Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

On December 9, the Presidium of ANAS hosted an international scientific conference titled “The Harmony of Millennia in Mathematics: Dialogue with the Universe,” dedicated to the 1800th anniversary of the world-renowned Chinese scholar Liu Hui.

Before the event, participants viewed an exhibition reflecting Liu Hui’s life and work.

Opening the conference, President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbayli, noted that Azerbaijan–China relations have expanded significantly in recent years and that President Ilham Aliyev and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping attach great importance to bilateral cooperation.

Academician Isa Habibbayli stated that high-level political and economic ties exist between the two countries. He emphasized that Azerbaijan supports China’s Belt and Road Initiative, while China, in turn, has demonstrated a fair position regarding the opening of the Zangezur Corridor. He added that once the corridor is opened, Azerbaijan will serve as a bridge between Asia and Europe, facilitating China’s access to Europe.

The ANAS President highlighted that even during the Soviet era, Azerbaijani poets wrote notable poems dedicated to Chinese leaders and the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Likewise, Chinese poets produced works inspired by Azerbaijan and the Caucasus Mountains.

Academician Isa Habibbayli noted that scientific and literary relations between Azerbaijan and China have also reached a high level in recent years. He stressed that ANAS actively cooperates with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Hebei Academy of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Korea Academy, Beijing Foreign Studies University, and Hebei Normal University, and that memorandums of cooperation have been signed with these institutions. According to him, scholars from both countries jointly hold conferences and symposia and participate actively in academic events organized in Azerbaijan and China. He added that a large Chinese delegation visited Azerbaijan to attend the 80th anniversary celebration of ANAS, where they held productive meetings with Azerbaijani and international colleagues.

He stated that today’s conference is dedicated to the 1800th anniversary of the distinguished Chinese scholar Liu Hui, whose studies in mathematics and geometry laid the foundations of global mathematical science and produced significant scholarly works.

“Liu presented a proof of a theorem similar to the Pythagorean theorem. He was not only one of the founders of mathematical science in China but also made invaluable contributions to world mathematics,” Academician Isa Habibbayli said.

He added that cooperation has recently begun with one of the conference organizers—the China Association for Science and Technology—and that bilateral partnership in the field of culture is also envisaged. Academician Isa Habibbayli expressed confidence that the event dedicated to Liu Hui’s 1800th anniversary would open new horizons in Azerbaijan–China scientific, literary, and cultural relations, and wished success to the conference.

Ruan Cao, Director of the China Association for Science and Technology, who spoke next, expressed satisfaction at being in Azerbaijan and at ANAS. He thanked Academician Isa Habibbayli for supporting the organization of the conference. Ruan Cao emphasized that Azerbaijan has a rich history and culture and plays the role of a bridge between Europe and Asia.

The director noted that Liu Hui’s works, created 1800 years ago, coincide with a period of intellectual flourishing in science and culture in Chinese history. He stressed that Liu Hui’s research represents a unity of theory and practice, particularly highlighting his landmark contributions in “The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art.” Liu Hui used the method of inscribing polygons in a circle to approximate the value of pi (π). He also proposed solid geometry theorems, improved Archimedes’ approximation of π, and introduced a systematic method for solving linear equations with multiple unknowns.

Ruan Cao said the event would stimulate the establishment and development of scientific cooperation between his organization and ANAS.

Mustafa Shabanov, representative of the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO, addressed the conference participants on behalf of the Commission. He noted that the celebration of Liu Hui’s 1800th anniversary is included in UNESCO’s 2024–2025 program of events, reflecting the universal value of science and thought. Mustafa Shabanov added that Azerbaijan supported this initiative and expressed solidarity with China during the decision-making process at UNESCO. He emphasized that Azerbaijan has historically served as a cultural and scientific bridge between East and West and continues this tradition today.

He noted that Liu Hui’s mathematical methods have contributed to the development of mathematical science and intellectual thought both in ancient times and today.

Following the speeches, a promotional video titled “The Harmony of Millennia in Mathematics. Dialogue with the Universe – Liu Hui Anniversary Events Series” was screened.

A symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony then took place.

After the opening ceremony, the event continued with a session titled “Intercivilizational Dialogue and Academic Exchanges.” The session featured presentations by Zou Dahai, Senior Researcher at the Institute for the History of Natural Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Professor Cuo Shirong of Inner Mongolia Normal University and Corresponding Member of the International Academy of the History of Science; Associate Professor Chen Wei of the Institute for the History of Natural Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Dr. Ali Babayev, Head of Department at the Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics of the Ministry of Science and Education; Professor Rovshan Aliyev, Head of Department at Baku State University; Dr. Fariz Imranov, Associate Professor and Head of the Digital Academy, Artificial Intelligence and Electronic Academy Department of the Presidium of ANAS; and Roya Mirzabeyova, Researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies of ANAS.

Translation by Gulhane Aghayeva, Department of Public Relations, Press, and Information, Presidium of ANAS.

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