Selim Khan-Magomedov Russian art historian, researcher of Russian avant-garde architecture and architecture of the peoples of Dagestan Date of Birth: 09.01.1928 Country: Russia

1. Selim Omarovich Khan-Magomedov
2. Investigating the Russian Avant-Garde
3. Unearthing the Architectural History of Dagestan
4. A Descendant of the Prophet?
5. Two Sides of His Character
6. A Critical Eye
7. A Legacy of Significance

Selim Omarovich Khan-Magomedov

Selim Omarovich Khan-Magomedov, a renowned Russian art historian, passed away on May 3rd. He was an expert in the architecture of the Russian avant-garde and the architecture of the peoples of Dagestan.

Investigating the Russian Avant-Garde

Khan-Magomedov's research on the Russian avant-garde was groundbreaking. His books on the subject, initially published in German and English in the 1960s, became influential among Western architects. Despite the suppression of avant-garde architecture in the USSR, Khan-Magomedov persevered in his research, interviewing over 150 individuals connected to the movement.

Unearthing the Architectural History of Dagestan

Khan-Magomedov also dedicated his life to preserving and documenting the architectural heritage of Dagestan, a region in the North Caucasus mountains. He spent decades documenting the region's historical monuments, and his work laid the foundation for the study of Dagestan architecture.

A Descendant of the Prophet?

Khan-Magomedov's lineage is often discussed. Some speculate that he was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, a claim supported by his family connections to Jordan's royal family. Whether or not this is true, Khan-Magomedov often expressed a sense of ancestral duty in his work.

Two Sides of His Character

Khan-Magomedov possessed both remarkable passion and an extraordinary sense of calm. He was relentless in his pursuit of historical truth, conducting extensive interviews and meticulous research. At the same time, his presence had a calming effect, as if time moved slowly around him.

A Critical Eye

Khan-Magomedov was known for his critical assessment of architecture, viewing it as an aesthetic and historical record of human endeavors. He believed that the study of architecture should focus on the most significant achievements, weighing each work carefully.

A Legacy of Significance

Khan-Magomedov's work has had a lasting impact on the understanding of architectural history in Russia and beyond. His writings and research have not only documented the past but have also shaped contemporary discussions on the value and significance of architecture. He leaves behind a legacy of scholarship, critical thinking, and the belief in the enduring power of human creativity.