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The German edition of Die Zeit touched upon the Azerbaijani history and culture Department of the faculty of History of Humboldt University of Berlin. The department head is Professor Eva-Maria Auch.

"The department is factually engaged in "science" that is based on frauds, and being directly funded by the Azerbaijani embassy in Germany propagandizes Azerbaijan," the German editorial writes, and notes that it is only professor Auch that receives 75 thousand euros salary per year.

Furthermore, according to Die Zeit, the Azerbaijani government finances the seminars, scientific conferences and other events conducted by the department.

The author of the article is wondering how could one of the most respected universities in Germany borrow money from the corrupt authorities of the country where a dictatorship rules.

The publication suggests that the Azerbaijani authorities are not interested in science itself, but rather in promotion of their interests.

The abovementioned Department was opened in the autumn of 2010 by the agreement of the Azerbaijani government, and will operate until autumn 2015. However, it is possible that Baku will extend the contract and will continue funding this department.

Die Zeit reports that Eva-Maria Auch was born in 1956 in the GDR. She studied in Baku. Since 1985 she teaches at various universities in Germany. In 1999, Western University of Baku awarded her an honorary doctorate.