Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

The opening ceremony of the international scientific conference entitled “Karabakh: At the Crossroads of Archaeological Cultures,” dedicated to the 80th anniversary of prominent archaeologist and scholar Professor Hidayat Jafarov, was held at the Main Building of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS). The conference was organized by the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS.

Delivering the opening remarks at the scientific conference, President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli, particularly emphasized the role of scholarly schools in the formation and development of Azerbaijani archaeology. Academician Isa Habibbeyli noted that although archaeological excavations conducted in Azerbaijan since the beginning of the 20th century were mainly carried out under the leadership of foreign expeditions, at a later stage, research continued under the leadership of Azerbaijani scholars, and national archaeological schools were established in the country. These schools made an important contribution to training a new generation of archaeologists and to the successful development of this field of science during the period of independence.

The President of ANAS highlighted that Professor Hidayat Jafarov is one of the leading figures of Azerbaijani archaeology and has established a new scholarly school. He noted that Hidayat Jafarov had devoted his entire life to science, academia, teaching, and scholarly ethics.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli emphasized that the subject of Karabakh occupies a special place in the scholar’s scientific work. He noted that both before the occupation and following the liberation of the territories of Azerbaijan, the archaeological study of Karabakh remained a leading area of Hidayat Jafarov’s research. Highly appreciating the jubilarian’s valuable studies devoted to the Early Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, as well as the archaeology of the Tartar River and Arpachay basins, the President of ANAS described him as a scholar who created the “Karabakhname” of Azerbaijani archaeology.

The President of ANAS also noted the importance of systematizing materials obtained during archaeological field research and reflecting them in books, articles, and scholarly publications, emphasizing Hidayat Jafarov’s invaluable contribution in this area as well.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli further stated that, in recognition of Professor Hidayat Jafarov’s many years of scientific and pedagogical activity and his major contributions to Azerbaijani archaeology, he had been awarded the “ANAS Badge of Honor.” He presented the “ANAS Badge of Honor” to the jubilarian and wished the scholar good health and new achievements in his scientific activities.

Speaking at the event, Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS, PhD in History, Associate Professor Farhad Guliyev, stated that the gathering was dedicated to one of the great pillars of Azerbaijani archaeology. He noted that although archaeology, which took shape in the country in the late 19th century, was initially associated mainly with foreign scholars, the foundation of a local scholarly school was later laid thanks to the emergence of prominent scholars such as Mammadali Huseynov, Ideal Narimanov, and Ismayil Jafarzade.

The Director of the Institute emphasized that Professor Hidayat Jafarov began working in a scientific laboratory in the 1970s under the guidance of Academician Gurban Alizade and soon gained considerable recognition, rising to the position of Deputy Head of the Great Karabakh Expedition led by Ideal Narimanov. He noted that in the 1980s, Jafarov achieved major scholarly accomplishments in the comprehensive study of Bronze Age cultures in Karabakh and in formulating conceptual issues, becoming recognized as one of the prominent specialists in the archaeology of Karabakh.

Next, Acting Vice-President of ANAS, Academician Govhar Bakhshaliyeva, delivered a speech and noted the special significance of the conference. She emphasized that books and scholarly works remain forever in history and in the memory of humanity. Academician Govhar Bakhshaliyeva noted that Professor Hidayat Jafarov had carried out extensive archaeological excavations over many years with great dedication. She stressed the importance of preserving and continuing the rich scholarly traditions that have been established. She noted that Hidayat Jafarov had passed on his extensive experience to contemporary generations, trained valuable students, and made an important contribution to the continuity of the scholarly school.

Later, Vice-Rector of Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), PhD in Economics, Associate Professor Geray Musayev, delivered a speech and read out a congratulatory letter addressed to the jubilarian by the university’s Rector, Professor Adalat Muradov.

Professor Geray Musayev noted that Professor Hidayat Jafarov had worked productively at UNEC for nearly 40 years and made an important contribution to training highly qualified specialists and educating the younger generation. The Vice-Rector emphasized that the jubilarian’s many years of pedagogical and scientific service at the university had always been highly appreciated.

Chairperson of the SEBA (Seoul–Baku) Azerbaijan–Korea Cultural Exchange Association, PhD in Biology, Associate Professor Ruhangiz Heydarova, noted in her speech that Professor Hidayat Jafarov is a distinguished scholar with his own distinctive contribution to Azerbaijani science, particularly emphasizing his important services in the Karabakh archaeological expedition and in the study of settlements. She stated that cooperation between SEBA and the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology began in 2005 and noted that joint activities, scholarly publications, and international projects had been implemented during this period.

Director of the Institute of History and Ethnology of ANAS, Professor Kerim Shukurov, stated in his speech that the 80th anniversary of Professor Hidayat Jafarov was an important event in the history of Azerbaijani science. He noted that, due to the scarcity of written sources relating to certain periods of Azerbaijan’s history, many fundamental issues from ancient times through the Middle Ages had been reconstructed precisely through archaeological research.

Subsequently, panel sessions were held under the chairmanship of PhD in History, Associate Professor Farhad Guliyev, and Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Gafar Jabiyev. Presentations were delivered on topics including “Hidayat Jafarov – A Prominent Representative of the Azerbaijani School of Archaeology,” “The Scholar Who Speaks Through the Monuments of Karabakh: Outstanding Educator and Archaeologist Hidayat Jafarov,” “The Significance of Professor Hidayat Jafarov’s Research in the Karabakh Region for the Teaching of Archaeology,” and other subjects.

The event highlighted Professor Hidayat Jafarov’s important services to the development of Azerbaijani archaeology, his long-standing scientific and pedagogical activity, and his contributions to the study of the ancient and medieval history and archaeological heritage of Karabakh. It was noted that the scholar’s research is of particular importance for the study of ancient cultures that existed in the territory of Azerbaijan, the investigation of archaeological monuments, and the scholarly study of important stages in the history of the nation. The speakers discussed the jubilarian’s rich scholarly legacy, the results of his archaeological research, and the young scholars he has trained, while emphasizing the significance of the international scientific conference for discussing various aspects of the archaeological heritage of Karabakh.

The international scientific conference will continue until October 1.

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

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