Sheki, Azerbaijan: Summer motives…

Saturday, August 06, 2011

Summer motives…

Paradox of summer is that in parallel of being leisure time it’s also time when graduates are applying to universities. This means a lot of stress for families (and families in Azerbaijan usually love living through the stress together:) and lots of last minute studying and panic by graduates who envy those who are enjoying sun and sea. Usually all relatives are eagerly expecting the results and worry together with families. Independence brought to Azerbaijan equal rights for youngsters to apply to universities they wish. Soviet system rooted corruption to education system when people were divided into those who could “afford” prestigious universities and those that either had their hearts broken cause were not accepted unfairly or would persistently apply year after year until they would break the barricades of system. It’s good to see that education continues to be high on the agenda for many. With borders open many travel to study abroad as well. Things are not perfect but there are almost equal (since there is nothing absolutely equal I am afraid) opportunities out there and this I think is very important. I wish good luck to all and hope they remember that feeling of happiness they have when they reach what they wish. These moments are important to warm ones heart and be a happy person in general!! Happier people happier planet...hopefully )

Today I am posting several photos that would convey a little bit of summer: a photo of the entrance exam atmosphere, photos from International Art Festival “Qız Qalası” that took place this summer again. Here is my last year post on festival with video featuring the event and Baku of course. And photos I took on Caspian with youth getting the most of summer...

expecting examinees...traditionally and historically almost every examinee in Azerbaijan goes to entry exam with one or several family members...photo courtesy of Nazim Dadashov...