Arzu Geybullayeva: A Career in Global Politics and Conflict Resolution
Arzu Geybullayeva is a distinguished researcher, journalist, and advocate for peace, specializing in the complex geopolitical landscapes of the Caucasus and beyond. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, in August 1983 to Geybulla Geybullayev, a professor, she has dedicated her professional life to understanding international relations and fostering reconciliation between conflicting nations.
Academic Foundation and Early Career
Geybullayeva's expertise is built upon a rigorous academic background. She earned a B.A. in International Relations from Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey, and later obtained a Master of Science in Global Politics from the London School of Economics. These studies provided the theoretical framework for her subsequent work in global market analysis and political development.
Her professional journey began at the Oxford Business Group in London, where she served as a researcher. During this tenure, she contributed to various projects across Asia and Africa and conducted a comprehensive market survey analysis of Libya. She also applied her skills locally in Baku, working for the National Democratic Institute (NDI), where she collaborated with youth activists and local politicians to support democratic processes.
Advocacy and Think-Tank Contributions
In 2007, while based in Istanbul, Geybullayeva joined the European Stability Initiative, a non-profit think-tank—a research organization that provides advice on public policy—focused on South East Europe. Her commitment to public discourse grew in September 2008 with the launch of her blog, Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines.
By 2009, she expanded her reach as a contributing columnist for the Italian think-tank Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso. Her influence in the field of international affairs continued to grow, leading her to become an associate scholar for the Foreign Policy Research Institute, a Philadelphia-based American think-tank, in 2013.
Promoting Peace Between Armenians and Azerbaijanis
A significant portion of Geybullayeva's career has been dedicated to conflict transformation—the process of shifting destructive conflict into constructive change. Since 2011, she has served as the co-director of the Imagine Center for Conflict Transformation, an organization aimed at improving relations between Armenians and Azerbaijanis.
Furthering this mission, she serves as the managing editor of Neutral Zone, an internet platform designed to promote social and cultural interaction and conflict resolution between the two groups. Describing the delicate process of reconciliation, Geybullayeva has likened it to a building under construction, noting that one must first set a firm base for the structure to stand.
Additionally, since 2013, she has worked as a correspondent for Agos, a bilingual Armenian weekly newspaper published in Istanbul.
Key Facts
- Born: August 1983 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
- Education: B.A. from Bilkent University; M.Sc. from London School of Economics.
- Key Roles: Managing Editor of Neutral Zone and Co-director of the Imagine Center for Conflict Transformation.
- Recognition: Named one of the BBC's top women in 2014.
- Languages: Fluent in English, Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Russian.
- Current Residence: Istanbul, Turkey.
| Year/Period | Organization/Platform | Role/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Oxford Business Group | Researcher (Africa, Asia, Libya) |
| 2007 | European Stability Initiative | Researcher/Staff |
| 2008 | Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines | Blog Founder |
| 2009 | Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso | Contributing Columnist |
| 2011 | Imagine Center for Conflict Transformation | Co-director |
| 2013 | Agos Newspaper | Correspondent |
| 2013 | Foreign Policy Research Institute | Associate Scholar |
| 2014 | BBC | Included in list of top women |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Neutral Zone platform?
Neutral Zone is an internet platform managed by Arzu Geybullayeva that promotes cultural and social interaction, as well as conflict resolution, specifically between Armenians and Azerbaijanis.
Which languages does Arzu Geybullayeva speak?
She is multilingual, speaking English, Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Russian.
What is Geybullayeva's academic background?
She holds a B.A. in International Relations from Bilkent University in Turkey and a Master of Science in Global Politics from the London School of Economics.
How does Geybullayeva view the process of reconciliation?
She compares reconciliation to a building under construction, emphasizing the necessity of establishing a strong base so that the final structure can stand firmly.
Which international organizations has she worked with?
Her career includes roles at the Oxford Business Group, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the European Stability Initiative, and the Foreign Policy Research Institute.