Open to LC/King's Students and Staff only

Anne Thompson-Ahmadova is a writer and translator from Azerbaijani, French and Russian, who focuses on Azerbaijan and the Caucasus. In her illustrated talk Anne will give us an overview of the country and will initially provide some essential geographical and historical context. Azerbaijan’s geo-political position could not be more sensitive, situated as it is at the boundary of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Russia lies to the north and Iran to the south, with Georgia, Armenia and Turkey to the west, and the Caspian Sea to the east.Anne will go on provide an outline of Azerbaijan’s system of governance, with an update on the present political and social situation, including in Karabakh, and on relations with its neighbours, in particular Russia and Armenia. She will also report on the state of the country’s economy - the continuing importance of oil and gas, early steps in clean energy, tourism and Azerbaijan’s growing role as an international transport and logistics hub. Last, but by no means least, Anne will tell us about Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage – artistic, musical and literary – and will say a few words about the Azerbaijani language.