3 journal of azerbaijani studies in search of 'khazar

17. "The taming of the shrew" or "we live again in this world" ³⁹
My written objection to the statement of annulment prepared by the Ministry of Education could not have been left without response. Minister Feyzirlrayev was very prudent person. He would never give an official opinion on anything that could be potentially sensational or risky. He did not like to leave his traces anywhere. His name was not even mentioned in the statement of abolition.

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Hamlet ISAXANLI

The Minister's next step was to try to ensure that he had an official confirmation that the opinion of the great majority of people was that "the preparatory work was unsatisfactory and insufficient". It was necessary to isolate the capricious man to tame him. The Administrative and Academic Council of INEM was invited to discuss the matter. There was no doubt that the Council would agree with the principal points of "the act of abolition".

They also made sure that they defeated me morally. I received an anonymous call from the Ministry of Education. An authoritative voice ordered me to acknowledge my mistakes during the meeting of the Administrative and Academic Council and to accept the resolution of the commission. I was also told to admit that my response was written in a moment of weakness and that I was to take it back. Before I had any chance to reply, the caller hung up.

I only knew two or three members of the INEM Council. I had a good working relationship with the prorector of the institute, Doctor Vahid Akhundov. I was very keen to find a specialist who would be able to teach an Introduction to Economics course based on Samuelson's book, which was quite contrary to the Way economics was taught in the Soviet universities⁴⁰. Akhundov had offered his services and was looking forward to teaching the course. He had gained a lot of respect for his intellect and modesty (he is now is a consultant to the President of Azerbaijan on Economic Affairs).

When Akhundov found out the agenda of the Council's session, he wanted to hear my side of the story. After a brief exchange of opinions he told me that he was supporting me fully.

Before the meeting Rahim muallim invited me to his office and warned me: "You will have to make a speech. Try to be reasonable and calm. Let us not make enemies with the Ministry".

The meeting began. After a brief discussion of some current issues Rahim muallim said: "The commission organized by the Ministry of Education, of which Hamlet and myself are members, have conducted an investigation on the preparedness of the university to enroll students. Now Hamlet will tell you about the decision at which we

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I objected to the work of the commission in my speech and described our state of complete readiness to enroll students for the forthcoming educational year. Vahid Akhundov spoke after me and described how important this university was and that it was opening a new era in our educational system. He also said that the work conducted by us was sufficient to be able to enroll students.

Rahim muallim addressed the members of the council in a discontented way: "Who else has an opinion?" Jafar Valiyev (now the Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission) said that he did not know enough about the university to be able to judge, but on the other hand he had little faith in the work of the commission. Then people started speaking from their seats interrupting each other: "It's a new and interesting work", "they are doing exciting things, working day and night", "nobody is willing to help them, let us at least try not to build obstacles in their way". Quite frankly, I did not expect such a positive reaction from the members of the Council. At least it was clear that the act prepared by the commission would not be approved and I jumped at the chance to receive official support:

- Rahim muallim, I think we should ask Council to make an official statement by voting.

Rahim muallim looked very embarrassed. The council that he headed did not obey him. He was also very angry with me. If by sending the 'supplement to the statement' to the Ministry of Education I expressed my objection and disrespect to the officials from 'above', my victory would be considered by some as a direct challenge to him, to his prestige (although it was never my intention). Rahim muallim suddenly said: "That is enough, we have finished" and closed the meeting.

It was evident that the discussion was entirely in my favor, but I had a strong feeling of disappointment. It was obvious that there was no way for truce anymore and undoubtedly new measures would be taken to suppress my revolt. I could not even think what other actions they are going to undertake in order to teach me a lesson. Allah helps