Confucius Institute in Baku Sheds Light on Azerbaijan’s Role in Maritime Silk Road

As part of the summer online lecture series organized by the Confucius Institute at the Azerbaijan University of Languages, Institute Director Rafiq Abbasov delivered a lecture titled “Azerbaijan and the Maritime Silk Road.”

The event was dedicated to China’s National Maritime Day, honoring the historic sea voyages of Zheng He, a renowned Chinese admiral and diplomat who visited 39 countries and regions across Asia and Africa, The Caspian Post reports via local media.

Abbasov detailed Zheng He’s most famous expedition to the Persian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula, noting that in 1421, Chinese mariners aboard wooden sailing ships reached Aden and even traveled to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam.

He emphasized that Zheng He’s seven naval expeditions between 1405 and 1433 not only opened new maritime routes but also led to significant advancements in shipbuilding and navigation, while enhancing trade and cultural exchange between civilizations.

The lecture also explored the evolution of the Maritime Silk Road, tracing its origins to the Qin and Han dynasties and its transformation into China’s main global trade corridor during the Sui and Tang dynasties, eventually surpassing the overland Silk Road in significance.

Abbasov highlighted the modern relevance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, noting the role of the Baku International Sea Trade Port as a key hub connecting Europe, Central Asia, and China. He underscored growing cooperation between Baku Port and leading Chinese logistics firms in areas such as port management, shipbuilding, intermodal terminals, and container train operations.

Key milestones include Azerbaijan’s participation in the World Port Conference, its engagement with the International Association of Ports, a Memorandum of Understanding signed with China’s Qingdao Port, and the arrival of the first China-Europe train via the Trans-Caspian route in Baku.