AZE.US
Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, seventh-grade students in schools where instruction is conducted in other languages will study the History of Azerbaijan in Azerbaijani.
The policy will later be extended gradually to higher grades, AZE.US reports, citing the Ministry of Science and Education.
A similar requirement already applies to fifth- and sixth-grade students.
The change will primarily affect Russian-language sections of Azerbaijani schools, as well as classes where the main language of instruction is another language.
The ministry has not said how many students or schools will be affected or whether additional language support, a transition period or specialized teaching materials will be provided.
Teaching the country’s history in the state language could strengthen Azerbaijani-language proficiency and help establish a more unified national curriculum.
A rapid transition, however, could create difficulties for students who have previously studied most subjects in Russian or another language.
The outcome will depend on the availability of qualified teachers, appropriate textbooks and students’ existing command of Azerbaijani.
Without adequate preparation, changing the language of instruction could turn history classes into an additional language barrier rather than improve students’ understanding of the subject.
AZE.US