We tell about the figures whose contributions defined the development of Azerbaijan and became part of the national heritage.
Nizami Ganjavi
A great poet and philosopher whose works about love, justice, and human wisdom became classics of world literature and made Nizami a symbol of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.
Sara Khatun
The first female diplomat in the East — the mother of one of the rulers of the Aq Qoyunlu state. She conducted negotiations with the Ottoman Empire and the Timurid state, and her actions significantly influenced the region's subsequent geopolitical development.
Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev
A well-known entrepreneur, oil industrialist, and philanthropist who significantly influenced the development of culture and education in Azerbaijan in the 19th–20th centuries. In addition to developing the oil industry, Taghiyev promoted education for girls in the country by opening the first women’s school, and also financed the development of theaters and newspapers.
Khurshidbanu Natavan
A famous poetess and enlightener, the daughter of the last Khan of Karabakh. Natavan made a significant contribution to Azerbaijan's cultural and literary heritage, describing not only her personal experiences but also important social issues in her poems.
Mirza Fatali Akhundov
Playwright, philosopher, and enlightener, the founder of Azerbaijani realistic literature. His satirical plays raised important social questions, and Akhundov himself actively promoted the ideas of enlightenment and alphabet reform.
Uzeyir Hajibeyov
The greatest composer, author of the first national opera “Leyli and Majnun”, and the State Anthem of Azerbaijan. His unique creativity combined traditional mugham motifs and the Western musical school, and Hajibeyov’s name became a symbol of Azerbaijani music.
Alimardan-bey Topchibashev
A political and public figure, one of the leaders of the independence movement. He headed the delegation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, where the voice of Azerbaijan was heard internationally for the first time.
Jafar Jabbarly
Writer, playwright, and director who laid the foundations of Azerbaijani cinema and theater of the 20th century. Jafar Jabbarly made a significant contribution to the development of culture and national dramaturgy.
Shovket Mammadova
The first Azerbaijani opera singer. Shovket Mammadova glorified the national creative heritage on the best world stages and also became a teacher and mentor for many talented singers.
Samed Vurgun
A famous poet, playwright, and enlightener who influenced the development of Azerbaijani culture not only through his works but also by teaching literature in rural schools. The lines of his poems are still known to every Azerbaijani today.
Sona Velikhan
The first Azerbaijani woman to receive the title of Doctor of Medical Sciences. She made a huge contribution to the development of ophthalmology in the country and to the advancement of equal opportunities for women and men in medicine.
Muslim Magomayev
A world-famous singer and composer. He became a symbol of Azerbaijani musical culture and the embodiment of an entire era.