Author: Nigar Baghirova

 

Zarema Yagizarova is a doctor with international experience, dedicated to discovering and implementing the best methods for assisting people with disabilities. After studying classical and integrative medicine in Azerbaijan and the USA, she encountered a challenge that transformed her life. Today, Zarema Khanim leads the Yurdum project—the first social settlement in Azerbaijan for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. In an interview with our magazine, she shares her journey, the inspiration behind Yurdum, and her belief that it represents not merely a project but a mission.

 

- Zarema-khanum, your Yurdum project is already well-known, yet not everyone grasps its essence. What makes your settlement unique?

 

- When people hear the term 'social settlement,' they envision something akin to a nursing home or a confined residence for the elderly. Yurdum is entirely different. It is a place where individuals with mental and physical disabilities do not just reside; they become integral parts of an active community. We create an environment where everyone, regardless of their limitations, can find activities, learn new skills, and grow. In Europe, such initiatives have existed for many years. In Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and even smaller countries like Latvia, therapeutic communities—camphills—have thrived for decades, where individuals with special needs live and work together. They engage in gardening, crafts, and produce their own items. All of this occurs within mini-communities characterized by a familial atmosphere and mutual understanding. I have observed similar projects in the USA and have always been fascinated by their transformative impact on people's lives. Our project in Azerbaijan is unique in that we adapt the best international practices to local conditions. At Yurdum, we will incorporate eurythmy—a therapeutic movement combining music, speech, and body movements. We will also implement orthotherapy—rehabilitation through working with plants and tending gardens. Moreover, we plan to establish craft workshops where participants can learn to create art objects, prepare therapeutic herbal teas, and weave carpets. This will not only help them discover their abilities but also allow them to feel valuable."

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- Anthroposophic medicine and social therapy are fields few in our country are familiar with. How did you come to these areas?

 

- My professional journey has been lengthy and challenging. I began as a cardiologist at the Republican Diagnostic Centre when the country was still part of the USSR. However, due to family circumstances, I relocated to the US, where I encountered new challenges. I had to adapt, learn, and carve my niche within the American medical system. It was there that I discovered integrative treatment methods—nutritional medicine, phytotherapy, and anthroposophic medicine. Anthroposophic medicine emerged from the work of Austrian scientist Rudolf Steiner and his disciples. This approach integrates classical medical techniques with therapeutic methods grounded in natural components and artistic creativity. It was a revelation for me: I realized that it is possible to treat not only the body but also the soul of the patient, restoring their sense of fulfilment and purpose in life. It was anthroposophy that guided me to the Camphill Communities in the USA, where I studied and observed how such centres operate in practice.

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- But you could have pursued a successful career as a doctor in the US...

 

- Yes, I had the opportunity to remain in there, where I worked at prestigious clinics—Mount Sinai Hospital and Montefiore Medical Centre. However, a personal experience proved pivotal. When my son was injured and fell ill, I went through a range of emotions—despair and anger among them. Encountering mental illness within my family shifted my perspective entirely. I understood that what was needed was not just medicine but a holistic approach. I sought a place that could assist him in reintegrating into society and ultimately decided to create one myself. Initially, it seemed like a wild idea. Many doubted our ability to achieve it. Yet, having witnessed how anthroposophical settlements function in the USA, I became convinced that building such a community in Azerbaijan was indeed possible. People should have the opportunity to live fully rather than merely survive.

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- Can you tell us more about your Western experiences? What methods have you adopted?

 

- My first exposure to such communities took place at Camphill near New York City. This experience was truly enlightening for me. There, I observed individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and schizophrenia collaborating, sharing households, and interacting with volunteers. They cared for animals, crafted jewellery, and even sold their creations at farmers' markets. The critical aspect is that everyone feels part of something greater. We are implementing these principles here as well. For instance, agrotherapy extends beyond merely working in a vegetable garden; it serves as a means for individuals to reconnect with nature, demonstrating that they can cultivate and nurture living things. Additionally, we intend to organize a small farm alongside workshops. This initiative will not only provide income but also serve as a tool for training and development for our beneficiaries.

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- Sounds impressive. Where did this trend originate?
 

- Interestingly, the very concept of such communities began in Nazi Germany during the 1930s. The movement's founder was Karl König, a disciple of Rudolf Steiner. During that time, the Nazis exterminated individuals with physical and mental disabilities, deeming them inferior. Karl König fled Germany for Scotland, where he gathered like-minded individuals around him to establish the first therapeutic community—Camphill Village. This represented a form of protest against the regime's brutality—an effort to grant these individuals their right to life and dignity. Alongside König were others who faced persecution—children with Down syndrome and mental illnesses—who sought refuge in this community where everyone felt valued. This story moved me deeply; individuals who might have perished during that time found new purpose through support and camaraderie.

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- How do you select specialists? After all, such a project requires individuals with specialized knowledge and approaches.

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- This is one of our most significant challenges. In Azerbaijan, very few specialists are familiar with social therapy methods or anthroposophic medicine. Therefore, I actively engage foreign experts. Our team includes several doctors and educators from Europe who have been involved in similar projects for many years. We also conduct training sessions and seminars for local specialists. For example, one of our young employees, Vafa Khalilova, stands out as a unique case. She worked as an IT engineer but decided to volunteer at Camphill in Latvia one day. There she received training and returned to Azerbaijan eager to apply her knowledge back home. Individuals like her serve as inspiration and support for our project.

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- Yurdum is intended for adults over the age of 17. Why this age limit?

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- Until 17 years of age, there are numerous programs and schools available for children with special developmental needs in Azerbaijan. However, upon graduation, there is often nowhere for them to go. Parents encounter a dilemma: their children transition from being minors to young adults without opportunities for societal integration. We aim to fill this gap by creating a space where these individuals can continue learning, working, and most importantly, feel like full members of society.

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- But your project is designed for life within a settlement—does that mean isolation? Can it be adapted to outside society?

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- At first glance, it may appear isolating. However, we are actually creating a model of a mini-community where people learn to interact with one another, resolve conflicts, and negotiate effectively. Over time, they will be able to venture outside the settlement to participate in cultural and social events and work within local organizations. This represents the initial step toward integration that will prepare them for real-life experiences.

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- What is the status of your funding? Who supports your project?

 

- Currently, we primarily rely on our own resources along with those of our partners. The Ministry of Social Protection has begun showing interest, which has assisted us at the advisory level. Recently we secured a small grant to establish a day center; however, our main objective extends beyond just that—it is to create a fully-functional settlement complete with small houses, craft workshops, and a farm. We aspire to make this project self-sufficient so that individuals can support themselves while offering their products in the market.

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- What specific activities will your beneficiaries engage in at Yurdum?

 

- Our goal is for each participant to discover something they enjoy doing—be it working on a farm, caring for plants in the garden, or engaging in crafts. We will establish workshops focused on pottery making, rug weaving, woodworking, among others. I have witnessed first-hand how people transform when they have a purpose. In Georgia—where I observed a similar initiative—individuals were producing remarkable items: painted pottery, embroidered tablecloths, jewellery. These activities not only boost confidence but also aid in developing fine motor skills. However, it's not solely about work; maintaining emotional well-being is essential too. We will offer classes in art therapy, music therapy, and eurythmy. Our centre already features a small hall where musical evenings and theatrical performances occur—all contributing to helping individuals open up and feel alive.

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- You recently represented Azerbaijan at a European conference. How did your colleagues respond?

 

- Yes, it took place in Switzerland at the Goetheanum—the centre of the International Medical Section of Anthroposophy. Previously I had always presented on behalf of the US, where I had worked extensively; however this time representing Azerbaijan filled me with special pride. When I stood up to announce my representation of my country, the audience welcomed me with applause. Participants from various countries—Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan—offered their support as well. This marked the beginning of a new chapter; I realized many were willing to assist us and share their experiences.

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- What was your most memorable experience during this trip?

 

- I was profoundly impressed by how much emphasis was placed on inclusion and adaptation for individuals with disabilities. Each nation has its own approaches and methods; yet the overarching goal remains consistent—to create conditions where these individuals feel part of society. At the conference, I met colleagues from Georgia who are already executing similar projects; I was pleasantly surprised to find that such efforts receive state-level backing. This inspired me further to advance our project.

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- What is the current situation regarding stigmatization in Azerbaijan?

 

- Stigmatization represents a significant challenge here; many parents feel embarrassed discussing their children's mental health issues. Shame and fear often prevent families from seeking help—a reality we face daily. Frequently families conceal their children indoors out of fear of judgment or ridicule; this issue is not unique to Azerbaijan—it exists universally. We aim to alter this mindset; when parents witness their children flourishing within our centre they begin realizing there is no shame involved—they see progress and take pride in it. I firmly believe that society will gradually become more open and supportive over time.

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- What are your future plans? What fuels your determination to continue despite obstacles?

 

- My dream is to establish a network of eco-settlements across the country. During my visit to Belgium—I found seven such settlements—all unique in their offerings. We wish to replicate this model so our beneficiaries can enjoy comfortable living conditions while working productively as members of society; it’s crucial that this becomes standard rather than an exceptional case.

 

- When you observe even one person's life transform positively—all efforts become worthwhile. I recall one of our early beneficiaries—a young man struggling with severe depression and autism—who initially refused to leave his home or interact socially with anyone; however after spending months working in our garden he began smiling again! He started socializing with fellow participants and formed friendships—moments like these reaffirm our belief that we are on the right path; Yurdum serves as a space where individuals rediscover themselves—and I intend to continue this work for as long as possible.