Azerbaijan Society of Maine rings in the New Year  

By Dhananji Rathnayake 

On December 7, the Azerbaijan Society of Maine hosted a combined celebration of the New Year and the International Solidarity Day for Azerbaijanis, which is commemorated each year on December 31. The celebration took place at the Jewish Community Alliance in Portland. 

The evening featured a performance by Veronika Yakubova, a renowned Azerbaijani American singer based in New York. Yakubova captivated the audience with her renditions of traditional Azerbaijani songs, as well as contemporary hits. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity to connect and engage with our vibrant community here in Maine,” Yakubova told Amjambo Africa. 

Attendees enjoyed an Azerbaijani folk dance performance that highlighted the nation’s rich cultural traditions and tasted a variety of traditional Azerbaijani dishes. 

“Azerbaijan is a beautiful and welcoming country,” said Rep. Deqa Dhalac, (D-Dist. 120). “During our visit [to Azerbaijan] last year, we witnessed a nation open to development and eager to attract businesses and contributions to strengthen its economy. The country’s remarkable diversity was evident.” 

Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline attended the event. “This celebration underscored a spirit of unity and cultural pride,” he said.  

The Azerbaijan Society of Maine, a nonprofit organization, is led by Tarlan Ahmadov, who moved to Maine in 2004 and began working in refugee services right away. Following a number of promotions, he was recently appointed the first director of the Maine Office of New Americans (ONA), a new division of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF). Ahmadov is well known for his emphasis on inclusivity. 

“When Ukrainians began arriving in Maine, Tarlan was the first to step forward and help us. He connected us with resources, rallied support from his community, and played a key role in helping us organize events to establish and strengthen our own community,” said Inna Cherednichenko, a guest at the celebration,and an organizer for Maine’s Ukrainian community. 

Following the event on December 7, Amjambo Africa sat down with Tarlan Ahmadov to learn more about the Azerbaijani community in Maine. 

DR: Please tell me about the Azerbaijan Society of Maine.  

TR: Our community is very small, and I’m the founder of the organization and the president of the board. I wanted to teach young people through these kinds of events, how to network, how to bring people together. … It’s all about community. Today you can see people from Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Ukraine, Afghanistan, the U.S., Somalia attending this event. I always encourage our community to attend other communities’ events as well.  

DR: How has your organization contributed to the local Maine community? 

TA: Our organization was founded in 2000, and we have spent over two decades fostering cross-cultural education, promoting cultural awareness, and supporting the integration of newly arrived refugees and immigrants. Our work has included helping individuals find housing, connect with social services, secure employment, and transition out of isolation. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided COVID testing, coordination of vaccination campaigns, and partnered with public health systems to vaccinate 170 individuals within a month. We also distributed multilingual informational booklets, food, and essential supplies to families in need, extending our support beyond our own community. Additionally, we focus on educating the community about issues like scams, we host activities for elderly residents, and we organize initiatives to strengthen and build community, such as planting trees and creating spaces for connection. Our mission is empowering and uplifting those we serve. 

DR: How many Azerbaijani people live in Maine?  

TR: We are growing and now have over 200 people, maybe more, maybe a little less. Because more people are coming. We also have families that move from here to other states as they find jobs. And we have students coming to study here.  

DR: What are some differences you notice between Mainers and Azerbaijanis? 

TR: Azerbaijan is a Muslim-majority country. In America, life is very much individualized. In Azerbaijan, we can go to our friend’s or relative’s house any time. But here, you have to make an appointment just to visit your mom! To us, “guests” means “friends of God.” So if someone knocks on your door, it means God is sending you bounties of mercy. So you have to share with them your best food. 

Azerbaijan gave women the right to vote and to be elected [to office] in 1918, one year earlier than it was passed by Congress in America. It’s a very equal place for women and men.  

DR: What holidays do you celebrate in Azerbaijan? 

TA: We celebrate Independence Day, Flag Day, New Year’s – which is similar to Thanksgiving in America. We have Ramadan and Nowruz, which for us is the new year. And March 21st, when the day and night become equal [solstice]. 

DR: How important is the Azerbaijani identity within your community, and how do you speak to the younger generations about this? 

TA: When my daughter asked, “What’s my identity?” I took a moment to reflect and then replied, “First and foremost, you are a human being. You belong to the human race, and that is the foundation of who you are. Secondly, you are Azerbaijani American. Your cultural roots and heritage are an integral part of your identity. But more than any labels, your identity is uniquely yours. You are Jamila, a person with your own story, dreams, and individuality. You are my daughter, shaped by our journey and the values we share. You are from Azerbaijan, and that connection is part of what makes you, you. Your faith, your experiences, and the choices you make are all threads in the fabric of your identity.” 

DR: What are your hopes for the Azerbaijani community in Maine in the coming years? 

TA: Our hopes center on fostering greater integration and community involvement. We aim to see more of our young people take on civic roles, become public servants, and even serve as elected officials. This is a vision we are actively working toward. 

Another key goal is ensuring the safety and success of our community members. This includes helping them achieve personal and professional goals, such as having their foreign education [credentials] recognized, obtaining necessary licensing, and securing meaningful employment. We also focus on supporting individuals in learning English … while encouraging children to maintain and cherish their native languages. Additionally, we hope to build stronger cross-cultural connections. We want to encourage Americans to not only participate in our events, but also visit our home country, and serve as a bridge to foster understanding and collaboration.  

DR: What are your goals as the inaugural director of the Maine Office of New Americans? 

TA: My goal is to coordinate resources, bring new opportunities to the table, and ensure immigrants have the tools needed to thrive. I aim to highlight the immense value immigrants bring to Maine – their knowledge, skills, cultures, and languages – and help employers and the workforce system recognize these assets as integral to our shared prosperity.  

Immigrants are hardworking, community-focused, and bring a wealth of global experience that enriches our state. My vision is to connect resources, foster collaboration, and create flexible policies that enable immigrants to build successful lives here.  

Together, we can unlock this “treasure,” ensuring everyone has the chance to shine and contribute. This mission isn’t one I can achieve alone. It will require a collective effort from allies, communities, and stakeholders across Maine, working hand in hand. By coming together, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Mainers.