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Bakhtiyar WahabzadePeople's poet of Azerbaijan
Date of Birth: 16.08.1925
Country:  Azerbaijan |
Content:
- Bahtiyar Vahabzade: A Renowned Azerbaijani Poet and Scholar
- Literary and Academic Career
- Recognition and Honors
- Literary Works
- Dissidence and Controversy
- Political Involvement
- Legacy
Bahtiyar Vahabzade: A Renowned Azerbaijani Poet and Scholar
Early Life and EducationBahtiyar Vahabzade was born on August 16, 1925, in Sheki, Azerbaijan. At the age of nine, he moved to Baku, the capital city, where he later graduated from the Philology Department of Baku State University in 1947.
Literary and Academic Career
Vahabzade joined the Writers' Union of Azerbaijan in 1945 and, alongside his writing, taught at Baku State University for over 40 years. From 1950 to 1990, he served as a lecturer, associate professor, and professor at the university. In 1964, he received his doctorate in philology with his monograph on "Life and Work of Samad Vurgun."
Recognition and Honors
Vahabzade became a corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan in 1980. In 1984, he was named a People's Poet of Azerbaijan. In 1995, he was awarded the Order of Istiglal in recognition of his contributions to the struggle for freedom.
Literary Works
His prolific output includes over 70 poetry collections, 20 poems, two monographs, 11 scholarly works, and hundreds of articles. His works, which encompass lyrical poetry, drama, and non-fiction, have been translated into many languages worldwide.
Dissidence and Controversy
In the 1960s, Vahabzade's poem "Gulustan" (1959) sparked controversy for its nationalist themes, which reflected the historical division of Azerbaijan between Russia and Iran. He faced persecution from Soviet authorities and was dismissed from his university post in 1962, but was reinstated two years later.
Political Involvement
Vahabzade was elected to the Верховный совет народных депутатов республики five times and later served as a member of the Milli Mejlis (1995-2000).
Legacy
Bahtiyar Vahabzade passed away on February 13, 2009, in Baku. His death was mourned by numerous dignitaries, including the President and Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, and his work continues to be revered as a significant contribution to Azerbaijani literature and culture.
