Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

On April 22, a scientific session dedicated to the 120th anniversary of prominent architect, Hero of Socialist Labour, laureate of State Awards, People’s Architect of the USSR, and one of the first founders of the Azerbaijan SSR Academy of Sciences, Academician Mikayil Useynov, was held at the main building of ANAS. The event was organized jointly by the Division of Humanitarian Sciences and the Institute of Architecture and Art.

At the beginning of the event, the participants visited the graves of well-known Azerbaijani architects Mikayil Useynov and Sadig Dadashov at the Alley of Honor, laid flowers on their graves, and paid tribute to their memory.

Afterwards, the participants viewed an exhibition in the foyer of the building showcasing the creative works of Mikayil Useynov.

The event was opened with a welcome speech by the President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli, who spoke about the rich creativity of prominent architect Mikayil Useynov, his scientific and organizational activities, and his invaluable contributions to the national architectural art of Azerbaijan.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli underlined that on March 18, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev signed an Order on celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and noted that, in light of this decision, the Academy has started a series of anniversary events. He mentioned that the scientific session dedicated to the 120th anniversary of Academician Mikayil Useynov, one of the first founding members of the Azerbaijan SSR Academy of Science, is among the significant events held within the 80th anniversary of ANAS. “Academician Mikayil Useynov was one of the distinguished figures who laid the foundation of ANAS, the first prominent founder of art studies and architecture scientific directions of the Academy, and a scientist who played a great role in the later development stages of this scientific institution.”-he added.

The head of ANAS said that Academician Mikayil Useynov enriched national architectural traditions of Azerbaijan through his innovative searches and created valuable examples of monumental structures using modern technologies. He brought a new, unique style to the history of Azerbaijani architecture. Mikayil Useynov, who was also the author of the building of ANAS, developed over 200 projects, all of which were realized at a high and professional level. Cultural and public buildings based on the projects of the well-known architect were constructed in Baku, Ganja, Nakhchivan, Sheki, as well as in Dushanbe, Moscow, and other cities.

The President of ANAS spoke about the contributions of Academician Mikayil Useynov in training of highly qualified specialists. He underlined that the scientist made valuable contributions to the development of architecture in Azerbaijan and to the formation of personnel potential of the national architectural science.

He said that the historical architectural monuments by Academician Mikayil Useynov are considered eternal examples of Azerbaijani architectural art and will live on for centuries. “After the 1950s, Mikayil Useynov developed the classical style in his works remaining faithful to tradition, adapting it to Azerbaijani realities and the challenges of the modern period, thereby achieving significant success. The works he created together with the renowned architect Sadig Dadashov, based on a shared ideas, are considered the brightest page of Azerbaijani national architecture. The contributions and works of Sadig Dadashov, who had a short life, in the creation of the magnificent works, are undeniable.”-he added.

At the end of his speech, Academician Isa Habibbeyli highlighted the importance of the event in terms of promoting the architectural art of Azerbaijan and advancing architectural science. He wished success to the work of the conference.

Next, the rector of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction (AzUAC), Professor Gulchohra Mammadova, delivered a speech, describing Mikayil Useynov as a true scientist, and a distinguished architect. Professor Gulchohra Mammadova speaking about the scientific activity of Mikayil Useynov emphasized that the book “History of Azerbaijani Architecture,” co-authored by the scientist, is the greatest and most fundamental work in the history of Azerbaijani architecture.

She also mentioned that the building of the Faculty of Architecture of AzUAC was constructed based on the project of Mikayil Useynov and that the scientific heritage of the distinguished scientist is a significant research topic for young architects.

Elbay Gasimzade, the Chairman of the Board of the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan, shared his memories of the distinguished architect Mikayil Useynov in his speech, stating that he left a brilliant mark on Azerbaijani architectural art. He said that the architectural historian Mikayil Useynov created his architectural and theoretical works together with Sadig Dadashov. He noted that after the death of Sadig Dadashov, the creativity of Academician Mikayil Useynov changed significantly, and the first project he realized alone was the Mirza Fatali Akhundov National Library of Azerbaijan.

Elbay Gasımzade also spoke about Mikayil Useynov’s political and social activities, highlighting that he was repeatedly elected as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet and served for many years as the Chairman of the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan.

The Director of the Institute of Architecture and Art, corresponding member of ANAS, Ertegin Salamzade also delivered a speech regarding works and contributions of Academician Mikayil Useynov. He noted that the prominent architect led the Institute of Architecture and Art of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences for nearly 40 years. Under his leadership, dozens of dissertations were defended, and the personnel potential of national architectural science was formed.

At the event, reports by Doctors and PhDs in Architecture regarding Mikayil Useynov’s creative work were presented.

At the end, PhD in Physics and Mathematics and Associate Professor Saida Useynova made a speech and expressed her gratitude to the organizers and participants of the event on behalf of the prominent architect’s family.

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

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