Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

A literary-musical evening was held at the International Mugham Center in honor of the 120th anniversary of the birth of the prominent literary scientist, translator, teacher, novelist, public figure, State Prize laureate, Honored Scientist, Academician Mammad Arif Dadashzade.

The evening began with the presentation of a video material reflecting the life journey of Academician Mammad Arif Dadashzade.

The scriptwriter of the event, Honored Journalist, PhD in Pedagogy, Associate Professor Gafar Asgarzade, spoke about the scholar’s rich creative work.

The President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Academician Isa Habibbeyli, the Director of the National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, Academician Rafael Huseynov and others delivered speeches at the event, stating that the esteemed scientist Mammad Arif made significant contributions to the development of Azerbaijani literature and literary language. He is among the scholars who laid the foundation for the study of the history of Azerbaijani literature. His book “The Literature of the Azerbaijani Nation” has been published in English, Persian, Russian, and Bulgarian, and his monograph “Azerbaijani Literature” was published in Moscow.

It was emphasized that the textbooks, monographs, and literary works by Academician Mammad Arif Dadashzade in fluent and laconic Azerbaijani literary language had a great impact on education of young generation, their way of speaking, and rhetoric. He consistently supported young professionals, showing them attention and care.

The speeches highlighted the significant services of the prominent scholar to the development of 20th-century Azerbaijani literary criticism and the science of literary studies. It was noted that Academician Mammad Arif Dadashzade played a special role in the establishment, formation, structuring, and determination of the activity directions of the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Literature. The scholar left an indelible mark on Azerbaijani literary studies with his innovative approach. His monograph dedicated to Jafar Jabbarli, one of the main creators of 20th-century Azerbaijani dramaturgy, holds a special place among comprehensive scientific works.

It was noted that, Mammad Arif Dadashzade began working at the Institute of Literature in 1938, serving as the head of a department from that year and as deputy director from January to September 1939. He was twice elected director of this scientific institution. From 1960 until the end of his life, he served as the Vice-President of the Academy of Sciences. 

An artistic and musical program was also presented at the jubilee event.

At the end, the prominent scholar’s grandchildren, Zumrud and Agshin Dadashzade, expressed their gratitude to the organizers and participants for honoring their grandfather’s memory.

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