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Abdurragim AkhverdiyevAzerbaijani writer, classic of Azerbaijani literature, playwright, public figure
Date of Birth: 17.05.1870
Country:  Azerbaijan |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Abdurrahim bey Hagverdiyev, an Azerbaijani writer and playwright, was born on May 17, 1870, in Shusha. He received his early education at the Shusha Real School and later graduated from the Tiflis Real School. In 1891, he moved to St. Petersburg to attend the Institute of Railway Engineers, while also enrolling as an auditor at the Faculty of Oriental Studies.
Theatrical Career
Hagverdiyev's passion for theater manifested in his student years. He frequented the Alexandrinsky Theater, immersing himself in the world of drama. In 1896, he wrote "Ravaged Nest," a play depicting the decline of the Azerbaijani nobility and familial tragedy in the late 19th century. "Unfortunate Youth" (1900) introduced a novel protagonist to Azerbaijani drama: a young man confronting patriarchal and feudal norms.
Hagverdiyev directed the Shusha Drama Troupe from 1899–1900 and later collaborated with prominent theater figures in Baku. Under his leadership, the troupe achieved professional status in 1900. He staged works by Nadiir-bey Vazirov and Mirza Fatali Akhundov. As a theatrical visionary, he spearheaded the movement for scenic realism and the democratization of Azerbaijani theater, advocating for repertoire expansion and authentic performances.
Literary and Social Contributions
Hagverdiyev's literary prowess extended beyond the stage. He condemned societal oppression and feudal injustices in his plays. His historical tragedy "Aga Mohammad Shah Qajar" (1907) portrayed the tyranny of an Eastern despot. "Fairy Sorceress" (1901), influenced by symbolist drama, explored the notion of non-resistance to evil.
Beyond literature, Hagverdiyev was an active social figure. In 1906, he served as a deputy in the First State Duma of Imperial Russia. He contributed to the progressive journal "Molla Nasreddin," critiquing the ruling classes and societal ills.
Later Years
In the Soviet era, Hagverdiyev wrote plays reflecting the new social order, including "In the Shadow of a Tree" (1926), "Old Generation" (1927), and "Comrade Koroglu" (1932). He also translated notable works from Shakespeare, Schiller, Gorky, and Chekhov into Azerbaijani.
Abdurrahim bey Hagverdiyev passed away on March 4, 1933, leaving an enduring legacy as a pioneer of Azerbaijani literature and theater. His contributions to the cultural landscape of Azerbaijan continue to inspire and inform generations of artists and audiences.
