Baku: World-renowned scientist and Nobel laureate Aziz Sancar recently shared his reflections on Azerbaijani culture and his scientific work in an interview with AZERTAC. This conversation follows his receipt of the "Shohrat" Order, one of Azerbaijan's highest state honors, awarded by President Ilham Aliyev.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Sancar expressed his surprise and gratitude upon receiving the "Shohrat" Order. He emphasized the significance of this recognition, citing his admiration for President Aliyev. Sancar also highlighted the deep connection he feels with Azerbaijan, a sentiment rooted in his childhood exposure to Azerbaijani music and culture, which he regards as being as influential as his Turkish heritage.

Sancar further elaborated on his personal connection to Azerbaijan, recalling the pain of witnessing the country under Soviet rule and celebrating its eventual independence. He spoke of the profound impact Azerbaijani music, especially the works of Zeynab Khanlarova, had on him growing up, and how these cultural ties cemented his affinity for Azerbaijan.

Discussing the liberation of Garabagh, Sancar recounted his initial awareness of the region's occupation during a conversation with Azerbaijan's Minister of Education. He described the victory in the Patriotic War as monumental, paralleling it with Turkey's own historical triumphs and expressing pride in Azerbaijan's achievements.

The interview also touched upon the robust academic and scientific collaborations between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Sancar praised initiatives like the Trkiye-Azerbaijan University and noted the active academic exchange between the two nations, which he believes strengthens bilateral relations.

Turning to his scientific pursuits, Sancar addressed the potential impact of his DNA research on cancer treatment. He emphasized the importance of preventative measures, such as not smoking, which he argued could significantly reduce cancer incidence. Sancar shared a personal anecdote about the influence of his televised remarks on a young hotel server who decided to quit smoking, illustrating the power of lifestyle changes in cancer prevention.

Sancar concluded with optimism about the future contributions of his research on DNA repair and brain cancer, expressing hope that these efforts will benefit humanity.