Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

One of the issues discussed at the recent meeting of the Presidium of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) concerned the implementation of the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated January 28, 2026, “On the Celebration of the 900th Anniversary of the Great Azerbaijani Poet Xaqani Shirvani.”

Speaking on the matter, academician Isa Habibbeyli noted that the decree instructs the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, together with ANAS, to prepare and implement an Action Plan for the 900th anniversary of Xaqani Shirvani. Academician Isa Habibbeyli stated that designating ANAS as one of the main executors of this document reflects the President’s respect and confidence in Azerbaijani scholars and the Academy, expressing his deep gratitude to the President.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli emphasized that in recent years, by presidential decrees, years such as the “Year of Nasimi,” the “Year of Nizami Ganjavi,” and the “Year of Heydar Aliyev” have been announced, and the anniversaries of many prominent historical figures have been celebrated at a high level. He noted that one of the reforms carried out at ANAS in recent years, in line with state policy, has been the concept of revisiting literary and historical figures, bringing the heritage of prominent historical personalities back to Azerbaijani society.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli stated that, so far, only a few works have been dedicated to Xaqani, among which Qafar Kendli’s work “Xaqani Shirvani (His Life, Era, and Environment)” stands out. He added that five years ago, the Literature Institute reprinted this work, adding three chapters on the poet’s epic, lyric, and qasida creativity. He also mentioned that in 2017, a scientific conference dedicated to Xaqani Shirvani was held in Shabran, jointly organized by the Literature Institute and the local executive authority, and a commemorative plaque was installed on the remains of the prison where Xaqani was likely held in Shabran.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli highlighted that this year, Xaqani Shirvani’s work “Tohfat al-Iraqayn” will be published for the first time with scholarly commentary. In addition, he noted that, through the joint efforts of the Humanities and Social Sciences sections, Academy-level conferences, including in Shamakhi, will be held, and Azerbaijani scholars are expected to publish articles in the media on Xaqani’s identity and the analysis of his works.

The ANAS head noted that the President’s decree will allow for a systematic study of the rich life and works of Xaqani Shirvani—an eminent poet and thinker of the golden age of Azerbaijani literature and culture, who played a key role in shaping universal cultural heritage—based on modern scientific and methodological approaches, and the comprehensive research and promotion of his social-philosophical, humanist, and patriotic ideas within the broad scientific and cultural opportunities created by Azerbaijan’s independence.

In light of the above, it was decided that ANAS’s scientific departments, institutions, regional scientific sections, and centers would submit proposals to the Presidium for preparing the ANAS Action Plan for the celebration of Xaqani Shirvani’s 900th anniversary.

Translation by Gulhane Aghayeva, Department of Public Relations, Press, and Information, Presidium of ANAS.

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