Ali Rajabli Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Numismatist-Archaeologist Date of Birth: 02.08.1927 Country: Azerbaijan

1. Early Life and Education
2. Aspiring Numismatist
3. The Numismatic Pathfinder
4. Academic Contributions
5. Advocacy and Cultural Preservation
6. International Reputation
7. Controversies and Scholarly Integrity
8. Legacy and Future

Early Life and Education

Dr. Ali Muhammed oglu Rajabliwas born on August 2, 1927, in Goyam village, Zagatala district. In 1951, he graduated with honors from the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Azerbaijan State University (now Baku State University).

Aspiring Numismatist

Inspired by the renowned numismatist Evgeny Aleksandrovich Pakhomov, Rajabli became the first Azerbaijani scholar to specialize in numismatics. In 1951, he enrolled in the postgraduate program of the Azerbaijan State Museum (now the National History Museum of Azerbaijan) with a focus on numismatics.

The Numismatic Pathfinder

In 1968, Rajabli became the head of the Numismatics and Epigraphy Department of the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan. His exceptional efforts transformed the museum's numismatic fund into a renowned repository of over 150,000 coins and other material and cultural artifacts, making it a vital center for numismatic research.

Academic Contributions

Rajabli's doctoral dissertation (2000) titled "Azerbaijani Numismatics" comprehensively explored the two-millennium history of Azerbaijani coinage, elucidating its role as a symbol of Azerbaijani statehood. His numerous monographs and scientific articles have advanced the field of numismatics in Azerbaijan and beyond.

Advocacy and Cultural Preservation

Rajabli played a pivotal role in the development of the museum's scientific exposition and participated in identifying and researching exhibits for several ethnographic museums in Azerbaijan. His scholarly contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the "For Valiant Labor" medal (1970) and the title of "Honored Cultural Worker" (1972).

International Reputation

Rajabli has actively participated in scientific symposia and conferences both in Azerbaijan and internationally. His presentation on "Rare Coins of the Shirvanshahs" at the 19th All-Russian Numismatic Conference in 2017 highlighted the significance of understudied coins in shaping the understanding of medieval Azerbaijani history.

Controversies and Scholarly Integrity

In 2018, Rajabli and the National History Museum of Azerbaijan played a pivotal role in preventing an Armenian provocation at the International Conference of Oriental Numismatics in the Hermitage. Through collaboration with the Presidium of NASAN and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, they successfully removed false Armenian claims from the conference program.

Legacy and Future

As a mentor and supervisor, Rajabli has guided numerous graduate students in their research on numismatic and archaeological topics. His contributions have fostered a new generation of numismatists, ensuring the continuation of his legacy in the study and preservation of Azerbaijani cultural heritage.