We continue to tell about the historical figures who made a great contribution to the development of the culture of Azerbaijan. The first part can be read here.
Nabat Ashurbekova
Public figure. She entered history as one of the first female patrons and the founder of the Teze Pir Mosque in Baku.
Ahmed Bey Agaoglu
Public figure and publicist, in his articles, he advocated for the modernization of society, the development of education, and women’s rights. He also opened the first library in Shusha and played an important role in shaping the ideas of independence and cultural self-awareness of Azerbaijan.
Khadija Alibekova
Editor of the first women’s magazine in the Azerbaijani language, Ishig. She spoke out for women’s rights and access to education, and also made a great contribution to the development of equality and the intelligentsia in Azerbaijan.
Khan Shushinsky
The greatest performer of traditional Azerbaijani mugham, originally from Shusha. He became a symbol of the traditional vocal school of Azerbaijan. Khan Shushinsky glorified Azerbaijan and its culture on world stages and also trained an entire generation of mugham performers.
Niyazi
An outstanding composer and conductor who made a significant contribution to the development of symphonic music in Azerbaijan.
Rashid Behbudov
Legendary singer and actor, owner of a unique timbre and the widest range, who glorified Azerbaijan on world stages with his art. He founded the Azerbaijan Song Theatre, thanks to which the national pop scene received new development.
Gamar Almaszadeh
The first ballerina of Azerbaijan. She performed leading roles in classical and national ballets and formed the country’s professional ballet school.
Gara Garayev
A great composer and public figure. Author of operas, ballets, and symphonies, Gara Garayev made a huge contribution to the development of the modern composers’ school and the musical progress of the country.
Hanifa Abaeva-Melikova
One of the first women in the Caucasus to receive a secular education, and also one of the first female teachers in Azerbaijan. She greatly influenced the development of women’s education in the country, contributed to the movement for removing the veil in Azerbaijan, and also engaged in charity work.
Shafiga Akhundova
Composer, the first woman in the East to write an opera. Her work largely shaped the development of music and culture in 20th-century Azerbaijan.
