Scientific-investigation departments

Department of Azerbaijani folklore and written monuments has been functioning since 2003 in the Institue of Literature. At the same time, the department has functioned as a separate scientific- research structure since Institute of Literature and Culture was established. It was established Department of Folklore in Institute in 1934 and this structural unit carried out valuable works on collecting and studying of oral literary heritage during the past time 

Department of Folklore stopped its activity after the resolution of Presidium of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciencein 1990 about creating Folklore palace attached to the Institute of Literature. Its experienced scientific collaborators were drawn to the Folklore palace. Scientific Council decided to restore the Department of Azerbaijani folklore and written monuments while there was carried out structural change in the Institute of Literature in 2003.  

Prominent scientists such as Hanafi Zeynalli, Mammad Huseyn Tahmasib, Minali Seyidov, Israfil Abbasli led the Department of Folklore in previous years.  Honoured scientific worker, professor Maharram Qasimli has been leading the department since 2003.   There are unforgettable memories of prominent scientific figures in the scientific-historical life of the department such as S. Mumtaz, H. Alizada, A. Tahirov, A. Akhundov, N. Seyidov, H. Qasimov, B. Abdulla, T. Farzaliyev, E. Alibayzada, Q. Pashayev.

According to the “Investigation problem  of Azerbaijani folklore” the Department is occupied with:

a)historical and theoretical problems of Azerbaijani foklore literature;

b)investigation of literary monuments and research of mutual relations of folklore and written literature

The department published anthologies in many volumes about  tales, epos and ashug poetry at different historical stages.  From this point of view, academic publications such as “Azerbaijani epos” (in 5 volumes), “Koroghlu”, “Azerbaijani ashugs and peoples’ poets” (in 2 volumes) have great scientific-historical importance.

b)investigation of literary monuments and research of mutual relations of folklore and written literature