YURDUM SOCIAL ECO VILLAGE

The story of YURDUM SOCIAL ECO VILLAGE, the first pilot project of a supportive, land-based living and housing community together with adults with disabilities since April 2024 in Azerbaijan, is deeply intertwined with my personal biography. To truly understand the genesis of this initiative, it is important to begin with a historical perspective of my native country, where this project has been implemented.

The country and the history of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and is a land of extraordinary diversity. From majestic mountains to fertile lowlands, the country is a mosaic of ecological richness and cultural heritage. Throughout its history, Azerbaijan has been shaped by its unique geographical position, becoming a melting pot of civilizations and traditions. The warmth of its people and the resilience of its communities are characteristic of its enduring spirit.

Human presence on the territory of what today is Azerbaijan, dates back two million years. Azerbaijan’s deep historical roots, from the Azykh Caves to the era of Caucasian Albania, and its position as a crossroads of civilizations is a fascinating tale. Its modern challenges, including the ongoing impact of population displacement due to historical circumstances, highlights the resilience of its people. The country’s cultural and religious diversity, coupled with the increasing prominence of English alongside Azerbaijani and Russian languages, reflects its dynamic societal landscape.

Azerbaijan was an independent democratic Republic from 1918 to 1920 but was invaded by Soviet forces and incorporated into the Soviet Union, leading to the establishment of the Azerbaijan SSR, which lasted for 71 years, until the collapse of the USSR in 1991. Following the restoration of independence in 1991, Azerbaijan faced significant challenges, including the Karabakh War, which caused a massive influx of refugees and a severe economic crisis. Today, Azerbaijan is an upper-middle-income country located in the South Caucasus region, with a population of approximately 10 million, the majority of whom reside in urban areas. Of note, in Azerbaijan as in other post-Soviet countries, individuals with disabilities often encounter significant challenges, social isolation, limited autonomy, and involuntary institutionalization, a left-over from the Soviet era. These issues stem from systemic barriers and societal attitudes that hinder their full participation in society. A promising contemporary solution involves establishing social eco-settlements, small, supportive communities that offer appropriate care, medical support, and opportunities for education, work and craftsmanship.

The situation for people with disabilities today

These environments can enhance well-being and integration for people with disabilities. The National Socioeconomic Development Strategy 2022–2026 emphasizes the inclusion of people with disabilities, aiming to improve accessibility of public infrastructure, strengthen social assistance, and integrate individuals with disabilities into the labor market. Azerbaijan’s mental healthcare system is undergoing significant reforms aimed at transitioning from institutionalized care to community-based services. Key aspects of this transformation include deinstitutionalization, enhancing care quality, integrating mental health into primary healthcare, and implementing modern community-based services. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including societal stigma, uncertainties in authority distribution between the Ministry of Health and the State Agency for Mandatory Health Insurance, and a scarcity of human resources, particularly in rural areas. Nonetheless, Azerbaijan continues its transition towards a more inclusive, community-based mental healthcare system.

About Yurdum Social Eco Village

The journey of YURDUM SOCIAL ECO VILLAGE began with a simple but powerful idea: to establish a residential therapeutic land-based community including people with disabilities that integrates social, craft, cultural, educational endeavors and organic biodynamic farming. This idea was not born in isolation; it stemmed from a deeply personal understanding of the needs of adults with developmental and cognitive disabilities, as well as the potential for ecological and social transformation through intentional living.

The YURDUM SOCIAL ECO VILLAGE will foster a sense of belonging, where residents and support personnel coexist as equals in an inclusive environment. This model helps bridge to the gap between individuals with disabilities and society, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration.

While inspired by the Camphill movement, YURDUM incorporates Azerbaijani traditions, values, and local practices, ensuring cultural relevance and community acceptance. This includes dietary preferences, social customs, and locally resonant ways of fostering community spirit.

Key aspects of the project:

• Promote Land-Based Activities
  Handcrafting and gardening will form the heart of the community’s daily activities. These practices are therapeutic, promote skill development, and offer opportunities for residents to engage in meaningful, creative, and productive work.
• Social Adaptation Support
  Trained personnel will help residents make the transition from institutionalized settings to the freedom and responsibilities of communal living. This includes support for self-care, communication, and decision-making to empower residents over time.

Our project, YURDUM ECO VILLAGE, is supported by the non-governmental organization Humayun and has received financial assistance from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population to create a pilot project demonstrating the feasibility of this social eco-settlement. “Yurdum” which translates directly as “my native land, my shore”, was launched in April 2024. Currently, we operate as a day center, located in the historic old part of Baku, within a two-story building dating back to the 1800s and adjacent to a park. The project’s foundation is a women-led initiative, driven by a shared commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and community building. With limited resources but boundless determination, we embarked on this journey to transform a dream into reality. Today our work revolves around a truly inclusive and nurturing environment for our 12 beneficiaries, young adults with special needs and challenges, preferences, and aspirations. The atmosphere we are fostering is built on love and careful attention to detail, representing a solid foundation for this community.

The Team

Our team consists of Vafa Khalilova whose previous experience at “Rozkalni” center in Latvia provides a valuable framework for creating the YURDUM’s nurturing environment, and the day-to-day coordination. Our medical professionals Frangis Hanim and Teymur-Muallim bring their science and expertise in managing a variety of conditions

My role is in expansion and public relations. My professional journey began as a cardiologist at the Republic’s Diagnostic Centre at a time when Azerbaijan was still part of the USSR. Due to family circumstances, I relocated later to the USA, where I had to adapt, learn, and acquired full National accreditation in the medical system. I encountered integrative holistic treatment methods, including anthroposophical medicine with its emphasis on inclusivity, community-building, and the integration of various healing methods. I saw how merged social, educational, and therapeutic practices help people with developmental disabilities find their place in society. An important aspect is the involvement of family members and volunteers in creating and sustaining community projects. These experiences shaped my vision for the future and laid the foundation for my current work in creating a sustainable, land-based community like YURDUM, where these principles can be applied. Today we are in touch with several centers that have been successfully operating for many years in the USA, Latvia, Hungary and Georgia. Their work has provided us and our team with invaluable practical insights. Visiting these communities allowed us to observe their organizational structures and practices firsthand, which is crucial for replicating success in Azerbaijan. This knowledge exchange will play a key role in shaping the future of YURDUM. Hopefully, once the time is right, the opportunity for online learning and face-to-face meetings will further strengthen these connections, allowing for deeper collaboration and support.

The Future

At YURDUM recently we sought training opportunities for specialists in social therapy and biodynamic farming for our volunteers. We secured a small plot of rural fertile land to serve as a living laboratory for seasonal gardening and biodynamic experiments. This land became the heart of our endeavor, where we began to implement practices tailored to the local climate and soil conditions. As we look to the future, our dream is to create a network of YURDUM communities across Azerbaijan, each tailored to the ecological and cultural nuances of its regions. These communities will serve as beacons of hope and innovation, proving that supportive living and sustainable farming can transform lives and landscapes alike. YURDUM SOCIAL ECO VILLAGE is more than a pilot project; it is a seed for the future. It embodies the belief that every individual, regardless of its abilities, has a unique contribution to make to our shared world. It demonstrates that sustainable living is not just an aspiration but a practical reality when approached with care and positive intention. It also reflects the enduring spirit of Azerbaijan – a country that has always found strength in its diversity and unity.