An event dedicated to “The Legacy of Jafar Jabbarly” was held at Azerbaijan University, initiated and organized by the Student Scientific Society of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The special guest of the event was Gamar Seyfaddin gyzy Baghirova, granddaughter of the great Azerbaijani poet, writer, and playwright Jafar Jabbarly, a prominent figure in national literature, and current Director of the Jafar Jabbarly House-Museum.

The event focused on Jabbarly’s immense contribution to the development of Azerbaijani literature, drama, theatre, and cinema. Selections from his poetic works were presented and a special exhibition was arranged at the University, showcasing key moments from his life and creative legacy.

The event began with an opening speech by Solmaz Ilyaszade, Chair of the Student Scientific Society (SSS), who provided a brief overview of Jabbarly’s life and work for the attending students. Students and members of the SSS, Agil Mammadov performed the poem “Mother”, while Jansu Nazarova recited “To the Azerbaijani Flag”.

This was followed by speeches from Yusif Gasimov, vice-rector for scientific affairs, Safar Mammadov, dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Fuad Huseynzada, guest of the University, chair of the “Journalists Supporting Diaspora Activities” Public Association. Speakers emphasized that the name of Jafar Jabbarly – poet, writer, playwright, theater and film figure, translator, director, screenwriter, and great enlightener – is etched in gold in the intellectual and literary history of Azerbaijan. Although he lived only 35 years, his creative life was rich, multifaceted, and exceptionally productive. While he began with poetry, his most acclaimed works were written in the genre of drama. His plays addressed the pressing social issues of the time, called for innovation and progress, and those messages remain powerfully relevant today.

Guest of the event Gamar Seyfaddin Baghirova, speaking on behalf of Jabbarly’s family and the House-Museum staff, expressed deep gratitude to the University administration and event organizers. She shared lesser-known insights about Jabbarly’s life and creative journey, highlighting that during the Soviet era, many facts about him were suppressed – some of his works were deliberately destroyed, distorted, lost, or published in abridged versions. Several of his works written in Russian remain untranslated and unstudied to this day. Though he was officially presented as a Soviet writer, in truth, he did not reconcile with the Soviet regime nor accept its ideology. A prominent intellectual who devoted a significant part of his creative work to promoting Turkic ideals and glorifying the independence of Azerbaijan, he faced considerable pressure, yet his spirit remained unbroken.

Gamar Seyfaddin Baghirova emphasized that Jabbarly’s legacy remains relevant, beloved, and continues to be studied. The Azerbaijani state has always held his vast body of work in high regard. In 2019, in accordance with a decree by President Ilham Aliyev, Jafar Jabbarly’s 120th anniversary was celebrated through a series of official events.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, during which Baghirova answered numerous student questions about Jafar Jabbarly’s life and artistic contributions.

A commemorative photo was taken to mark the occasion.

Public Relations Department