An Azerbaijani Sunday school has opened in Almaty, offering free classes in Azerbaijani and Kazakh, along with lessons on Azerbaijan’s history, culture and literature.

The school was established on the initiative of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Kazakhstan, with support from Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with the Diaspora, Azerbaijani ethnic and cultural associations in Almaty, and Azerbaijani community members living in Kazakhstan, according to Report.

The opening ceremony began with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

Speaking at the event, Vusal Aliyev, head of the Azerbaijani Embassy’s representative office in Almaty, highlighted the school’s importance for second- and third-generation Azerbaijanis living outside their historic homeland.

He recalled that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, speaking at the 5th Congress of World Azerbaijanis in Shusha, emphasized the importance of preserving the Azerbaijani language, national culture and ties with Azerbaijan among Azerbaijanis living abroad.

The head of the Azerbaijani Embassy’s representative office also said the school would contribute to the development of Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan relations.

“We are creating not just an educational platform. We are building another bridge between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan,” he said, adding that the school would serve as a place for education, communication, cultural exchange, new connections and joint initiatives.

The school’s curriculum will include Azerbaijani and Kazakh language classes, as well as lessons in Azerbaijan’s history, literature, geography, culture and art.

Special attention will be given to the history of Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan relations, the shared cultural and historical heritage of Turkic peoples, national traditions and similarities between the two languages.

The school is open not only to ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Kazakhstan but also to other citizens interested in learning about the Azerbaijani language, history and culture.

Due to interest from residents of other regions of Kazakhstan, classes will be offered in both in-person and online formats.

All lessons will be free of charge and held on Sundays.

Following the official ceremony, the school’s first bell was rung and the first lesson was held. The opening concluded with a traditional tea gathering featuring Azerbaijani sweets.