Geysar Kashiyeva Azerbaijani artist Date of Birth: 07.06.1893

1. Early Life and Artistic Education
2. Early Career and Artistic Influences
3. Personal Life
4. Post-Revolution and Cultural Contributions
5. Later Life and Legacy

Early Life and Artistic Education

Keisar Kashimiyeva was born on June 7, 1893, in Tiflis to a military family. As the first Azerbaijani woman to receive formal art education, she attended the art class of the Caucasian Society of Fine Arts from 1907 to 1908.

Early Career and Artistic Influences

Kashimiyeva's early work primarily involved creating posters, placards, and invitations for cultural events associated with the Transcaucasian Muslim Women's Charity Society. Her initial artistic mediums included watercolor, pencil, ink, and charcoal. She received guidance from renowned German artists Oscar Schmerling and Karl Sommer, both graduates of the Munich Art Academy.

Personal Life

In 1916, Kashimiyeva married Shirinaly Kesmansky, a military officer who returned to Tiflis after being wounded in World War I. He later achieved the rank of Colonel. Their daughter, Leya, was born the same year. However, their happiness was short-lived as Kesmansky died of malaria in 1919. Leya later became a chemist and passed away in 1994.

Post-Revolution and Cultural Contributions

Following the establishment of the independent Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, Kashimiyeva relocated to Baku in 1918. She actively engaged in the cultural life of the new republic, dedicating herself to educating women. After Azerbaijan became part of the Soviet Union, she headed the fine arts department at the A. Bayramov Women's Club, teaching young women in art classes. During this period, Kashimiyeva also created original illustrations for the popular women's magazine "Sharq Qadini."

Later Life and Legacy

In the 1930s, Kashimiyeva married Zulfigar Seidbeyli, a party official. However, in 1938, Seidbeyli was arrested and Kashimiyeva, as his wife, was exiled with him. She returned from exile in the 1950s and continued to pursue her artistic endeavors, leaving a lasting legacy as a pioneering Azerbaijani artist.