Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

On February 13, a scientific session titled “The Creative Legacy of the Great Architect Ajami Nakhchivani” was held at the Main Building of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), organized by the Institute of Architecture and Art.

Opening the event, ANAS President Academician Isa Habibbeyli highlighted the scientific significance of the session, held in accordance with President Ilham Aliyev’s Order dated December 30, 2025, “On the Celebration of the 900th Anniversary of Ajami Nakhchivani.” He emphasized that the coincidence of the 900th anniversary with the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” reflects the unity of historical heritage and modern development strategies, once again demonstrating the continuity and contemporary relevance of Azerbaijan’s architectural traditions.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli noted that the art and personality of Ajami Nakhchivani have always received great attention from the state. He recalled that, on the initiative of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the 850th anniversary of the prominent architect was solemnly celebrated in Azerbaijan in 1976. He added that he personally attended the anniversary events held in the city of Nakhchivan that year.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli also recalled President Ilham Aliyev’s Order dated May 22, 2025, “On Measures Related to the Restoration and Conservation of the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, a Monument of World Significance Located in the City of Nakhchivan.” He noted that this document, signed to preserve the mausoleum’s unique historical appearance and pass it on to future generations, carries important strategic significance.

The ANAS President emphasized that a museum reflecting the Atabegs period has been established on the first floor of the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, one of the masterpieces of Nakhchivan architecture, and that National Leader Heydar Aliyev visited the museum. Academician Isa Habibbeyli stated that in 2025 he discovered historical photographs of that visit and published them for the first time in an article about Ajami Nakhchivani.

He noted that Ajami Nakhchivani’s activity was closely linked to the city of Nakhchivan, the capital of the powerful Atabegs state, which holds a special place in Azerbaijan’s history of statehood and was one of the cultural centers of the Near East. Among the magnificent monuments in Nakhchivan, the Momine Khatun Mausoleum and the Yusuf ibn Kuseyir Mausoleum, products of Ajami’s genius, occupy a worthy place among the masterpieces of the Islamic world. According to him, the Gulustan Mausoleum, considered one of the legacies of the Ajami architectural school, is also a valuable monument of Nakhchivan’s ancient architectural tradition.

Describing Ajami Nakhchivani as one of the brightest figures in the history of Azerbaijani culture, the ANAS President stated that his legacy was not limited to architecture and that his image has also been reflected in fine art. He stressed that Ajami was not only a great architect but also the founder of an entire architectural school. Ajami’s remarkable legacy served as a school in itself and exerted a strong influence on the architecture of Azerbaijan and the countries of the Near East in subsequent centuries.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli also spoke about the work carried out at ANAS to study Ajami Nakhchivani’s heritage. He noted that Academician Abdulvahab Salamzade, from the mid-20th century onward, succeeded in scientifically revealing Ajami’s artistic world. The initial research of the Nakhchivan architectural school is associated with his name. In addition, in Azerbaijani literature, Ajami Nakhchivani’s life and work have become the subject of artistic works written in various genres.

The Director of the Institute of Architecture and Art, Corresponding Member of ANAS Ertegin Salamzade, then presented a report titled “The Influence of Ajami Nakhchivani’s Creative Work on World Architecture.” He provided information about architecturally significant complexes and historical monuments erected in Nakhchivan and other cities of the republic. His report offered a detailed analysis of Ajami’s creative legacy. Ertegin Salamzade discussed the impact of the great architect’s compositions and decorative ornamentation techniques not only on Azerbaijani architecture but also on architectural structures across the Near East. He noted that the ornamental compositions characteristic of Ajami’s work are based on an organic combination of artistic expression and mathematical thought.

Reports were also delivered by Rahiba Aliyeva, Doctor of Architecture and Associate Professor, Head of Department at the Institute of Architecture and Art, on the topic “Witness to Eight Centuries: The Magnificence of Ajami’s Art”; by Gulnara Gambarova, Associate Professor at Nakhchivan State University and PhD in Architecture, on “The Legacy of Architect Ajami in Near Eastern Architecture”; and by Brilliant Jafarli, Researcher at the Department of Architecture, Urban Planning and Restoration of Monuments of the Institute of Art, Language and Literature of the Nakhchivan Branch, on “Symbolic Meanings of Certain Geometric Ornaments in the Creative Work of the Architectural Genius Ajami Nakhchivani.”

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

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