On Monday, 15th of February 2017, in the ballroom of the Potocki Palaceat the University of Warsaw, the Academy in honour of  Professor Tadeusz Świętochowski took place. The Academy was a part of the XV Session of the Caucasus Students, Graduates, Lecturers of Caucasian Specialization Studies of the Centre for East European Studies at University of Warsaw.

The Academy was dedicated to the memory of Professor and his scientific achievements. The speakers praised his outstanding work, knowledge of Middle Eastern languages and cultures, meticulousness as well as empathy, warmth and modesty.

His Excellency Hasan Hasanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Poland, emphasized Prof.’s achievements in popularizing the history of Azerbaijan. Dr. David Kolbaia drew attention to the fact that prof. Świętochowski studied the Caucasus region through Middle Eastern culture and Turkish language, which he used to speak fluently. Ambassador Wiktor Ross and Ambassador Tomasz Knothe mentioned the professor’s extremely meticulous and rigorous methodological approach. Dr Ludwika Włodek mentioned unusual knowledge of the scientist, who fluently spoke persian, turkish and arabian languages. Dr Shahla Kazimova, dr Hijran Aliyeva, dr hab. Agnieszka Legucka and dr Konrad Zasztowt – Świętochowski`s former students – mentioned all the help that they gave them at the beginning of their scientific career.

During the Academy, dr David Kolbaia, the director of Caucasian Specialisation, announced that  Caucasian Session of Students, Graduates and Lecturers of Caucasian Specialization at Centre for East European Studies will be called the prof. Świętochowski` name.

Professor Tadeusz Świętochowski was one of the most remarkable scientist focused on modern Azerbaijan and Middle East history, author of many books and monographs. Emeritus Professor of Columbia University and Monmouth University. Dr h.c. The University of Chazarsky and the University of Baku. He has lectured as a Permanent Visiting Professor and Senior Specialist in the Fulbright Program at the Centre for East European Studies.

Born in France. The son of pre-war diplomat Stanisław Świętochowski, imprisoned after 17th September, probably murdered in Butyrki prison in Moscow.

Last years of his life Świętochowski divided between New York and Warsaw, where after years of emigration he created his second home.

He died on February 15th, 2017, in New York City. On February 27th he was buried in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, next to his beloved wife, Mimi.

Please see the photoreport of the ceremony.