BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Turkish-American engineer, researcher and writer Ergun Kirlikovali has criticized Nobel Prize-winning author Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s position regarding Ruben Vardanyan, arguing that public narratives surrounding the former businessman and philanthropist do not reflect what he described as the full record of Vardanyan’s activities.
Kirlikovali, who has lived in the United States for 43 years, is known for his work in the field of advanced materials and engineering technologies. He is described as the only Turkish engineer to have developed specialized materials used by the U.S. Navy and Air Force. His research has focused on creating high-performance coatings and composite materials combining strength and flexibility.
In an open letter addressed to Taleb, Kirlikovali responded to the latter’s recent statement on X that he would not lecture in Baku while Vardanyan remains imprisoned. "I am writing to you regarding your recent public declaration on X stating that you refuse to lecture in Baku while Ruben Vardanyan remains imprisoned," Kirlikovali wrote.
The researcher argued that Taleb, whose work has focused on financial risks and systemic vulnerabilities, should apply similar scrutiny to Vardanyan’s background and activities.
According to Kirlikovali, Vardanyan’s public image as a philanthropist should be examined alongside allegations related to his financial and political activities. He referred to investigations surrounding Troika Dialog and the so-called "Troika Laundromat", claiming that the network was linked to complex offshore financial schemes.
Kirlikovali also mentioned international restrictions and assessments related to Vardanyan, arguing that his activities had broader geopolitical implications. He stated that Vardanyan’s move to Karabakh in 2022 and his subsequent arrest should be viewed in the context of regional security developments.
Vardanyan was sentenced by a Baku Military Court in February 2026 to 20 years in prison after being convicted on charges including financing terrorism and creating illegal armed groups. Vardanyan has rejected the accusations against him.
In his letter, Kirlikovali also criticized what he called a lack of attention to the experiences of Azerbaijani civilians affected by the Karabakh conflict. He referred to the displacement of Azerbaijani residents during the conflict and the Khojaly tragedy, emphasizing that accountability and respect for the rule of law are essential for lasting peace. "True humanity demands that we side with the victims of displacement and aggression, rather than the powerful financiers who profit from their suffering," Kirlikovali wrote.
He called on Taleb to reconsider his public position and apply what he described as a rigorous analytical approach to Vardanyan’s activities and public image.
