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Molla Vali VidadiAzerbaijani poet and educator of the 18th century
Date of Birth: 17.03.1709
Country:  Azerbaijan |
Content:
- Mo`lla Vali Vidadi: The Enlightenment Poet of the 18th Century
- Service in the Georgian Court
- Literary Contributions
- Social Commentary
- Friendship with Mo`lla Panah Vagi
- Influence of Nizami Ganjavi
- Later Work and Legacy
- Personal Life
Mo`lla Vali Vidadi: The Enlightenment Poet of the 18th Century
Birth and Early LifeBorn in 1709 in the city of Shamkir in the Ganja Khanate, Mo`lla Vali Vidadi was an influential Azerbaijani poet and an advocate for enlightenment. He spent his early life in Karabakh and later moved to Tbilisi.
Service in the Georgian Court
Vidadi held the position of scribe at the court of Georgian King Erekle II. During this time, he immersed himself in the Georgian literary landscape, which undoubtedly influenced his own poetic style.
Literary Contributions
Vidadi's lyrical verses enriched Azerbaijani poetry. He was particularly skilled in the "goшма," a unique form of poetry with paired rhymes. His realistic style, influenced by the aşıq (folk) tradition, depicted the struggles of ordinary people.
Social Commentary
Vidadi's works, infused with the spirit of Islamic Sufism, often criticized the feudal wars and social injustices of his time. In his renowned poem "Musıbat-name," he decried the horrors of violent conflicts and denounced the cruelty of oppressive rulers.
Friendship with Mo`lla Panah Vagi
Vidadi maintained a close friendship with the prominent Azerbaijani poet Mo`lla Panah Vagi. Their poetic exchange, largely in the form of dialogue, mirrored the competitive spirit of ashiqs. In contrast to Vagi's often optimistic tone, Vidadi's verses carried a melancholic and pessimistic undercurrent.
Influence of Nizami Ganjavi
Vidadi is considered a literary successor of Nizami Ganjavi, a renowned Azerbaijani poet of the 12th century. Vidadi's themes and techniques bear traces of Nizami's profound influence.
Later Work and Legacy
Vidadi's poetry gained recognition beyond the borders of Azerbaijan. Translations of his works, including "Musaddas" and "Gasida," have brought his artistry to international audiences. Russian poet Konstantin Simonov played a significant role in introducing Vidadi's works to Russian readers.
Personal Life
Mo`lla Vali Vidadi was the maternal grandfather of Ali-Aga Shikhlinski, a renowned general in both the Russian and Azerbaijani armies.
