“LEADERS WHO UNITE” – Nurjahan Asgarli: from Azerbaijan to Cahul, a story of vocation, adaptation and contribution through education

Nurjahan Asgarli is originally from Azerbaijan, where she was born, grew up and built her professional path in the field of medicine. After graduating from medical university and completing her residency, she began working at the AIDS Prevention and Control Center, where she gained valuable experience in direct work with people and in supporting patients.

Moving to Moldova came for family reasons, and Cahul became the place where Nurjahan chose to stay. Although the beginning was not without challenges, here she found safety, open people and a suitable space for raising children. Today, Nurjahan is a teacher at Cahul Medical College, where she uses her professional experience and contributes to the training of future specialists.

The interview is part of the “Women Leaders Who Unite” campaign, through which the Regional Center for Community Development brings forward the stories of refugee and migrant women who, through courage, engagement and solidarity, contribute to strengthening the community in Cahul.

Nurjahan, tell us a little about yourself. What was your life like in Azerbaijan and what were you doing before moving?

My life in Azerbaijan was calm, clear and full of meaning. I have always placed great importance on education, and medicine attracted me in a special way. After graduating from medical university and completing my residency, I began my career at the AIDS Prevention and Control Center. It was a very serious and valuable experience.

For me, medicine was never just a job. It always meant real communication, the ability to listen to the patient and support them. Over time, medicine became a way of life for me, shaping and strengthening me as a person.

What brought you to Moldova, and why did Cahul become the place where you decided to stay?

I came to Moldova for family reasons. Of course, at first it was not easy, because it was a major change in my life. Over time, however, I understood that it was the right decision.

I liked Cahul immediately because of its calm atmosphere and kind, open people.

Here, you feel safe, and for me this is very important. It is a suitable place for raising children, which is why we decided to stay here.

How did this new stage of life in another country begin for you?

The beginning was both emotional and a little difficult. A new country, another language, an unfamiliar culture — all of this required time for adaptation. This period taught me patience, openness and confidence in myself.

How did your adaptation in Cahul go? What was the most difficult part, and what helped you feel more confident?

Adaptation happened gradually. The most difficult part was the language barrier and the need to get used to a new environment. Sometimes it was hard to express my thoughts exactly the way I wanted. Gradually, I started communicating more, feeling more confident, and things fell into place.

Thanks to people’s warm and understanding attitude, over time it became much easier.

Today, you work as a teacher at Cahul Medical College. How did this path unfold, and what helped you fulfil yourself professionally here?

Working as a teacher at Cahul Medical College became a very important stage for me. I was glad to return once again to my professional field.

My previous experience and education certainly helped me, but the attitude of my colleagues was just as important. They were very kind, responsive and understanding.

From the first days, I felt support, and because of this it was much easier for me to adapt and find myself in the profession.

How do you see your contribution to the life of the Cahul community today?

I see my contribution through education and through the work I do with future specialists in the medical field.

For me, it is important not only to pass on knowledge, but also to show students how much communication, empathy and respect for people matter. Medicine is not only about treatment, but also about the ability to listen, to support and to be close to someone who needs help.

Through my work, I hope to contribute to the training of good, responsible specialists who are attentive to people’s needs.

If you had to describe the city of Cahul in a few words, what would they be?

For me, Cahul means peace, warmth and the feeling that you are in the right place.

It is a city where I felt safe, found open people and was able to continue my professional path. For me, this matters a lot.

This material was produced with the financial support of the European Union, contracted by ICMPD through the Migration Partnership Facility. Its content is the sole responsibility of the Regional Center for Community Development and does not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union.