Hamlet Isaxanli In Search of “Khazar” - DSpace at Khazar University

8In Search of "Khazar"It seems that my independence and profile andthe fact that I was staying out of all intrigues began toannoy Alaskarov. Although in our personal conversationshe remained very respectful, various rumorsstarting spreading through the institute. One incident inparticular served as a turning point from polite tensionto badly hidden hostility. Only few days after I returnedhome from Scotland, voting for candidates into theAzerbaijani National Assembly (Parliament) was held atthe Institute. 2 The deans of the faculties and chairmen ofthe various departments had nominated Alaskarov forelection and were making speeches in his honor oneafter another. Then unexpectedly, a group of facultymembers and students proposed my nomination. I wastold that those who supported my candidacy wereseverely attacked and one of them was even beaten byAlaskarov’s supporters. I went into the meeting hastilyand thanked my supporters for giving me their supportand confidence. At the same time I reminded them that Ihad no desire to be engaged in politics and I simply hadtoo little time and withdrew my candidacy. After thisincident the atmosphere around me became increasinglytense. Soon after I left for my summer holidays.