chance. In government agencies, on the streets, at home, everywhere, the Russian language was instilled in minds as a kind of indicator of the level of development, in the form of a cult.
However, today, we are independent, long-standing stereotypes have been broken, external ideological influences neutralized, and our historic victory has not only restored our territorial integrity and sovereignty, but also our pride, and has once again shown everyone the true value of our national identity.
Why are there more than 300 Russian-language schools in Azerbaijan?
In such a situation, instead of experiencing the rise of our mother tongue, we should not associate other languages with it. Naturally, this tendency is unacceptable and must be stopped.
The question arises: Why are there more than 300 Russian-language schools in Azerbaijan? What are the objective reasons that make this necessary?
Thousands of teachers must work in these 300 schools. Are higher education institutions that train them, for example, the Slavic University, able to fulfill their responsibilities? To what extent do the knowledge and skill levels of the staff working in these educational institutions meet the requirements? Do we have teaching materials that meet the standards for children to receive quality education? A clear answer to all these questions can be “no.”
The discussion is not about the complete closure of Russian-language schools
Here, the discussion is not about completely abandoning Russian-language schools. There is a Russian-speaking population living in Azerbaijan, and there is a diaspora. The number of schools should be adjusted according to their demand. The number of Russian-language schools should correspond to the number of members of the Russian community and those who wish to receive education in Russian. A significant amount of funds is allocated annually from the state budget for these schools. Are the activities and results of these schools worth the allocated funds? Are the quality indicators, the level of education provided, and the results shown by graduates of Russian-language schools during university admissions high?
Statistical data show that the results of graduates of Russian-language schools during university admissions are much lower than the results of graduates of Azerbaijani schools. If Russian-language schools are not producing strong academic results, what is the justification for maintaining such a large number of them at the expense of the state budget?
How many schools in Russia provide education in the native language of millions of Azerbaijanis?
Today, even in Russia itself, the issue of preserving the mother tongue and cleansing it of foreign expressions is placed at the highest level, and purposeful measures are being taken to solve it. The time has already come for us to take the necessary measures in this direction as well.
Another point is the issue of schools in the mother tongue for Azerbaijanis living in Russia. Some circles claim that there are millions of Azerbaijanis in Russia. Let’s see how many schools millions of Azerbaijanis have in their mother tongue? If millions of Azerbaijanis have only a few schools in their mother tongue, what logic justifies maintaining more than 300 schools for ethnic Russians in Azerbaijan, whose number is not that large?
Those who wish can learn Russian as a foreign language
An equal approach in relations between states is considered one of the main conditions. If Russia does not consider providing Azerbaijanis living there with education opportunities in their mother tongue, why shouldn’t Azerbaijan act on the same logic? Moscow should already understand that the time to get rid of the USSR atmosphere and Soviet stereotypes has long passed.
Let us emphasize once again that the issue is not about closing all Russian-language schools.
Simply, the number of such schools is excessive, while their benefit is minimal. Therefore, the state budget should also be freed from these unproductive expenses.
If someone wants their child to receive education in Russian, let them learn it as a foreign language. Just like English and other languages are learned as foreign languages. For this purpose, there are separate language courses and training centers. There is no need to maintain hundreds of schools and thousands of specialists. Especially at the expense of the state budget...
