On May 30, the Central Scientific Library of ANAS hosted the presentation of the “Selected Works” of the People’s Poet of Azerbaijan, PhD in Philology Sabir Rustamkhanli in 15 volumes.
The event was attended by members of the Milli Majlis, famous public and political figures, scientists and cultural figures, representatives of civil society, the media and other guests.
Opening the ceremony with an introductory speech, the President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbayli, said that the publication of the “Selected Works” of the People’s Poet Sabir Rustamkhanli in 15 volumes, which are the result of his many years of multifaceted creativity, is a great contribution to Azerbaijani literature; at the same time, this publication will become a source that future generations, young scientists and researchers will refer to. The academician noted that the central place in the work of Sabir Rustamkhanli, who is one of the main representatives of civic poetry in Azerbaijani literature of the independence period, has always been occupied by socio-political motives, national ideals and a high civic mission. Since the late 80s of the twentieth century, the prominent poet has been actively involved in the national liberation struggle of Azerbaijan, and has contributed to the realization of our people's centuries-old dream of independence.
The public activity and literary work of the people's poet Sabir Rustamkhanli, the head of ANAS continued, serve the national interests of Azerbaijan, the development and strengthening of state independence, his literary work, especially the work "The Book of Life" played a major role in preparing our people for national independence. Calling Sabir Rustamkhanli a creative intellectual, a citizen poet, a famous prose writer, playwright and publicist, Academician Isa Habibbayli emphasized that the development of domestic journalism in recent years is directly related to his name. The academician said that the first editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Azerbaijan", the activity of which was restored in 1989 and the first issue of which was released on October 6, was Sabir Rustamkhanli, this newspaper, which occupies its place in the history of our independent statehood, made an indispensable contribution to the development of the national press.
The head of ANAS noted that having successfully defended his dissertation on the topic "Molla Nasreddin and Folklore", Sabir Rustamkhanly received a PhD in Philology; in addition, the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Literature of ANAS published a monograph dedicated to the prominent poet, "Diversity of Genres in the Works of Sabir Rustamkhanly". The academician added that the publication widely covers scientific research, journalism, literary work of the people's poet Sabir Rustamkhanly, reveals the spiritual tossing in his prose, poetry and dramatic works. Sabir Rustamkhanly, continued Academician Isa Habibbayli, is a master who is distinguished and arouses interest with his national position in the literary environment, all the issues that are raised in various genres of his literary heritage are related to the mission of a citizen.
Academician Isa Habibbayli said that the "Preface" to Sabir Rustamkhanli's "Selected Works" in 15 volumes was written by famous masters of the pen of Azerbaijan and outstanding scientists. The academician emphasized that the 15-volume "Selected Works" of the people's poet reflects Sabir Rustamkhanli's place in Azerbaijani literature and his merits in the development of all genres.
In his speech, Chairman of the Writers' Union of Azerbaijan, People's Writer Anar spoke about the creativity and features of the poetry of the people's poet Sabir Rustamkhanli, his position as an intellectual and personal qualities.
Having said that he has been friends with Sabir Rustamkhanli for many years, People's Writer Anar added that the outstanding poet always defended the Writers' Union of Azerbaijan during unfair attacks.
He emphasized that Sabir Rustamkhanli's works enrich the Azerbaijani language and artistic thought, while at the same time, they reflect national values and fateful events in our history. People's writer Anar highly appreciated the publication of the poet's "Selected Works" in 15 volumes and wished Sabir Rustamkhanli, who won the love of the people with his role in the development of national thinking and personal qualities, further creative success.
Then the event the Director of the Ataturk Center in Azerbaijan, Academician Nizami Jafarov, Vice Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Director of the National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi, Academician Rafael Huseynov, Member of the Milli Majlis Professor Fazail Ibrahimli and others delivered a their speeches. The speeches noted that Sabir Rustamkhanli occupies an important place in the annals of freedom-loving and civil lyrics in Azerbaijani literature, the 15-volume edition published in a beautiful design is the poet's greatest treasure and a valuable contribution to national literature.
In conclusion, the people's poet Sabir Rustamkhanli spoke, thanking the organizers and participants of the event.
