Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

On June 27, a scientific session commemorating the 120^th anniversary of the distinguished scientist in literary studies, translator, educator, writer and academician Mammad Arif Dadashzade was held at the Institute of Literature of ANAS named after Nizami Ganjavi.  

The attendees of the session first visited the tombs of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and academician Zarifa Aliyeva in the Alley of Honor. They placed flowers at the graves and paid their respects. Then, they also visited the grave of academician Mammad Arif Dadashzade and put flowers at his monument.

Later, the participants viewed the exhibition in the foyer of the Institute of Literature, which showcased the life and activity of academician Mammad Arif Dadashzade.

The president of ANAS, director of the Institute of Literature, academician Isa Habibbeyli, presented an opening speech at the event attended by the family members of the late scientist, representatives of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, employees of the Institutes of Literature and Folklore, and members of mass media. He talked about the meaningful life path of Mammad Arif Dadashzade, his rich scientific creativity, and the scientist’s significant services in the development of literary criticism and literary studies of Azerbaijan in the 20^th century.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli noted that the prominent scientific figure Mammad Arif Dadashzade played a key role in the establishment and development of the Institute of Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi and in defining the areas of activity. The academician mentioned that a bibliography of Mammad Arif Dadashzade's works is in the process of being published by the decision of the Presidium of ANAS as a contribution to the 120^th anniversary of the scientist.  

"Academician Mammad Arif is one of the key figures in the formation and development of the history of Azerbaijani literature," said academician Isa Habibbeyli, stressing that this outstanding man holds a special place in the history of social thought and literature of Azerbaijan. He said that academician Mammad Arif Dadashzade, as a critic and literary historian, maintained objectivity, fairness and reality in his research, analyses, and evaluations.

While researching and summarizing the literature of Azerbaijan and the world for more than half a century, he made analyses and comparisons based on scientific thought that could be an example of wisdom and modernity for his time. While evaluating the works of the specific literary figures the scientist took into account the literary and social processes of the time.

It was noted that Mammad Arif Dadashzade left an indelible marks in Azerbaijani literary studies with his innovative position. His monograph dedicated to Jafar Jabbarli, one of the main founders of the 20^th century Azerbaijani drama, holds special value among large-scale scientific works. Also, academician Mammad Arif Dadashzade's monograph titled "Drama of Samad Vurgun" is a trusted scientific guide for studying the creativity of People's Poet Samad Vurgun.

Sharing his memories of Mammad Arif Dadashzade, academician Isa Habibbeyli, described him as an outstanding scientist and a fair person. He reminded his participation in the jubilee of the literary scientist in 1974, and said that he witnessed the Azerbaijani society’s high regard for Mammad Arif Dadashzade as a great scientist.  

It was noted that Mammad Arif Dadashzade, a distinguished scientist and a skillful organizer, began his tenure at the Institute of Literature in 1938.  He initially served as a department head, then as a deputy director from January to September 1939, and subsequently held the position of director twice. From 1960 until his passing, he served as the vice-president of the Academy of Sciences.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli noted that the scientist established a significant scientific school, played a crucial role in nurturing intelligent generations, and in shaping new literary talents of the nation.

Afterward, the scientists of the Institute of Literature delivered scientific reports at the session as well.

The reports stated that academician Mammad Arif Dadashzade authored numerous scientific and theoretical books, textbooks, hundreds of scientific articles. He dedicated approximately 40 years of his life to translating examples of world literature. In the truest sense, academician Mammad Arif Dadashzade is one of the prominent figures who established a significant school of literary studies and literary criticism.

In conclusion, academician Mammad Arif Dadashzade’s granddaughter, Professor of the Baku Music Academy Zumrud Dadashzade, expressed her gratitude to the leadership of ANAS and all participants of the event for honoring the memory of the academician.

Translator: Reyhan Majidli, Public Relations, Press and Information Department of the Presidium Administration of ANAS

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