Every person’s life path includes trials, challenges and hardships. But there are people who are strengthened by these difficulties. With determination and perseverance, they continue both their personal development and their contribution to society.
One such figure is Azar Allahveranov, a deputy of the Milli Majlis and a member of the Supervisory Board of the State Support Agency for NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He became a guest of “Fortuna” magazine.
During the interview, we spoke about his childhood memories, the challenges he faced as a student, his active role in the youth movement, and his experience in international organizations. He also drew parallels between his work as a deputy and his activities in the NGO sector, emphasizing the key factors of success — trust, perseverance, and being useful to society.
This interview presents readers not only with the professional path of a politician, but also an inspiring story about inner strength, courage, and determination that helps overcome any difficulty.
— Welcome, Azar muallim! Please tell us a little about yourself.
— I think it is more appropriate to start from my childhood. I was born in Baku and grew up, as they say, as a “city boy,” in the center of the city. I studied at Secondary School No. 152 in the Nasimi district, located near the former Baku City Education Department. Even today, I still live nearby, in a single-storey courtyard house in the same area.
Our school had a very international environment: most teachers and classmates were representatives of different nationalities. We never separated each other into “ours” and “others” — we did not even accept such distinctions. Because of this principle, we did not face interethnic barriers and communicated freely without discrimination.
I studied well, was an excellent student, and from the 6th grade until graduation my photo was on the Honor Board. I participated in various academic olympiads and achieved high results. At the same time, I studied at music school for five years and practiced boxing. We grew up in an interesting period, rich in clubs, camps, sports, and intellectual activities. I was an active participant in this youth movement and always involved in public work. All of this shaped us, taught us discipline, hard work, and openness to the world.
— How did you choose your life path?
— After finishing school, I decided to apply to Kazan State University. Although I scored high in three exams, I was not admitted the first time. At that time, preference was given to applicants from Tatarstan and nearby regions. However, I did not give up. The following year, in 1990, I applied again and became a student of the Faculty of History.
Life in Kazan was both interesting and difficult. It was the early 1990s — a hard period for Azerbaijan. In 1991, the First Karabakh War began. Although we were far from our homeland, we still felt the tensions. I became actively involved in the Azerbaijani diaspora student activity and joined the leadership of the “Oghuz” cultural society.
We tried to bring the truth about events in Azerbaijan to the attention of the international community, organized meetings, provided humanitarian support within our capacity, and worked for our country in every possible way. Despite limited resources and pressure, we believed our work was important. During the Khojaly tragedy, I was directly involved in efforts to spread information about it internationally.
We delivered unedited video materials to Moscow, documented evidence, and later organized press conferences in Kazan where I personally spoke about the Khojaly massacre. At that time, almost no one in Tatarstan or Russia knew about it. We managed to break through the information blockade.
— What were the “steps” to becoming a member of parliament?
— I worked in the youth movement and later in various institutions, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports. For about 20 years, I participated in programs of international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration, UNHCR, and the International Labour Organization, working as an expert, analyst, and manager.
I have been involved in civil society work for 36 years. I came to parliament from the NGO sector. Since 2021, I have been a member of the Supervisory Board of the State Support Agency for NGOs. I also currently lead the “Eurasian Migration Initiatives Platform” public union.
NGOs serve as a platform for direct communication with society, allowing us to understand real problems and respond to them effectively.
— Has your life changed after becoming a deputy?
— Some things have changed, but some have remained the same. I still live in the same house in my neighborhood. The main change is the workload: meetings with citizens, parliamentary sessions, media appearances, and constant engagement with voters.
Even during summer, we continue working. Deputies rarely have real vacations. Responsibility has also increased significantly — including public speeches and media appearances, which require careful preparation.
— Are there similarities between NGO work and parliamentary activity?
— Yes, both are about serving people. I have been engaged in helping others since childhood. Even as a teenager, I organized a small group with friends to help neighbors — similar to “Timur and His Team.”
In NGOs and in parliament, I continue this principle: to respond to citizens’ requests and help whenever possible, even if they are not my direct constituents.
— How do you handle difficulties and failures?
— One of the main reasons is lack of self-confidence. A person must believe in themselves and act accordingly. Another reason is misjudging one’s own capabilities.
Difficulties should not be feared. It is important to remain persistent, gather knowledge, and look for solutions even in non-standard situations. Some requests cannot be fulfilled due to legal restrictions, and this must be explained properly.
— What is your formula for success?
— Responsibility. A person must treat their work seriously, constantly develop themselves, and serve society. Success requires discipline, perseverance, and continuous self-improvement.
— What would you wish for yourself?
— I wish for the continued development of our state and people, prosperity, peace, and stability. I am proud that our country’s territorial integrity has been restored, and I hope for continued progress and well-being for future generations.
— What do you wish for “Fortuna” magazine?
— I wish your magazine continued success and that fortune always smiles upon you.
Interview conducted by Saida Musayeva, Editor-in-Chief of Fortuna magazine.
