Scientific conference dedicated to the literary heritage of Seyid Azim Shirvani and Dovletmammed Azadi held in Arkadag City
The Cultural Days of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan continue to encompass various regions of the brotherly country, including the city of Arkadag. On 6 June, a scientific conference dedicated to the literary legacy of the eminent Azerbaijani poet and educator Seyid Azim Shirvani (1835–1888) and the renowned Turkmen poet Dovletmammed Azadi (1695–1760) was held in Arkadag City.
Before the conference, participants visited and familiarized themselves with the facilities and collections of the Dovletmammed Azadi City Library, where the event was organized.
The conference was moderated by Ilgar Fami, Secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers’ Union, Honoured Cultural Worker of Azerbaijan, and prominent writer and playwright.
Among the speakers were Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Murad Huseynov, Member of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, member of the Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan Interparliamentary Friendship Group, Doctor of Political Sciences and Professor Hikmat Mammadov, Director of the National Library of Azerbaijan, Professor, Honoured Cultural Worker, and Chairman of the Union of National Libraries of the Turkic World Karim Tahirov, as well as leading Turkmen literary scholars. The speakers reflected on the lives, literary achievements, and enduring contributions of both distinguished poets.
It was noted that Dovletmammed Azadi played an important role in the development of eighteenth-century classical Turkmen literature and contributed significantly to its enrichment with new ideas and themes. During nearly four decades of literary activity, he gained recognition as a proponent of humanistic values and moral ideals. Participants also highlighted that his son, Magtymguly Pyragy, achieved lasting renown not only in Turkmenistan but throughout the wider Turkic world.
The conference further emphasized that Seyid Azim Shirvani was not only one of the foremost representatives of the classical ghazal tradition but also a prominent advocate of enlightenment thought in nineteenth-century Azerbaijan. His contributions included the publication of a tazkira, a valuable literary compendium containing biographical accounts of Azerbaijani poets and selections from their works.
Following the presentations, Azerbaijani and Turkmen reciters performed selected poems by both literary figures, highlighting the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of the two peoples.
The event concluded with performances of traditional mugham compositions and tasnifs based on the ghazals of Seyid Azim Shirvani and Dovletmammed Azadi, accompanied by a national mugham ensemble, creating a meaningful artistic tribute to the enduring legacy of these distinguished poets.
