In the global era, the phenomenon of national diaspora is gaining increasing recognition as a significant factor in the international arena. Experts even consider it as an integral component of the modern world, rather than a passing phenomenon. Nowadays, almost every country has a diaspora spread across the world, such as the Turkish diaspora in Germany or the Syrian diaspora, which was initially concentrated mainly in South America, but after that country’s civil war, has expanded to all Western countries.
In this complex reality, the Azerbaijani diaspora is becoming an increasingly important strategic force for Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani diaspora is not just a group of citizens or expatriates living outside the country, it is a factor of influence in global politics with a role to play international public diplomacy. This phenomenon is not limited to the Azerbaijani diaspora, but applies to many other diasporas around the world, which are becoming a kind of “soft power” for their countries of origin, though of course, it depends on how each country utilizes its soft power.
The union of Azerbaijani diaspora organizations worldwide for a common purpose began under the leadership of former President Heydar Aliyev. His successor, President Ilham Aliyev, has continued to maintain the relationship between Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani diaspora worldwide. Aliyev addressed the Azerbaijani diaspora community in a speech during which he emphasizing the principles that guide Azerbaijan that should continue to guide those in the diaspora.
In his speech, Aliyev said, “I believe that in these historic times, when the ideals of an independent and free Azerbaijan, which we have long aspired to and struggled for, are being realized, our compatriots living in every corner of the world will work with even greater determination to achieve our national goals fully. I firmly declare that Azerbaijan’s state independence is eternal, and no force can turn us away from this path. I call on all of you to stand in solidarity and national unity for the further strengthening of a free, independent and democratic Azerbaijani state.”
It is understood by the Azerbaijan leadership that one of the key factors for success in foreign policy is the development of its diaspora, strengthening its ties with the societies in which it resides and encouraging its expansion.
In an era of ever-increasing hostility toward Israel, an alliance between the Jewish Diaspora and Azerbaijani diaspora in the United States can help Israel fight against anti-Israel sentiment. The average Azerbaijani holds a positive view of Israel and would be willing to help us face anti-Israel sentiment in the United States. In return, Jewish Americans will help the Azerbaijani diaspora face their issues, as that is what allies do for each other.
The primary goal of the activities of the Azerbaijani diaspora is the preservation of the language and culture of Azerbaijani minorities worldwide. However, it is also important to develop and implement cooperation with other ethnic communities and to leverage those connections into international support with the countries of origin of the diaspora communities.
These activities are voluntary and have a socio-cultural nature. There is no official union or organization acting on behalf of the diaspora. It is individuals who understand they represent their community and seek to integrate into the society in which they live, while maintaining their national characteristics and language. Thus, no matter who is in power in the countries of origin, relations will remain warm.
The most prominent example of this approach is the Azerbaijani diaspora in Israel and the Jewish community in Azerbaijan. In Israel, the Azerbaijani Jewish community has integrated in the best possible way. In addition to being able to practice any traditional customs and speak their native language freely, they are not distinguishable from other Israelis. Moreover, there is also a non-Jewish Azerbaijani community in Israel who reside there for work purposes.
Despite living in the Jewish state, non-Jewish Azerbaijani residents are accepted by the Israeli community, are employed and celebrate holidays together with Jewish Israelis. The non-Jewish Azerbaijani community in Israel also lives in comfort and peace in the Jewish state. The Jewish community in Azerbaijan, meanwhile, enjoys excellent relations with both the Azerbaijani government and their Muslim Azerbaijani neighbors.
Jewish rabbis, such as Rabbi Zamir Isayev (the chief Sephardic rabbi of the Jewish community in Azerbaijan), praise their treatment from the Azerbaijani government and view themselves as proud Azerbaijanis. Incidentally, Azerbaijan’s representative in the Eurovision Song Contest this year is a member of the Jewish community there. The official representative of the state of Azerbaijan is Jewish, which is significant considering the Jewish history of the past century. The relations between the Jewish people and the Azerbaijani people will remain strong, regardless of which government leads these countries.
A good example of this was the June 2022 visit by Azerbaijani Minister Fuad Muradov, chairman of the state committee for work with diasporas, which is similar to Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. During his visit, Muradov met with Israeli government officials and members of the Azerbaijani community in Israel who spoke warmly of their community life and the friendly attitude Israelis have toward Azerbaijan. According to them, the Israeli people also have a great affection for Azerbaijan, which is evident from the increase in Israeli tourism to the country. Muradov’s visit to Israel was not just a one-time event, but part of Azerbaijan’s routine efforts to maintain a strong connection with Azerbaijanis living abroad.
A building of cooperation between Muradov and Amichai Chikli, Israel’s minister of Diaspora affairs, could lead to a significant strengthening of ties between the Azerbaijani diaspora and Jewish communities worldwide. As mentioned, strengthening diaspora relations leads to strengthening the relations between the two countries. If the Azerbaijani diaspora maintains regular contact with Jewish communities across the globe, Azerbaijanis could become ambassadors for Jews and Jews vice versa.
There is no doubt that by continuing to maintain the Azerbaijani diaspora and fostering closer ties between the Azerbaijani people abroad and other communities, Azerbaijan will be strengthened politically and diplomatically. It will also open the country to numerous and diverse opportunities. This will not only benefit Azerbaijan, but also Israel, which would likely welcome the rise of a moderate country like Azerbaijan.
Ayoob Kara served as Israel’s minister of communications.
