• The history of the faculty
• Outstanding scientists and graduates
• Structure
• Dean
• Deputy deans
• Academic consultants (tutors)
• Educational process
• Academic council
• Dissertation council
• Master and Doctorate

Outstanding scientists and graduates

BAKIR VAHAP CHOBANZADE
(1893-1938)
Linguist, literary critic

Bakir Chobanzade was born in the town of Qarasubazar, Simferopol governorate, Taurida province, Crimea, on 15 May 1893. Religious Benevolent Society dispatched him to Galatasaray lyceum, Sultaniye, Turkey, where he continued his education (1908-1918). He then studied Turkish, Arabic and Hungarian philology at Budapest University, Faculty of History and Philology, where he also obtained a ScD degree. He was editor of Turkish language “Sharg” newspaper in Budapest (1919). After returning to Crimea he headed Crimea Revolutionary Committee and the Department of Tatar Linguistics and Literature at Crimean Enlightenment Commissariat (1920-1922), and also worked at higher schools and research institutions. He gave lectures on Crimean Tatar language and literature as a professor at the Oriental Faculty, Crimean University. He served as rector of Crimean University. He arrived in Baku on the invitation of S. Aghamalıoghlu, where he chaired new Alphabet Committee and All-Union Central Committee for the New Turkic Alphabet. He contributed considerably to the organization of the first All-Union Turkological Congress (1926). Bakir Chobanzade also headed Terminology Committee, Central Scientific Department of Azerbaijan, and served as department head and dean at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Baku State University (1924-1929). He was elected a full member of Moscow Institute of Eastern People (1928). He chaired the Department of Postgraduate Education, Azerbaijan State Research Institute (1929). He was elected a full member of Azerbaijan Department in Transcaucasia branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences (1932), and Azerbaijan branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences (1935). Bakir Chobanzade also was a member of Paris Linguistics Society. He published a number of monographs, and co-authored “Methodology of Turkish language” (1932) and “Fundamentals of Scientific Grammar” (1932) books.

FEYZULLA SAMAD QASIMZADE
(1898-1976)
Literary critic

Feyzulla Qasimzade was born on 22 February 1898. He received his primary education in a seminary and Mardakan village secondary school. In 1916, he completed his higher education in Baku, and entered  a gymnasium. From 1923 to 1925, he studied at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, and from 1926 to 1929 at Baku State University, Faculty of Oriental Studies. He then did postgraduate studies at Azerbaijan State Research Institute. In 1939, he defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD degree in 1956. He was made a professor in 1957.
Feyzulla Qasimzade began his working career in 1916, when he joined “Kazyonnaya palata” enterprise in Baku. He worked as a principal and a mother tongue and literature teacher at local schools in Qaziyan village in Goychay governorate and Mardakan village in Baku. In 1920, he was appointed head of Education and Training Department, Qala-Mardakan District Enlightenment Office. From 1922 to 1929, he worked at a secondary school in Baku, in 1928-1929 served as a language and literature teacher at Baku Pedagogical Vocational School, from 1931 to 1938 as a methodologist/instructor at People`s Enlightenment Commissariat. In 1939, he became a member of Writers` Union.
In late 1930s, Feyzulla Qasimzade joined Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, where he served as a teaching assistant, associate professor and chair of the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature. At BSU, his career saw him work as an associate professor, professor and from 1941-1950 chair of the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature.
His research interests covered the 19th century history of Azerbaijani literature. Feyzulla Qasimzade supervised 30 ScD and 120 PhD students to completion.
In 1943, he received the title “Merited Teacher”, and “Merited Scientist” in 1958. He was the recipient of tens of medals and orders. In 1962, he was elected a corresponding and in 1967 a full member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

 

MUKHTAR HUSEYN HUSEYNZADE
(1900-1985)
Linguist

Mukhtar Huseynzade was born on 21 March 1900. From 1927 to 1931, he studied Turkish Language and Literature at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Baku State University. In 1935, his supervisor B. Chobanzade invited him to the Department of General Linguistics, BSU, where he spent 50 years. From 1936 to 1941, he chaired the Department of Literature, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, from 1952 to 1955 served as department chair at the Institute of Language and Literature named after Nizami, ANAS. From 1951 to 1981, he chaired the Department of General Linguistics, BSU.
Mukhtar Huseynzade defended a PhD thesis in 1946, and then was elected a professor. In 1968, he obtained a ScD degree. From 1953 to 1958, he headed the Faculty of Philology.
He was the first to research into phraseology in Turkology, and conducted a systematic research into lexicology of Azerbaijani language.
He gave lectures on Orhan Yenisey monuments at Azerbaijani higher schools. In 1945, he was awarded Medal for Labor Valour, and in 1953 “Badge of Honor” order.
He published widely on the history of Azerbaijani language, speech standards, alphabet, orthography, terminology, punctuation marks, morphology and syntax.
Professor Hüseynzade, who studied topical problems of Azerbaijani language, established “Azerbaijani linguistics” academic school at Baku State University. His “Modern Azerbaijani language” textbook for higher schools was published four times – in 1954, 1963, 1973 and 1983.
He played a crucial role in training PhD and ScD students of modern Azerbaijani language. He published more than 40 papers. In 1974, he received State Award, and was awarded the title of “Merited Scientist” in 1980.

MAMMAD ARIF  MAHARRAM  DADASHZADE
(1904-1975)
Literary critic

Mammad Dadashzade was born on 10 June 1904. He received his secondary education at a Russian Tatar school in Baku. In 1925, he graduated from People`s Enlightenment Institute. From 1925 to 1930, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Oriental Studies. In 1930-1931, he did postgraduate studies at Moscow Research Institute of Eastern Nations. He served as a senior teacher and associate professor at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical Institute from 1932 to 1941. For many years he worked at Baku State University, chairing the Department of Russian Literature from 1941 to 1950.
In 1944, he defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD degree in 1954 and professorship in 1955. From 1930 to 1940, he was deputy Commissar of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Enlightenment. From 1941 to 1947, he was editor-in-chief of “Vatan ughrunda” journal.
In 1938, he joined the Institute of Language and Literature named after Nizami, ANAS, where his career included positions of department head, deputy director and director. In 1955, Mammad Dadashzade was elected a corresponding member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, becoming its full member in 1958.
In 1959, he worked as academic secretary at the Department of Public Sciences, ANAS. He served as vice-president of ANAS from 1960 until his death. In 1957, he was appointed Chair of Terminology Committee under the Presidium of ANAS. He was editor-in-chief of “ANAS News” journal, and headed Coordination Council of Cultural Relations of Transcaucasian Nations.
Mammad Dadashzade`s research interests laid in Azerbaijani, Russian and world literature, theory of literature, modern literary process, literary and cultural relations. He authored 30 books, and published over 300 papers, and translated a number of works.
In 1960, he was made “Merited Scientist”, and received State Award in 1974.

MIKAYIL HASAN RAFILI
(1905-1958)
Literary critic

Mikayil Rafili was born on 25 April 1905. He received secondary education at Yelizavetpol (present day Ganja) classical seminary. He studied at Azerbaijan Technical University, and attended courses at Baku State University, Faculty of Oriental Studies. In 1927, he did postgraduate studies at Moscow State University, continuing his postgraduate education in Leningrad (USSR Academy of Sciences) in 1935-1936. In 1929, he was elected a delegate to the first congress of All-Union proletariat writers. He wrote a script for “Sabuhi”, and also wrote “Shirvanshah Ibrahim” play.  In 1936, he defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD degree in 1944 and professorship in 1945. From 1930 to 1935, he served as a teacher and associate professor at the Department of Russian Literature, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, and deputy head of the department of culture at “Bakinskiy rabochiy” newspaper. In 1934-1935, Mikayil Rafili worked as a research fellow at Azerbaijan branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences. In 1935, he became a member of Azerbaijani Writers` Union. In 1938, he served as a professor at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and Baku State University. From 1939 to 1941, he was employed as the first chair of the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature (present day Department of Classical Azerbaijani Literature). His major research areas covered various aspects of Azerbaijani literature and literary studies. He published nearly 20 monographs and books, and nearly 300 papers and articles in the field of literary criticism. Mikayil Rafili translated numerous works. He was awarded “Badge of Honor” Order and a number of medals.

ALI ABDULLA SULTANLI
(1906-1960)
Literary critic

Ali Sultanli was born on 25 December 1906. From 1923 to 1928, he studied at Nakhchıvan Teachers` Seminary. He worked at Baku State University from 1929 until his death. From 1934 to 1939, he chaired the Department of Literature of Foreign Countries, and served as the university`s vice-rector from 1939 to 1941. He defended a PhD thesis in 1939, obtaining a ScD degree in 1946 and professorship in 1948. From 1951 to 1953 and from 1957 to 1959, he chaired the Department of Philology. In 1941, he became chair of the Department of Literature of Foreign Countries, a post he held until his death. He was employed as a literary worker at “Sharq qapisi” newspaper. He worked at BSU from 1929 until his death. Ali Sultanli was the first Azerbaijani PhD and ScD in foreign literature in the field of philology.
Ali Sultanli` s research areas laid in comparative study of Azerbaijani and world literature. He authored the first Azerbaijani language textbook and collections on foreign literature. He was the first to publish “Collection of Literary Works of Medieval and Renaissance period” in Azerbaijan. Ali Sultanli authored a number of books, including “Works of Goethe”, “The Drama of M.F. Akhundov”, “Military Short Stories of Mopassan”, “People`s Drama in Azerbaijan”, “Literary Studies and Aesthetics in Rome and Greece”, “Shakespeare and his 12th Night”, “Literature and Literary Studies in Antiquity”, “Dramaturgy of Rashid bay Afandiyev”, “Dada Qorqud and Greek Epics,” “Nizami and Western European Literature”, “Ostrovski and Azerbaijani Drama”, “History of Ancient Literature”, “History of Development of Azerbaijani Drama”. He supervised tens of PhD students to completion.

MIRZAAGHA YUZBASHI QULUZADE
(1907-1979)
Literary critic

Mirzaagha Quluzade was born on 24 October 1907. From 1923 to 1927, he studied at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical Vocational School. From 1927 to 1932, he worked as a teacher at Salyan local school. In 1932, he entered  Azerbaijan State Pedagogical Institute, Faculty of Language and Literature. After completing his higher education in 1936, he worked as a teacher at Qazax Pedagogical Vocational School. From 1939 to 1941, Mirzaagha Quluzade did postgraduate studies at Azerbaijan branch of USSR Academy of Sciences.
From 1948 to 1956, he worked as an instructor at Baku State University. From 1948 to 1952, he was deputy director of the Institute of Literature named  after Nizami, ANAS, serving as its director from 1952 to 1958 and from 1969 to 1979
In 1948, he defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD degree in 1956. He authored several monographs, including “A Poet of Big Ideas”, “Nizami Ganjavi” and “Fuzuli`s Lyrics”.  He authored and edited the first volume of “History of Azerbaijani literature” book. His researches centered around ancient and medieval Azerbaijani literature. Mirzaagha Quluzade supervised tens of PhD students to completion.

SALIM ABDULLATIF JAFAROV
(1907-1978)
Linguist

Salim Jafarov was born on 1 June 1907. In 1923, he entered  Shaki Teachers` Seminary, finishing it in 1926. From 1926 to 1930, he worked as a teacher in Dagestan. In 1932, he entered  State Pedagogical Institute in the city of Ordzhonikidze. From 1933 to 1936, he studied at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Faculty of Language and Literature. In 1933, he created Sakhur alphabet, founding Sakhur literary language. In 1946, he defended a PhD thesis, achieving a ScD degree in 1959. In 1947, he was made an associate professor and in 1961 a professor.
From 1953 to 1978, Salim Jafarov served as an associate professor and professor at the Department of Azerbaijani Linguistics, BSU. From 1960 to 1970, he chaired the Department of Ibero-Caucasian languages, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. His research interests laid in lexicology of Azerbaijani language. He published six monographs, 23 textbooks, 10 education handbooks and more than 85 papers. He supervised 27 PhD and eight ScD students to completion. Salim Jafarov received State Award in 1974.

NASIR NASIRZADE MAMMADOV
(1907-1982)
Linguist

Nasir Mammadov was born on 10 May 1907. In 1925, he completed his secondary education. In 1928, he entered  Transcaucasian Communist University, graduating in three years. He was appointed chair of the Department for Educational Affairs at Nakhchivan Party School. In 1937, he worked as an acting associate professor at the Department of General Linguistics, Baku State University. From 1943-1945, he was director of Nakhchivan Teachers` Institute named after J. Mammadquluzade, where he also chaired the Department of Linguistics. In 1945, Nasir Mammadov returned to BSU Department of General Linguistics, where he served as an associate professor and professor for 22 years. He defended a PhD thesis in 1947, and got a ScD degree in 1964. In 1967, he chaired the Department of Azerbaijani Linguistics, Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Languages named after M.F. Akhundov. In 1972, he again started working as a professor at BSU Department of General Linguistics. Nasir Mammadov is one of the founders of theoretical linguistics in Azerbaijan. He authored “Fundamentals of Linguistics” and “Introduction to Linguistics” textbooks.

 

AKRAM SAFTAR JAFAROV
(1905-1991)
Linguist, literary critic

Akram Jafarov was born in May 1905. From 1920 to 1925, he studied at “Darulmuallim” in Baku, and from 1929 to 1932 at Moscow State University, Department of Russian Language and Literature. From 1929 to 1931, he was secretary at Azerbaijani section of Moscow Writers` Society. In 1934, he completed his postgraduate studies, and stayed in Moscow for another two years working as a research fellow.
In 1937, he served as department chair at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical Institute and then at Azerbaijan State University. In 1941, he defended a PhD thesis on “Stages of development of Azerbaijani literary language in the 20th century (1905-1936)” supervised by academician A.N. Samoylovich. In 1969, he defended a ScD thesis on “Theoretical fundamentals of aruz (poetic meter) and Azerbaijani aruz”.
In 1954, he worked as a senior research fellow at the Institute of Literature named after Nizami, ANAS, and then at the Institute of Oriental Studies.
He was one of the authors of “Azerbaijani Soviet Encyclopedia”. A polyglot, Akram Jafarov translated rubais of Omar Khayyam into Azerbaijani in 1984.
In 1982, he supervised the publication of a collection of works of Huseyn Javid on the occasion of the poet`s centennial. He carried out researches into Azerbaijani literary language.
He played an important role in publishing “Explanatory dictionary of Azerbaijani language”. In 2006, he published the first rhyme dictionary in the history of Oriental literary studies – “Rhyme dictionary of M. A. Sabir poem”.
He authored “Elements of linguistics” and “Modern Azerbaijani language sketches” books. He supervised a number of PhD students to completion.

MIR JALAL ALI PASHAYEV
(1908-1978)
Literary critic

Mir Jalal Pashayev was born on 26 April 1908. In 1932, he graduated from Kazan Eastern Pedagogical Institute, Department of Literature, and entered  Azerbaijan State Scientific Research Institute to do his postgraduate studies. From 1932 to 1935, he served as a research fellow and from 1944 to 1960 as department head at the Institute of Literature named after Nizami, ANAS. He worked as department head at “Communist” newspaper and secretary at “Young Worker” newspaper.
In 1933, he joined Baku State University, serving as a teacher and associate professor. From 1961 to 1978, he chaired the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature (present day Classical Azerbaijani Literature). He defended a PhD thesis in 1940, and achieved a ScD degree in 1947 and professorship in 1948.
In 1928, Mir Jalal Pashayev embarked on literary activity. He was an outstanding representative of the Azerbaijani belles-lettres. In 1934, he became a member of Azerbaijan Writers Union.
He is co-author of “History of Azerbaijani literature” three-volume book (second volume), “Twentieth century Azerbaijani literature” and “Fundamentals of literary studies” textbooks.
He contributed widely to the establishment of the academic school of 20th century Azerbaijani literature and theory of literature. He authored six novels and nearly 300 works.
He published 80 books in Russian and other languages, and nearly 700 literary and critical articles, and translated nine books. He is one of the founders of contemporary Azerbaijani literature and literary studies. Mir Jalal Pashayev supervised 36 PhD and tens of ScD students to completion.
He was the recipient of “October Revolution”, “Red Labor Flag” and “Badge of Honor” orders, medals for ““For Valiant Labor in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945” and for “Labor Valour”, “Leading Enlightener” Badge. In 1969, he was awarded the title “Merited Scientist”. In 2008, his centennial was widely celebrated by UNESCO.

HADI ISMAYIL MIRZAZADE
(1908-1965)
Linguist

Hadi Mirzazade was born in February 1908. In 1925, he entered  Baku State University, Faculty of Oriental Studies, graduating in 1929. In 1947, he defended a PhD thesis, and obtained a ScD degree in 1960. He was made a professor in 1961. Starting from 1931 he worked as a senior teacher, department chair and dean at pedagogical schools in Nakhchivan and Shamakhi, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical Institute, Qazakh Pedagogical Institute, and head of the department of Language and Literature at Supreme Party School under the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan.
Hadi Mirzazade`s researches focused on history of the grammar of Azerbaijani language. Having worked as a professor at BSU for many years, he summarized his researches on morphological structure of Azerbaijani language, and published “Historical Morphology of Azerbaijani Language” monograph in 1962. He was one of the founders of “History of Azerbaijani Language” study course.
He authored eight books and published over 60 papers. From 1953 to 1955, he gave lectures on modern Turkish language at Sofia University, Bulgaria.

HIDAYAT ALI AFANDIYEV
(1908-1979)
Literary critic

Hidayat Afandiyev was born on 1 August 1908. From 1922 to 1925, he studied at Baku Teachers` Seminary. In 1953, he defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD degree in 1973. From 1925 to 1927, he worked as a teacher in Shamakhi. While working in Baku schools, he continued his education at Supreme Pedagogical Institute. He was appointed an instructor/methodologist at Aghdash Enlightenment Department. From 1932 to 1935, he worked as a political editor at Azerbaijan Central Press Office. From 1935-1941, he served as an instructor at Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute. From 1941-1946, Hidayat Afandiyev, who held the rank of a captain, did his military service as a political employee. In 1946, he joined Baku State University, and worked as a teacher and associate professor at the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature (present day Classical Azerbaijani Literature). He was a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union.
Hidayat Afandiyev devoted his life to studying Azerbaijani belles-lettres and prose. He published two monographs, several textbooks and tens of papers.


MAMMADAGHA SHIRALI SHIRALIYEV
(1909-1991)
Linguist

Mammadagha Shiraliyev was born on 19 September 1909. From 1927 to 1931, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Oriental Studies. He did postgraduate studies at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University in 1933-1936. He was one of the first postgraduate students of outstanding Turkologist B. Chobanzade. In 1941-1942 and from 1949 to 1960, he chaired the Department of General Linguistics, from 1942 to 1945 worked as dean of the Faculty of Philology, BSU. Mammadagha Shiraliyev served as the university`s vice-rector for research from 1945 to 1949. From 1949-1951 and from 1967-1987, he was director of ANAS Institute of Language and Literature. In 1968-1969, he worked as academic secretary of Public Sciences Department, ANAS.
Mammadagha Shiraliyev defended a PhD thesis in 1941. Mammadagha Shiraliyev got a ScD degree in philology in 1943. In 1949, he was elected a corresponding member of Azerbaijan SSR Academy of Sciences, becoming its full member in 1962. The same year he received the title “Merited Scientist”.
In 1953-1954, he headed the Department of Turkish Philology at Sofia University, Bulgaria. In 1963, he taught Turkish Language at Warsaw and Cracow universities.
Mammadagha Shiraliyev published 10 monographs, and more than 100 papers. He is the founder of the geography of linguistics in Turkology and Azerbaijan. He supervised the publication of “Dialectological Atlas of Azerbaijani Language” and “Dialectological Atlas of Turkic Languages”.
Academician Shiraliyev received State Award for his “Fundamentals of Azerbaijani dialectology” work.

HAMID MAMMADTAGHI ARASLI
(1909-1983)
Literary critic

Hamid Arasli was born on 23 February 1909. He studied at Ganja Darulmuallim Seminary in 1922-1926. In 1929, he entered  Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Faculty of Language and Literature, graduating ahead of schedule. In 1931, he was appointed deputy head of Ganja Enlightenment Department. He established Manuscripts Foundation, becoming its director. In 1936, he was elected a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union. In 1938-1939, he worked as an editor at the Department of Belles-lettres, Azernashr. In 1938, Hamid Arasli taught the history of Azerbaijani literature during the Middle Ages at the Faculty of Philology, BSU. In 1944, he chaired the Department of Near East Literature. He defended a PhD thesis in 1943, achieving a ScD degree in 1954 and becoming a professor in 1955. In 1958, he was elected a corresponding member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and became its full member in 1968. Hamid Arasli was awarded the title “Merited Artist” of Uzbekistan in 1968, and received the same title in Azerbaijan in 1979. He was the first to publish “Kitabi-Dada Qorqud” epic poem in 1939. He published more than 10 monographs, and over 200 papers. He contributed greatly to the study and publication of ancient and medieval Azerbaijani literature and sagas.

ABDULAZAL MAMMAD DAMIRCHIZADE
(1909-1979)
Linguist

Abdulazal Damirchizade was born in 1909. He finished Shaki Teachers` Seminary. In 1925, he started his working career as a teacher at a local school. In 1929, he entered  Baku State University, Faculty of Pedagogy. In 1933, he embarked on postgraduate studies at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Department of Languages. In 1940, he defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD degree in 1944 and professorship in 1945. From 1940 to 1943, he chaired the Department of Linguistics at BSU. Abdulazal Damirchizade served as chair of the Department of Linguistics at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University from 1943 until his death.
In 1955, he was elected a corresponding member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. He was the recipient of “Merited Scientist” title and State Award. Abdulazal Damirchizade published more than 20 books and over 200 papers. He supervised more than 50 PhD and ScD students to completion.

MAMMAD JAFAR ZEYNALABDIN JAFAROV
(1909 – 1992)
Literary critic

Mammad Jafar Jafarov was born on 9 May 1909. From 1928 to 1932, he studied at Nakhchivan Pedagogical Vocational School. He then continued his education at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Faculty of Language and Literature. He worked as department head at “Young Worker” and “Enlightener” newspapers from 1932-1935. He did his postgraduate studies in Arabic literature from 1935 to 1938. In 1939, he joined Azerbaijan Writers` Union.
From 1949 to 1951, he served as dean of the Faculty of Philology, Baku State University. Mammad Jafar Jafarov worked as a senior lectureer at Baku Teachers` Institute, associate professor and chair of BSU Department of Russian Literature, department head and editor at “Adabiyyat” (Literature)newspaper, deputy director of Quba Teachers` Institute, head of departments of Soviet Literature and Theory of Literature and director of the Institute of Language and Literature named after Nizami, ANAS (1982-1984).
In 1976, he was elected a full member of ANAS, and served as academic secretary at the academy`s Section of Public Sciences from 1984-1987.
In 1987, he was a senior research fellow at the Institute of Manuscripts, ANAS.
Mammad Jafar Jafarov`s research interests laid in Azerbaijani-Russian literary relations, history of Azerbaijani literature in the 19th-20th centuries and theory of literature.
He supervised tens of PhD and ScD students to completion. He received the “Badge of Honor” Order twice, and was awarded the title “Merited Scientist”.

JAFAR KHANDAN ZEYNAL HAJIYEV
(1910-1961)
Literary critic

Jafar Khandan Hajiyev was born on 8 May 1910. In 1925, he graduated from Ganja Pedagogical Vocational School, entering Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. He graduated in 1930, and started postgraduate studies. In 1939, he defended a PhD thesis, and obtained a ScD degree in 1948. He achieved professorship in 1949. From 1932 to 1941, he served as a teaching assistant, teacher, associate professor and department chair at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical Institute, secretary at “Adabiyyat qazeti” newspaper, head of literature department at “Ganj ishchi” newspaper. In 1938, Jafar Khandan became a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union. Conscripted into the Soviet army in 1941, he fought against the Nazis as a political leader and journalist. He also served as an editor in front newspapers. From 1947 to 1950, he chaired the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature and Department of Philology at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical Institute. From 1950 to 1954, he served as BSU rector, chairing the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature from 1951 to 1961. His researches covered all stages of the history of Azerbaijani literature. He published more than 370 papers. Jafar Khandan made a crucial contribution to the development of Azerbaijani science and the training of specialists. He supervised 23 ScD and tens of PhD students to completion.

ALIYAR MAHAMMAD QARABAGHLI
(1901-1969)
Literary critic

Aliyar Qarabaghli was born in Borchalı district in 1901. He finished Qazakh Seminary. In 1921, he opened the first secular school in the village of Yekbaddin, Borchali. In 1926, he entered  the Teachers` Training Specialized School. In 1928, he graduated from Turkish Pedagogical Vocational School. In 1931, he graduated from Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University. From 1934 to 1954, Aliyar Qarabaghli worked as department head at Azerbaijan State Scientific and Research Institute. In 1949, he defended a PhD thesis, and was made a professor in 1967. He was a renowned lecturer. He gave lectures on Azerbaijani literature at BSU from 1941 until his death. Aliyar Qarabaghli authored “Methodology of Teaching Azerbaijani Literature” textbook, and published five monographs and nearly 150 papers. He supervised nearly 7 PhD and ScD students to completion.

ABDULLA HUSEYN VALIYEV
(1910-1986)
Linguist

Abdulla Valiyev was born in February 1910. From 1927 to 1931, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Oriental Studies. In 1939, he began his teaching career at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University. In 1939-1940, he served as deputy dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the university, chairing the Department of Azerbaijani and Russian languages in 1941. In 1943, he joined Baku State University, where he continued his research and teaching activity. In 1952, he defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD degree in 1975. Abdulla Valiyev was made a professor in 1979. From 1954 to 1960, he chaired the Department of Azerbaijani Language, BSU. In 1969, he became an associate professor at the Department of Turkology, getting  professorship in 1979. His research interests focused on Azerbaijani language dialects. He authored four books, three works and several papers. He supervised a PhD student to completion.

ABBAS FATTAH ZAMANOV
(1911-1993)
Literary critic

Abbas Zamanov was born on 10 October 1911. From 1921 to 1927, he studied at Baku Pedagogical Vocational School. In 1933-1934, he served as deputy editor at “Ganch ishi” newspaper, from 1937 to 1939 editor at “Adabiyyat” newspaper and department head at Azernashr. In 1939, he graduated from Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Faculty of Language and Literature, and started his teaching activity. In 1968, he defended a PhD thesis, and achieved professorship in 1971. In 1940-1941, he headed Opera Theatre and Philharmonic. From 1948 to 1960, Abbas Zamanov worked as a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Philology, BSU, from 1960 to 1968 as a research fellow at the Institute of Literature named after Nizami, ANAS, from 1968 to 1971 as director of Museum of Literature named after Nizami, ANAS, from 1971 to 1979, as chair of the Department of Azerbaijani Literature, BSU. In 1979, he was made a professor at the Department of Azerbaijani Literature.
He studied the works of mollanasraddin poets and writers, particularly M.A. Sabir. He published more than 10 monographs and more than 500 papers.
His “Sabir and contemporaries” monograph was published in Tabriz, and “Jalil Mammadquluzade” essay in Tehran in Persian language. Abbas Zamanov engaged in text studies. He compiled and published works by J. Mammadquluzade, M. A. Sabir, A. Haqverdiyev, N. Narimanov, S. Huseyn, H. Nazarli and others in Russian and Azerbaijani languages.
Abbas Zamanov was a corresponding member of the Turkish Language Authority, and was an honorary doctor of Konya and Selcuk universities. He was awarded “Patriotic War” first degree Order and several other orders.
Professor Zamanov contributed greatly to the promotion of Azerbaijani literature abroad. There is “Abbas Zamanov” library in Turkey, featuring the books donated by the professor.

AKBAR MAMMAD AGHAYEV
(1915 –1989)
Literary critic

Akbar Aghayev was born on 21 March 1915. He graduated from Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Department of Language and Literature. After graduating from Moscow Higher Diplomatic School, he worked at various media outlets. He also served as a professor at ANAS Institute of Literature named after Nizami and Baku State University, giving lectures on world literature.
In 1963, he defended a PhD thesis, achieving a ScD degree in 1973. From 1974 to 1976, he headed the Faculty of Philology, BSU.
He published a number of works, including “M.Y. Lermontov” (1941), “A.I. Gertsen” (1962), “Creativity issues” (1962), “Nizami and world literature” (1964), etc. Akbar Aghayev also translated world literature samples into Azerbaijani, including “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe, “The Archipelago on Fire” by Jules Verne, “The Adventures of Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens, and “The Art of Poetry” by Nicolas Boileau Despreaux.
He was a member of Writers` Union, and the recipient of the title “Merited Higher School Worker”.
ALOVSAT ZAKIR ABDULLAYEV
(1920-1993)
Linguist

Alovsat Abdullayev was born on 17 February 1920. In 1950, he graduated with honors from Baku State University, and started his postgraduate studies. In 1954, he defended a PhD thesis, achieving a ScD  degree in 1963 and professorship in 1964. From 1961 to 1967, he served as dean of the Faculty of Philology, BSU. From 1967 to 1988, he chaired the Department of Modern Azerbaijani Language and from 1971 to 1976 worked as the university`s vice-rector for academic affairs. He published more than 140 papers and over 15 monographs on topical problems of Azerbaijani language.
Alovsat Abdullayev was the first to study isolation and additional categories, particles, predicate, mixed complex sentences, transformation of the content of compound sentences, and included them in higher education programme.
He authored several books on linguistics, and co-authored two academic editions, and four-volume “Modern Azerbaijani Language” textbook. He supervised three ScD and 29 PhD students to completion.
Alovsat Abdullayev was a member of editorial staffs of ANAS Institute of Linguistics named after Nasimi and Azerbaijan Encyclopedia, and sat on the Commission on Application of Azerbaijani Language and Alphabet Commission.
In 1983, he was elected a corresponding member of Turkish Language Authority, becoming its full member in 1984. In 1974, he received State Award, “Merited Scientist” title, and several medals and orders of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

MAMMAD TAGHI TAGHIYEV
(1921-1994)
Linguist

Mammad Taghiyev was born on 28 April 1921. He graduated from Azerbaijan State Teachers Institute. In 1954, he defended a PhD thesis and obtained a ScD degree in 1966 in Moscow. He was made a professor in 1968. From 1963 to 1970, he chaired the Department of Russian Language, BSU. From 1970-1972, he was rector of Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Languages named after M.F.Akhundov. From 1972 to 1994, Mammad Taghiyev served as chair of the Department of Modern Russian Language. He was the recipient of “Red Labor Flag”, “Red Star” orders and medals. He founded Russian language and literature studies in Azerbaijan, and was the first Azerbaijani to achieve a ScD degree in Russian linguistics. Mammad Taghiyev addressed All-Union scientific conferences on Russian linguistics problems, including the third Congress of USSR Teachers (Moscow, 1978). He published more than 200 papers on lexicology, lexicography, phraseology, phraseography, history, syntax and linguistic methodology of Russian language, and Russian language textbooks for Azerbaijani schools. He studied the teaching of Russian language in national schools, and contributed considerably to the training of specialists in Russian language and literature. Mammad Taghiyev was awarded the title “Merited Artist” in 1981.

AZIZA MAMMAD JAFARZADE
(1921-2003)
Literary critic

Aziza Jafarzade was born on 29 December 1921. She studied at a drama colledge and the two-year Teachers` Institute. In 1942-1944, she worked as a teacher in Aghsu. In 1950, she defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD degree in 1970. From 1944-1946, she headed Screenplay Department at “Azerbaijanfilm” studio. In 1947-1949, she was director of Drama Vocational School, from 1950-1955 an associate professor and department head at the Pedagogical Institute. In 1956, Aziza Jafarzade served as an associate professor at Kamchatka Pedagogical Institute. From 1957 to 1974, she worked as a senior research fellow and department head at ANAS Institute of Manuscripts. In 1974, she embarked on a career at Baku State University, working as a professor at the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature and from 1989 at the Department of Folklore.
She supervised tens of scientists in Azerbaijan and Central Asian republics. She published more than 20 books and hundreds of papers. Her research interests laid in Azerbaijan literature of the 8th century.
She became a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union in 1946. Her stories and novels have been translated into many languages. In 2001, she was awarded the title of a People`s Writer, and received “People`s Friendship” and “Shohrat” orders.


NAJAF NAZIM ISLAM QULIYEV
(1922-2008)
Literary critic

Najaf Quliyev was born on 10 March 1922.  He started his working career as secretary at “Araz” newspaper in Fuzuli region (1938-1941). A participant of the World War Two, he was demobilized as a second group disabled after being wounded twice on the frontline (1941-1944).
He then worked as head of the Mobilization Department in Fuzuli (1944-1947), special correspondent at “Bakinskiy Rabochiy” newspaper (1947-1974). In 1952, he graduated from Baku State University, Faculty of Philology.
In 1963, he completed his postgraduate studies, and achieved a ScD degree in 1982.
Najaf Quliyev worked as vice-rector for education and research at Daghlig-Qarabagh State Pedagogical Institute (1974-1988). At BSU, he served as a professor and head of the Azerbaijani exile literature and belles-lettres research laboratory.
In 1985, he became a member of Writers` Union. He was the recipient of the Patriotic War Order of the first and second degrees, 13 medals, two certificates of recognition and “The Best Student” badge.

ZINYAT ALIHEYDAR ALIZADE
(1922 –1998)
Linguist

Zinyat Alizade was born on 26 December 1922. In 1941, she entered  Baku State University, Faculty of Philology, graduating with honors in 1951. The same year she began her teaching career at BSU. In 1963, she defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD degree in 1981. She became a professor in 1985. She published more than 150 papers and four books. She also published several monographs, including “Modal Words in Modern Azerbaijani Language”, “Lexical and Semantic Features of Azerbaijani Proverbs and Sayings”, and “History of Azerbaijani Proverbs”. Zinyat Alizade participated in Turkological conferences and congresses in Turkey, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. She supervised a number of PhD students. She was the recipient of the title “Merited Scientist” and “Labor Veteran” Medal.

GULHUSEYN HUSEYN ABDULLAYEV
(1923-2013)
Literary critic

Gulhuseyn Abdullayev was born on 16 October 1923. From 1942 to 1947, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. In 1947, he embarked on postgraduate studies at the university. In 1948, he was arrested as one of the founders of an underground organization struggling for Azerbaijan`s independence. In 1956, he was acquitted. He started his working career during his student years, when he contributed to “Communist” newspaper in 1942. From 1945 to 1947, he worked for “Adabiyyat” newspaper, and in 1947-1948 at Young Spectator`s Theatre. In 1957, he joined BSU, where his appointments included an instructor and senior lecturer at the Department of Classical Azerbaijani Literature, Faculty of Philology, and an associate professor and professor at the Department of Modern Azerbaijani Literature (1988). He is the author of the first monograph about Mikayıl Mushfiq. Gulhuseyn Abdullayev was known as the founder of Azerbaijani prose poem. In 1958, he became a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union. He authored nearly 30 books. His works have been translated into many languages. In 2005, he was made a People`s Writer, and was the holder of an individual pension of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (2002).

SEYFULLA QUDRAT ASADULLAYEV
(1924-2011)
Literary critic

Seyfulla Asadullayev was born in 1924. He spent from 1942 to 1945 at the Great Patriotic War. From 1947 to 1949, he studied at Azerbaijan State Teachers Institute. In 1951, he graduated with honors from Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University. From 1956 to 1959, he was a postgraduate student at the Department of Russian Soviet Literature, Faculty of Philology, Lomonosov Moscow State University. From 1959-1966, he served as a teacher, senior teacher, associate professor and faculty dean at Azerbaijan University of Languages. In 1959, he defended a PhD thesis, achieving a ScD degree in 1970 and professorship in 1971. At BSU, Seyfulla Asadullayev chaired the Department of History of Russian Literature from 1967 to 1984, and the Department of Modern Russian Literature from 1984 to 2011. He was a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union and International Union of Literature Researchers. His researches focused on Russian literature, theory of literature and Russian-Azerbaijani literary relations. He authored 20 monographs, two books and more than 500 critical articles. He supervised 26 PhD and 11 ScD students to completion. He was the recipient of the title “Merited Scientist” and “Shohrat” Order.

VAQIF ALI VALIYEV
(1924-1998)
Literary critic

Vaqif Valiyev was born on 31 December 1924. In 1949, he entered  Baku State University, Faculty of Philology, graduating with honors. In 1958, he defended a PhD thesis, and obtained a ScD degree in 1970. He spent major part of his career on studying problems of Azerbaijani folklore. In 1970, he published “Azerbaijani Folklore” textbook for higher schools. This textbook was re-published in 1985. Vaqif Valiyev authored over 100 papers on various issues related to Azerbaijani folklore. He authored “A Warm Stream of Words”, “Heroic Sagas” monographs, and “Ayrim Adornments” and “Bayatis” (co-author) books. For 40 years Vaqif Valiyev taught Azerbaijani folklore at Baku State University, and contributed to the preparation of folklore specialists. He supervised a number of PhD and ScD students to completion.

BAKHTIYAR MAHMUD VAHABZADE
(1925-2009)
Literary critic

Bakhtiyar Vahabzade was born on 16 August 1925. From 1942 to 1947, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology.
In 1948, he started postgraduate studies in Azerbaijani literature at BSU. He published his first poem book “Mother and picture” in 1943. His first book titled “My friends” featured lyrical poems about the feelings and thoughts of the people, who defeated fascism.
In 1951, he defended a PhD thesis, achieving a ScD degree in 1964 and professorship in 1965. In 1950, he took up a teaching job at the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature. He founded the Department of Modern Azerbaijani Literature in 1970, chairing it until 1971.
He worked as a professor there until 2009. He also engaged in literary criticism. In 1981, he was elected a member of the Board of the USSR Writers Union. In 1980, he joined Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences as a corresponding member, becoming a full member in 2000.
He sat on the Board of Directors of Azerbaijan Writers` Union and Council of Elders (1991). Bakhtiyar Vahabzade was a member of Baku People`s Deputies Soviet and Azerbaijan Supreme Soviet of 10th convocation, and the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan from 1995 to 2000.
In 1976, he received State Award, and was awarded the title of a People`s Poet in 1984. He was awarded “Istiqlal” Order in 1995.
Bakhtiyar Vahabzade published two monographs and 11 scientific books. He also authored more than 70 poem books and hundreds of articles, and 20 epics.
His works have been translated into many languages, including English, French, German, Persian, Polish, Hungarian and languages of former Soviet republics.

PANAH IMRAN KHALILOV
(1925-2019)
Literary critic

Panah Khalilov was born on 1 July 1925. From 1943 to 1948, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. In 1948, he began a working career at BSU, serving as a teacher, senior teacher and associate professor at the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature. In 1951, he defended a PhD thesis, obtaining a ScD degree in 1969 and professorship in 1972. From 1973 to 1989 and from 2004 to 2012, he chaired the Department of Literature of Turkic Nations, Faculty of Philology, BSU. In 2012, he was appointed an advising professor at the department.
His research interests lie in literature of Turkic nations. He has published a number of textbooks, includng “Literature of Turkic Nations” and “Fundamentals of literature studies” (co-authored together with M.J. Pashayev). Panah Khalilov has also authored 25 books and over 300 papers. He has supervised two ScD and five PhD students to completion. He received the title “Merited Teacher” in 2000, and has been the holder of an individual presidential pension since 2002.

FARIDA SHAMIL VAZIROVA
(1924-1986)
Literary critic

Farida Vazirova was born on 15 February 1924. In 1940, she entered  Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. In 1942, she was voluntarily conscripted into the army, where she served as a communications engineer. In 1945, she continued her education after being demobilized.
From 1949 to 1952, she did postgraduate studies at BSU. In 1956, she defended a PhD thesis.
Her working career started at “Azerbaijan muellimi” (Azerbaijani teacher) newspaper in 1948. In 1952-1953, she headed the department of criticism at “Azerbaijan” newspaper, and served as a senior teacher and associate professor at the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature, BSU. She started working as a professor in 1980. In 1981, she received “Labor Veteran” medal. As a literary critic, Farida Vazirova researched into Azerbaijani and Russian literature (“Fundamentals of Literary Studies” 1963, “Ancient Russian Literature”, “Russian Literature – 18th century”, “Azerbaijani Soviet Literature”, “Literary Notes, Researches”).

NAMIDA KABI ABBASOVA
(1925-1994)
Linguist

Namida Abbasova was born in 1925. From 1945 to 1948, she studied at Baku State University. In 1942-1943, she did postgraduate studies at the university. From 1954 to 1964, she worked as an associate professor at the Department of Azerbaijani Linguistics, serving as a professor from 1981 to 1994. She was the recipient of the title “Merited Higher School Worker”. Namida Abbasova published over 120 papers. She is the author of the monograph titled “Word in Jafar Jabbarly Drama”.

KAMIL YUSIF ALIYEV
(1928-2000)
Linguist

Kamil Aliyev was born on 8 November 1928. He started his working career in 1944. From 1947 to 1953, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. He worked as a teacher and principal at local schools until 1963. From 1963 to 1968, he was employed at the Institute of Language and Literature named  after Nizami, ANAS. In 1967, he defended a PhD thesis, and obtained a ScD degree in 1989.
In 1971, he joined BSU as an associate professor at the Department of Azerbaijani Linguistics, where he was promoted to a professor in 1991.
Kamil Aliyev`s research interests included stylistics, speech standards and oratory. He gave courses on stylistics of Azerbaijani literary language, fundamentals of speech standards. He founded oratory courses which were attended by students at the faculties of Law and Oriental Studies. He also taught Arabic and Persian for Russian language students in 1971-1972.
His “Oratory” and “Fundamentals of Speech Standards and Stylistics” textbooks are today widely used by both students, teachers and professors.
Kamil Aliyev published over 13 books and 200 papers.

JAMAL MAHARRAM AHMADOV
(1928-1999)
Literary critic

Jamal Ahmadov was born in the village of Ashaghi Askipara, Qazakh region, in 1928. In 1945, he finished a secondary school in Morul village, Shamkir region, and entered  Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. He graduated in 1950, starting his postgraduate studies at Azerbaijan Pedagogical Sciences Research Institute. He defended a PhD thesis in 1954, and achieved a ScD degree and professorship in 1970. He was the first doctor of sciences in the methodology of literature teaching in Azerbaijan. In 1968, he joined BSU, where he worked at the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature (present day Classical Azerbaijani Literature) until his death. Jamal Ahmadov`s research interests laid in the methodology of Azerbaijani language and literature teaching, and history of literature teaching. He authored “Methodology of Literature Teaching” textbook. Jamal Ahmadov published more than 10 books and monographs, 25 textbooks and a number of education handbooks. He supervised over 10 PhD students to completion.

YUSIF MIR AHMAD SEYIDOV
(1929-2013)
Linguist

Yusif Seyidov was born on 2 May 1929. In 1946, he graduated from Nakhchivan State Teachers` Institute, Faculty of History and Philology, and in 1952 from Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. In 1956, he defended a PhD thesis, and obtained a ScD degree in 1966. In 1965, he established the Department of Methodology of Azerbaijani Language and Literature Teaching, which he headed until 2013. From 1985 to 2006, he chaired the university`s Education and Methodological Council, and headed the philological section at the Scientific and Methodological Council, Ministry of Education. He also served as deputy chair of the Expert Council, Higher Attestation Commission. In 1974, he received State Award. He was also the recipient of the title “Merited Scientist”. Yusif Seyidov authored more than 150 papers and 30 books on problems of theory and application of philology. He summarized his researches in a 15 volume book, with 11 volumes already published. He supervised more than 50 PhD students to completion.

FARHAD RAMAZAN ZEYNALOV
(1929-1984)
Linguist

Farhad Zeynalov was born on 22 June 1929. He completed his secondary education in 1947. In 1948, he entered  Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. He graduated with honors in Azerbaijani language and literature, logic and psychology in 1953. He spent from 1953 to 1956 in Russia, where he did his postgraduate studies at Lomonosov Moscow State University. He defended a PhD thesis in 1957, getting a ScD degree in 1966. In 1947-1948, he worked as director of Ordubad city culture house. In 1957, he started his teaching career at BSU, the Department of General Linguistics. In 1968, he achieved professorship. Farhad Zeynalov established the Department of Turkology at BSU in 1969, which he chaired until 1984. His research interests laid in Turkic languages and history of Azerbaijani language. He authored 11 books and 70 papers. He supervised six PhD students to completion. Farhad Zeynalov was a member of the International Altay Studies Congress.

QARA MUSTAFA NAMAZOV
(1930-2016)
Literary critic

Qara Namazov was born on 8 May 1930. In 1950, he entered  Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, but his education was disrupted when he was conscripted into the army. From 1956 to 1961, he studied at Baku State University. From 1962 to 1967, he worked as director of library and archive at the Institute of History, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. In 1966, Qara Namazov joined BSU, serving as a senior teacher, associate professor, and professor from 1989. In 1968, he defended a PhD thesis, and obtained a ScD degree in 1987. From 2002 to 2006, he worked as dean of the Faculty of Philology, from 2002 to 2008 as chair of the Department of Classical Azerbaijani Literature, from 2002 to 2012 as head of “Dada Qorqud” research center under the department. He was a professor at the department and deputy chair of the Thesis Council under BSU until 2013. He was the recipient of “Merited Teacher” and “Leading Education Worker” titles, “Golden Pen” media award, and “Shohrat” Order. He published “Azerbaijani children`s literature” textbook, “Ashyg`s saz and word”, “Ashygs” and other books. Qara Namazov published over 10 monographs, 30 books and 400 papers and articles. He supervised more than 20 PhD and a number of ScD students to completion.

JALAL MEHDI ABDULLAYEV
(1930-2010)
Literary critic

Jalal Abdullayev was born on 30 December 1930. He completed his secondary education in 1951. From 1951 to 1956, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. In 1958, he embarked on postgraduate studies in Azerbaijani literature. In 1962, he defended a PhD thesis, obtaining a ScD degree in 1974 and professorship in 1977. In 1957, he started a career at BSU, serving as an inspector at human resources department, continuing as an instructor, senior lecturer and associate professor at the Department of Philology. From 1979 to 2010, he chaired the Department of Modern Azerbaijani Literature. Jalal Abdullayev authored two textbooks, 14 books and 200 papers. He supervised 18 PhD and five ScD students to completion. From 1994 to 2001, he chaired the Thesis Council at the Faculty of Philology, and also was a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union.

MAHAMMAD SEYIDALI HASANOV
(1930-1998)
Linguist

Mahammad Hasanov was born on 20 March 1930. In 1946, he finished Pedagogical Vocational School in Garyagin (present day Fuzuli). He graduated with honors from Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Faculty of Language and Literature in 1953. In 1956, he completed his postgraduate studies in the methodology of Azerbaijani language teaching at the Institute of Education problems. He worked at Azerbaijan Teachers` Training Institute, Azerbaijan Pedagogical Research Institute and Baku Slavic University. Mahammad Hasanov worked at BSU from 1973 until his death, with his career including appointments of an associate professor and from 1992 a professor at the Department of Methodology of Azerbaijani Language and Literature Teaching. In 1962, he defended a PhD thesis on “The Teaching of Adjective in the Fifth Grade”, and a ScD thesis on “Linguistic and Didactic Fundamentals of the Teaching of Azerbaijani Language Syntax” in 1989. He authored nearly 100 methodological papers.

HASRAT ALI HASANOV
(1930-2009)
Linguist

Hasrat Hasanov was born on 2 May 1930. From 1949 to 1954, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. In 1964, he defended a PhD thesis, obtaining a ScD degree and professorship in 1980. He served as an instructor and senior lecturer at BSU Department of General Linguistics (1967), associate professor (1970-1980) and professor (from 1980) at the Department of Azerbaijani Linguistics.
His research interests laid in lexicology of Azerbaijani language, lexicology and speech standards problems, and general linguistics. He authored “The Dictionary of Azerbaijani Personal Names”, “The Etymological Dictionary of Azerbaijani Personal Names” and “The Dictionary of Azerbaijani Synonyms” (co-authored together with I. Mammadov), and also “Public Essence of Language”, “Writings and Alphabets”, “Interlinguistics” and “Speech Standards” books. Hasrat Hasanov published 26 books and over 130 papers.


MUSA ISRAFIL ADILOV
(1930-1996)
Linguist

Musa Adilov was born on 11 April 1930. In 1948, he entered  Baku State University, Faculty of Philology, graduating with honors in 1953. From 1953 to 1956, he did postgraduate studies at BSU. From 1956 to 1967, he worked at ANAS Institute of Linguistics named after Nasimi. He embarked on his working career in BSU at the Department of General Linguistics in 1967. In 1958, he defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD degree in 1966 and professorship in 1967. He chaired the Department of General Linguistics from 1991 to 1996. Musa Adilov`s research interests covered all areas of linguistics. He published widely on phonetics, lexicology, etymology, morphology, syntax, history of language, onomastics, stylistics, and speech standards. His works were summarized in four books that were published after his death. He authored 22 monographs, and over 210 papers. Musa Adilov supervised 16 PhD students to completion.

ABDULLA ASGAR ABASOV
(1930)
Literary critic

Abdulla Abasov was born on 9 March 1930. He finished his secondary education in 1944. From 1951 to 1955, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. In 1965, he defended a PhD thesis, obtaining a ScD degree in 1975 and professorship in 1976. He started his working career in BSU as a senior methodologist at the Faculty of Philology in 1966. In 1967, he joined the Department of Azerbaijani Language and Teaching Methodology as an instructor. In 1969, he served as deputy dean at the Faculty of Philology (correspondent education section) and from 1970 to 1980 at the faculty`s full-time education section. He sat on the Expert Council, Higher Attestation Commission under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He authored a number of books, including “Works of Uzeyir Hajıbayov”, “Press and literature”, “The Late Artist”, over 10 monographs and 300 papers. Abdulla Abasov supervised 15 PhD  and two ScD students to completion. He was the recipient of the title “Merited Teacher”.

BAYRAM HARUN TAHIRBAYOV
(1931)
Linguist

Bayram Tahirbayov was born in 1931. He received his primary education in Baku. He graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Philology. From 1950 to 1960, he worked at “Bakinskiy Rabochiy” and “Molodezh Azerbaydzhana” newspapers as deputy editor. In 1964, he achieved a ScD degree and professorship. He is a corresponding member of the International Mediterranean Academy specializing in Russian language, literature and history. From 1960 to 1990, he gave lessons at higher schools. At Baku State University, he chaired the Department of General Philology and World Literature. He chaired the Thesis Council (on General Linguistics and Theory of Literature index), Higher Attestation Commission. In 1989, he was appointed rector of Baku Slavic University, retiring in 1993. He currently lives in Moscow.

INAYAT HEYDAR BEKTASHI
(1931-1989)
Literary critic

Inayat Bektashi was born on 25 March 1931. From 1952 to 1954, he studied at Nakhchivan branch of Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, and from 1954 to 1959 at Baku State University, faculty of Philology. He then did his postgraduate studies at the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature, BSU. In 1961, he was employed as an instructor at this department. He defended a PhD thesis in 1963, achieving a ScD degree in 1979. He worked as a professor at BSU Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature from 1980 until his death. Inayat Bektashi published six monographs, more than 100 papers, and several books, including “Literature in the 20th Century Children`s Press”, “Abdulla bay Divanbayoghlu”, and “Firudin bay Kocharli`s Creative Activity””.

AGHAMUSA AGHASI AKHUNDOV
(1932-2015)
Linguist

Aghamusa Akhundov was born on 2 February 1932. He studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology (1950-1955) and Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Languages, Faculty of Western European Languages (1959-1965). He did postgraduate studies at BSU. His career at Baku State University included appointments as an instructor, senior lecturer, associate professor, professor at the Department of General Linguistics, dean of the Faculty of Philology (1967-1974 and 1980-1990), chair of the Department of General Linguistics (1981-1999). He also worked as director of the Institute of Linguistics, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and academic secretary at its Presidium.
He sat on the Committee of Soviet Turkologists (from 1974), and was a member of the editorial staff of “Phonetics, Linguistics, Communicative Research” international theoretical journal which was published in German Democratic Republic (from 1978). Aghamusa Akhundov also served as deputy chair of ANAS Terminology Commission, and was a member of the Toponymy Commission of the Presidium of Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet, AzerTAC`s translation council, and Board of Directors of Friendship Society of Azerbaijan and Arab countries. He taught Azerbaijani language and literature at Ain Shams University, Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt. He has also addressed international scientific conferences in Prague, Ankara, Belgrade, Kayseri and Istanbul. He gave a one-month course on Azerbaijani language and organized two conferences on Azerbaijani language at Kobe University and Tokyo Eastern Library at the University of Tokyo invited by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
He authored 32 books and 192 papers. In 2001, he was elected a corresponding member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, becoming its full member in 2007. In 1986, Aghamusa Akhundov received State Award, and in 1990 was awarded the title “Merited Scientist”. He received “Shohrat” Order in 2000.

TAHSIN MUTALLIM MUTALLIMOV
(1932)
Literary critic

Tahsin Mutallimov was born on 18 January 1932. From 1951 to 1956, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. In 1959, he embarked on postgraduate studies at BSU. He defended a PhD thesis in 1963, obtaining a ScD degree in 1975 and professorship in 1977. In 1961, he started his working career at BSU, joining the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature. He then served as an instructor, senior lecturer and associate professor at the Department of Classical Azerbaijani Literature, which he chaired from 1995 to 2000. He has been a professor at the department since 1978. In 1991, he received State Award for his “Abdurrahim bay Hagverdiyev`s Poetry” book. In 2001, he received “Golden Pen” award, and became the holder of an individual presidential pension in 2009. Tahsin Mutallimov was elected a member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences in 2014.
His research interests lie in topical issues and theoretical problems of classical and modern Azerbaijani literature. Tahsin Mutallimov has published nearly 150 papers and critical articles. He has supervised eight PhD students to completion.
KHALID ALIMIRZA ALIMIRZAYEV
(1932)
Literary critic

Khalid Alimirzayev was born on 16 December 1932. He completed his secondary education in 1947, and entered  Baku Railway Vocational School. In 1951, he was admitted to Baku State University, Faculty of Philology, graduating in 1956. From 1957 to 1960, he served as head of the educational section and a teacher in Hajalli village secondary school, Qabala region. In 1961, Khalid Alimirzayev embarked on postgraduate studies at BSU. He defended a PhD thesis in 1964, achieving a ScD degree in 1972. In 1963, he joined BSU, where his appointments included an instructor, senior lecturer and associate professor. In 1974, he was made a professor at the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature.
Khalid Alimirzayev`s research interests lie in the history of Azerbaijani literature, fundamentals of literary studies, theory of literature, drama and theatre, modern literary process. He has published 15 monographs and nearly 500 papers.
He has been an advising professor at the Department of Classical Azerbaijani Literature since 2012.

FIRIDUN JALAL HUSEYNOV
(1933-1986)
Literary critic

Firidun Huseynov was born on 15 November 1933. He completed his secondary education in 1951.  From 1952 to 1954, he studied at Nakhchivan Teachers` Institute named after J. Mammadguluzade, Faculty of Language and Literature. In 1954, he entered  Baku State University, Faculty of Philology, graduating in 1959. The same year he embarked on postgraduate studies in Azerbaijani literature. In 1964, he defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD degree in 1973 and professorship in 1978. Firidun Huseynov worked as a teacher, senior teacher and associate professor at BSU Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature. From 1967 to 1970, he worked as deputy dean and from 1977 to 1980 as dean of the Faculty of Philology. In 1978, he was elected chair of the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature. He chaired the Thesis Council at the Faculty of Philology.  His researches focused on “Molla Nasraddin” satirical literary school. He published five monographs and over 200 papers and critical articles. Firidun Huseynov supervised over 15 PhD students to completion.


ELCHIN ILYAS AFANDIYEV
(1943)
Literary critic

Elchin Afandiyev was born in Baku on 13 May 1943. He completed his secondary education in 1960, and graduated from Baku State University, Faculty of Philology, in 1965.
From 1965 to 1968, he did postgraduate studies in theory of literature at the Institute of Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.
He defended a PhD thesis on “Azerbaijani Belles-Lettres in Literary Criticism” and a ScD thesis on “The problem of history and modernity”.
From 1995 to 2003, he served as a professor at the Department of Classical Azerbaijani Literature. His major research interests lie in modern literary process, theory of literature and literary criticism.  
A People`s Writer, “Merited Scientist”, PhD in phillology, professor  Elchin Afandiyev serves as deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and chairman of “Vatan” society, an organization responsible for developing Azerbaijan`s cultural relations with foreign countries. He chairs several state commissions, and sits on literary and public organizations in Azerbaijan and abroad.
Elchin Afandiyev`s works have been translated into English, Russian, French, German, Spanish, Turkish, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Arabic, Persian, Chinese, Czech, Polish, Slovak, Croatian, Georgian, Lithuanian, Moldovan, Turkmen, Uzbek, Kazakh, Tajik and other languages.
The total number of copies of the books he has authored exceeds five million.


SHAMIL DUNYAMALI QURBANOV
(1934-2004)
Literary critic

Shamil Qurbanov was born on 10 May 1934. In 1955, he entered  Baku State University, Faculty of Philology, Department of Journalism, graduating with honors. After completing his higher education, he started contributing to “Azerbaijan Maktabi” (Azerbaijani School) journal. In 1965, he defended a PhD thesis, obtaining a ScD degree in 1975. He headed literature department at “Bakı” and “Baku” newspapers. In 1968, Shamil Qurbanov served as an associate professor at BSU Department of Methodology and Teaching of Azerbaijani Language. In 1971, he joined the Department of History of Russian Literature, and was then transferred to the Department of Literature of Turkic and Eastern Slavic People in 1973. In 1981-1992, he worked as deputy dean of the Faculty of Philology. In 1980, he was elected a professor and in 1989 head of the Department of Literature of Turkic and Eastern Slavic People, a post he held until 2003. From 1978 to 1992, he was scientific secretary at the Thesis Council. From 1995 to 2000, he was a member of the Milli Majlis.
Shamil Qurbanov participated in over 10 international symposia and conferences. He taught Azerbaijani literature in higher schools in Tashkent and Tbilisi. He authored 22 books and more than 300 papers.

BAYRAM BAKHSHALI AHMADOV
(1935-2012)
Linguist

Bayram Ahmadov was born on 28 April 1935. In 1953, he finished Aghdash Pedagogical Vocational School, and started working as a teacher in a secondary school in Daghkasaman village, Qazakh region. From 1954 to 1959, he studied at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Faculty of History and Philology. In 1967, he defended a PhD thesis, achieving a ScD degree in 1992. He was employed as a senior teacher and associate professor at the Department of Azerbaijani Linguistics, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University in 1970. He spent from 1992 to 1997 at Azerbaijan Medical University, where he worked at the Department of Azerbaijani Language. He achieved professorship in 1994. In 1997, he was transferred to Baku State University, working at the Department of Methodology of Azerbaijani Language and Literature. He spent 13 years – from 1999 to 2012 – at BSU Department of Azerbaijani Linguistics. He published 14 books and 63 papers.

TOFIQ ISMAYIL HAJIYEV
(1936-2015)
Linguist

Tofiq Hajiyev was born on 1 May 1936. In 1953, he entered  Baku State University, Faculty of Philology, graduating with honors in 1958. He defended a PhD thesis in 1962, obtaining a ScD  degree in 1969 and professorship in 1971. In 2001, he was elected a corresponding member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and became a full member in 2014.
From 1962 to 1968, he served as an instructor at Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Languages named after M.F. Akhundov, being promoted to an associate professor in 1965. In 1968, he joined BSU as an associate professor at the Department of Azerbaijani Linguistics, and was made a professor at the Department of Turkology in 1971. He became chair of the department in 1984. In 1993, Tofiq Hajiyev held the post of the Minister of Enlightenment of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He had been director of the Institute of Linguistics named after Nasimi, ANAS, since 2014 until his death.
He was a member of Ataturk Culture, Language and History High Authority of the Republic of Turkey. In 1998, he received “Badge of Dignity” Order of the Republic of Turkey. He was awarded the title “Merited Scientist” in 1999. Tofiq Hajiyev received “Merits to the Turkic world” award from the Turkic World Writers and Artists Association in 2002. In 2004, he received Karaman Turkish language award and “Distinguished labor” award from Ataturk Language Authority.
He received “Shohrat” Order in 2009. Tofiq Hajiyev was the recipient of an individual presidential pension.
His research areas laid in the history of Azerbaijani language, dialectology and Turkology. He supervised 22 PhD and six ScD students to completion. Tofiq Hajiyev authorized 37 books and more than 500 papers and articles. He chaired Terminology Commission under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Coordination Council on Language.

ABULFAZ AJDAR RAJABLI
(1936)
Linguist

Abulfaz Rajabli was born on 6 May 1936. From 1954 to 1959, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. He was employed as an editor at a publishing house until 1963. In 1967, he defended a PhD thesis, achieving a ScD degree in 1978. He has a university degree in English languages and international relations. He served as a teaching assistant, senior lecturer and associate professor at the Department of General Linguistics, BSU, where he is currently a professor. He has supervised 30 PhD students to completion.
Abulfaz Rajabli has authored 48 books and more than 200 papers. His most famous books are “Ancient Monuments of Turkish Script” (4 volumes), “Language of ancient monuments of Turkish script” (2 volumes), “History of Linguistics” (2 volumes), “Azerbaijani Linguistics”, “Theoretical Linguistics”, “Linguistic Methods”, “Structural Linguistics”, “Sociolinguistics”, “Typological Linguistics”, “Ancient Turks”, “Talish Language Phonetics”.
He is the recipient of “Merited Teacher” title.

TIMURCHIN ISMAYIL HIDAYATZADE
(1926)
Linguist

Timurchin Hidayatzade was born in 1926.  He studied at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Faculty of English Language, from 1943 to 1948. In 1962, he defended a PhD thesis. From 1968 to 1992, he chaired the Department of English Language, BSU. He has published three monographs, five textbooks and more than 20 papers. His most popular books and education handbooks include “Phonetics of English Language”, “Beginners” and “Учебник английского языка для историков”.
He is the holder of an individual presidential pension.

ALMAZ RASUL SAMADOVA
(1936-2015)
Linguist

Almaz Samadova was born on 28 January 1936. She completed her secondary education in 1955. In 1957, she entered  Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of languages named after M.F.Akhundov. She did her postgraduate studies at Baku State University from 1962 to 1967. In 1980, she defended a PhD thesis, achieving a ScD degree in 1983 and professorship in 1992. She embarked on his working career at BSU in 1967, when she joined the Department of Russian Language for Faculties of Humanities. She headed the department from 1981 to 2003, and had been its advising professor since 2014 until her death.
She was awarded certificates of recognition by the Ministry of Education for her fruitful activities and contribution to the training of highly qualified specialists.
Almaz Samadova authored seven textbooks and education handbooks, a monograph, two dictionaries and over 50 papers.

ALYAR QURBANALI SAFARLI
(1937-2017)
Literary critic

Alyar Safarli was born on 28 December 1937. After completing his secondary education, he entered  the Ordubad city pedagogical school. From 1955 to 1960, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Oriental Studies. In 1966, he defended a PhD thesis, obtaining a ScD degree in 1982. From 1960 to 1968, he was employed as a research fellow at the Institute of Literature named after Nizami, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. In 1968, Alyar Safarli began his working career at BSU, serving as an associate professor, professor and from 1986 to 1994 chair of the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature. In 1989, he was elected a corresponding member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. From 1994 to 1998, he served as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the Islamic Republic of Iran. From 1998 to 2002, he continued his career at BSU as a professor at the Department of Classical Azerbaijani Literature. In 2006, he was appointed a senior research fellow at the Department of Azerbaijani Literature, Institute of Literature named after Nizami, ANAS. He has chaired the department since 2009. His research interests lie in classic Azerbaijani literature. Alyar Safarli has published 35 books and over 500 papers in local and foreign periodicals. He has supervised more than 10 PhD and two ScD students to completion.

FIRUDIN HUSEYN HUSEYNOV
(1937-2004)
Linguist

Firudin Huseynov was born on 10 November 1937. From 1955 to 1960, he studied at Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Languages named after M.F.Akhundov, graduating with honors in 1960.
The same year he embarked on postgraduate studies at Moscow State University. He defended a PhD thesis in 1966, achieving a ScD degree in 1977 and professorship in 1983.
From 1963-1965, he was employed as an instructor at Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Languages named after M.F.Akhundov. In 1965, he began his working career at BSU as a senior teacher.
In 1967, he was promoted to head of the Department of Russian Language. From 1969 to 1990, he chaired the Department of Russian Linguistics.
In 1989-1990, Firudin Huseynov served as vice-rector of BSU. He was rector of Russian Language and Literature Pedagogical Institute named after M.F. Akhundov from 1990 to 1997 (present day Baku Slavic University).
He was the recipient of the title “Merited Scientist”, and Yusif Mammadaliyev medal and award.
His research interests laid in various spheres of the lexical and phraseological system of Russian language in contemporary and historic context. He also researched into the problems of Russian language teaching in republican educational institutions. He worked on “Russian language dictionary” and a phraseological dictionary of Azerbaijani language.
He authored nine textbooks, a monograph, five dictionaries and more than 100 papers and articles. Firudin Huseynov supervised nine PhD and one ScD student to completion.


AMIRKHAN MAHARRAM KHALILOV
(1937)
Literary critic

Amirkhan Khalilov was born on 23 February 1937. From 1956 to 1961, he studied at Baku State University. In 1968, he defended a PhD thesis, obtaining a ScD degree in 1987 and professorship in 1988. In 1975-1976, he gave lectures on Azerbaijani literature at Tashkent University. He currently serves as a professor at the Department of World Literature, BSU. He authored “S. Yesenin and Azerbaijan”, “A. Blok and Azerbaijani Literature”, “A wise look at life” monographs, and “20th Century Russian Literature” textbook and “World Literature” seven-volume education handbook. Amirkhan Khalilov has published 25 books and over 400 papers. He has supervised three PhD students to completion. He is the recipient of “Mammad Araz”, “Sharp Pen”, and “Golden Pen” awards, “Leading Education Worker” Badge. He is a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union.

SAMET QURBAT ALIZADE
(1938-2002)
Linguist

Samet Alizade was born on 14 March 1938. From 1955 to 1960, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. In 1966, he defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD degree in 1992. In 1965, he embarked on a teaching career at BSU Faculty of Philology, and then served as an instructor, associate professor and professor at the Department of Turkology. His researches focused on various areas of Azerbaijani philology – historical grammar, etymology, text studies, poetry and fundamental and practical issues of history of literary language. He published 12 books and nearly 200 papers and articles. In 2000, he was elected a member of the State Commission dealing with the celebration of the 1300th anniversary of “Kitabi-Dada Qorqud” epos. Samet Alizade published a critical article on “Kitabi-Dada Qorqud” epics and the first edition of “Kitabi-Dada Qorqud” encyclopedia. His “21st Century and Azerbaijani Literary Language”, “Azerbaijani Script in Middle Ages” and “Masterpiece Beits of Fuzuli” books have contributed considerably to the studying of the history of Azerbaijani literary language.
In 2001, he was elected a member of Language Commission under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Writers` Union and Expert Council of Higher Attestation Commission under the President. Samet Alizade was the recipient of “Merited Scientist” title.

IFRAT SALIM ALIYEVA
(1938)
Literary critic

Ifrat Aliyeva was born on 9 November 1938. From 1956 to 1961, she studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. In 1971, she defended a PhD thesis, and obtained a ScD degree in 1988 and professorship in 1989. In 1962, she embarked on her working career at BSU, where she served as a laboratory assistant, instructor and associate professor at the Department of History of Azerbaijani Literature, Faculty of Philology. She has worked as a professor at the Department of Modern Azerbaijani Literature since 1989. From 1979 to 1993, Ifrat Aliyeva was deputy dean at the Faculty of Philology, and acting dean from 1993 to 1995. From 1994 to 1999, she served as the university`s vice-rector for distant and evening education. She is the author of six books, two monographs and over 100 papers. She has supervised 15 PhD students to completion. Ifrat Aliyeva is the recipient of “Merited Teacher” title.

HASAN RAFI ALIYEV
(1935)
Linguist

Hasan Aliyev was born on 16 February 1935. In 1955, he entered  Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Languages named after M.F.Akhundov, Faculty of German-Azerbaijani Languages, graduating in German-English languages in 1960. In 1962, he started his career at BSU in the capacity of a teacher. He was promoted to a senior teacher in 1974 and associate professor in 1982. From 1985 to 1988, he chaired the Department of German Language. In 1972, he defended a PhD thesis at Ashgabat University, achieving a ScD degree in 1990. In 1987, Hasan Aliyev was elected a professor at the Department of German Language. In 1993, he was awarded the title “Merited Teacher”. He has authored two monographs and six methodological handbooks, and published nearly 125 papers. He has supervised two PhD students to completion.
TOFIQ HUSEYN HUSEYNOV
(1938)
Literary critic

Tofiq Huseynov was born on 21 April 1938. From 1956 to 1961, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. From 1961 to 1968, he taught Azerbaijani language and literature in secondary schools in Imishli and Qazakh districts. From 1968 to 1975, he was employed as a junior editor of Azerbaijan Encyclopedia and a methodologist at BSU. Tofiq Huseynov defended a PhD thesis in 1975, and achieved a ScD degree in 1990. In 1976, he started working as an instructor at the Department of Modern Azerbaijani Literature, where he was then promoted to an associate professor. He has held the position of a professor at the department since 1991 and its chair since 2009.
He has authored six monographs, two textbooks (co-authorship) and nearly 200 papers. Tofiq Huseynov has supervised 10 PhD and three ScD students to completion. He is a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union, and scientific secretary at Dissertation Council at the Faculty of Philology, BSU.

AQIL JAFAR KHANDAN HAJIYEV
(1947-2019)
Literary critic

Aqil Hajiyev was born on 10 August 1947. From 1965 to 1970, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. From 1970 to 1973, he did postgraduate studies at Lomonosov Moscow State University. In 1973, he defended a PhD thesis, and embarked on teaching activities at the Department of History of Russian Literature at BSU, where he was promoted to an instructor, senior lecturer and associate professor.
In 1982, he achieved a ScD degree. Aqil Hajiyev chaired the Department of Russian Language on faculties of natural sciences (1982-1984) and headed the Faculty of Philology (1990-1992). He is currently a professor and chair of the Department of History of Russian Literature.
He has been a member of the Writers` Union since 1987. In 1993, he was elected an honorary member of Ankara Turkic Folklore Authority, in 2003 a full member of the International Socio-Economic Academy in Tbilisi and a corresponding member of Saint Petersburg Science and Arts Academy. He was awarded “Shohrat” Order in 2009.
Aqil Hajiyev worked as an expert and head of Humanitarian and Public Affairs Department at the Higher Attestation Commission, and also chaired the Expert Council, State Student Admission Commission. He has supervised 18 PhD students to completion.

AHMAD ALI HUSEYNOV
(1938)
Linguist

Ahmad Huseynov was born in 1938. From 1955 to 1962, he studied German language at Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Languages named after M.F.Akhundov. In 1975, he defended a PhD thesis, and was made a professor in 2005. In 1960-1961, he served as a German language instructor at Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Languages named after M.F.Akhundov. He spent from 1968 to 1985 at Baku State University, where he worked as a senior lecturer. He currently teaches German language at the Department of German and French Languages. He has published “Azerbaijani-German phrase book”, “German language – 1” and “German language – 2” (for students whose university major is not a foreign language) textbooks.

MIKAYIL MAHAMMAD JAFAROV
(1939)
Linguist

Mikayil Jafarov was born on 7 July 1939. In 1961, he entered  Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Languages named after M.F.Akhundov, Faculty of Russian Language and Literature, graduating in 1969. He embarked on a working career at BSU, serving as a laboratory assistant and instructor. From 1973 to 1976, he did postgraduate studies. He defended a PhD thesis in 1980, achieving a ScD degree in 1998 and professorship in 2004. In 1979, he joined BSU Department of Russian Linguistics. Mikayil Jafarov has chaired the Department of Russian Languages for natural sciences departments since 1984. His research interests lie in Russian linguistics and methodology of Russian language teaching. He has authored three monographs, five textbooks and more than 70 papers and methodological works. He has supervised four PhD students to completion. Mikayil Jafarov sits on the Expert Council on philology, Higher Attestation Commission. He is the recipient of the title “Merited Teacher”.

ULFAT ISMAYIL BADALBAYLI
(1939-2020)
Literary critic

Ulfat Badalbayli was born on 27 December 1939. From 1957 to 1962, she studied at Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Languages named after M.F.Akhundov. She has worked at the Department of World Literature, Baku State University, since 1962. She defended a PhD thesis in 1987, and obtained a ScD degree in 2004 and professorship in 2009. She has authored “Shakespeare in Azerbaijan”, “English Renaissance and the East”, “Essays on Modern English Literature” books. Ulfat Badalbayli is researching into the history and interrelation between Oriental and Western literatures, and interrelation between Azerbaijani and world literatures. She has supervised two PhD students to completion. She has published a monograph and over 100 papers.

LALA HUSEYN QULIYEVA
(1942)
Linguist

Lala Quliyeva was born on 5 April 1942. In 1964, she graduated from Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Languages named after M.F.Akhundov, Faculty of Russian Language and Literature, and started postgraduate studies in Russian linguistics. In 1969, she defended a PhD thesis and achieved a ScD degree at the Institute of Linguistics of the USSR Academy of Sciences in Moscow in 1992. She got professorship in 1993. Lala Quliyeva embarked on her research and teaching career in 1970, joining the Department of Russian Linguistics. She has chaired the Department of Russian Linguistics, BSU, since 1990. In 2009, she received “Merited Teacher” title. Her research interests include Russian dialects in Azerbaijan and Russian toponymy. She has authored three monographs, three textbooks, three dictionaries, and 140 papers. She has supervised eight PhD students to completion. From 1993 to 2006, Lala Quliyeva was a member of the Expert Commission, Department of Language and Literature, Higher Attestation Commission under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
She now sits on the Thesis Council, Faculty of Philology, BSU.


AZAD MOVLUD NABIYEV
(1945-2012)
Literary critic

Azad Nabiyev was born on 20 April 1945. From 1963 to 1967, he studied journalism at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. He defended a PhD thesis in 1972, and achieved a ScD degree in 1981 and professorship in 1982.
In 2001, he was elected a corresponding member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. He started his working career as an editor at Azerbaijan State Publishing House (1967-1974). He then headed an editorial desk at “Ganjlik” publishing house (1974-1976). In 1997, he was elected an academician of the International Ecoenergy Academy.
In 1999, Azad Nabiyev was elected a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union. From 1976 to 1989, he served as an instructor, senior lecturer and professor at the Department of Philology, Baku State University.
In 1989, he initiated the establishment of the first folklore department in Azerbaijan, which he headed from 1989 to 2012.
He was the recipient of “Merited Teacher” title, “Leading Education Worker” Badge of the Ministry of Education. He chaired the Republican Folklore Studies Research Organization and Coordination Council. He published more than 200 papers, and over 50 monographs on various areas of Azerbaijani folklore.
He supervised more than 20 PhD and five ScD students to completion.

JALIL QARIB NAGHIYEV
(1945)
Literary critic

Jalil Naghiyev was born on 26 July 1945. From 1964 to 1969, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. He was on an internship on Slavic studies at the Faculty of Philology, Lomonosov Moscow State University in 1969-1970. From 1970 to 1973, he did postgraduate studies in literature of Slavic countries (Serbian Literature) at the Faculty of Philology, Moscow State University. In 1974, he defended a PhD thesis, achieving a ScD degree in 1990 and professorship in 1992. He embarked on his research and teaching career in 1974, serving as an instructor, senior lecturer, associate professor and professor at the Department of World Literature, Baku State University. He has chaired the department since 1989. Jalil Naghiyev has published over 300 papers and articles, four monographs, two textbooks and two education handbooks. He has supervised 18 PhD and two ScD students to completion. He sits on the Coordination Council on Philology under Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and chairs Scientific Seminar of the Thesis Council, Faculty of Philology. He is also a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union. Jalil Naghiyev is the recipient of the title “Merited Teacher”.

ISLAM ELBRUS AZIZOV
(1947)
Linguist

Elbrus Azizov was born on 25 November 1947. From 1965 to 1970, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. In 1970-1971, he worked as a language and literature teacher at secondary school No 4 in the city of Yevlakh. In 1974, he joined BSU, serving as an instructor, senior lecturer and associate professor at the Department of Turkology. He defended a PhD thesis in 1974, and obtained a ScD degree in 1990 and professorship in 1991. He was made a professor at the Department of Turkology in 1991. From 2006 to 2011, he headed the Faculty of Philology, BSU. He is an acclaimed scientist in the field of Azerbaijani dialectology, with main interest in the history and current state of Azerbaijani language dialects. Among his books are “Introduction to Azerbaijani dialectology”, “Dialectical Classification of Azerbaijani Language”, and “Historical Dialectology of Azerbaijani Language”. Elbrus Azizov is a member of Terminology Committee and Coordination Council on Linguistics under the Cabinet of Ministers. He has authored four books and 155 papers. He has supervised one ScD  and one PhD student to completion. He is the recipient of “Merited Teacher” title.

FIRIDUN AGHASI JALILOV
(1947)
Linguist

Firidun Jalilov was born on 6 May 1947. From 1966 to 1971, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. From 1972 to 1994, he worked at the university`s department of Azerbaijani Linguistics as a laboratory assistant, instructor, associate professor and professor. He defended a PhD thesis on “Complex sentence syntax” in 1978 and a ScD thesis on “Morphonology of Azerbaijani language” in 1989. His research interests lie in Turkic languages, history, mythology and ethnography of Turkic people. Firidun Jalilov has published 20 books and over 200 papers. He was elected an honorary member of Turkish Language Authority in 1982, becoming its full member in 2000. He is the recipient of Yusif Mammadaliyev diploma. In 1990, he was a member of the parliament and chaired the Milli Majlis Commission for Science, Education and Culture. From 1991 to 1993, he held some key government positions, including deputy minister of education, deputy prime minister and minister of education.

KAMIL NARIMAN VALIYEV
(1946)
Linguist

Kamil Valiyev was born on 18 August 1946. From 1965 to 1970, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. He started his teaching career at BSU in 1970. In 1974, he defended a PhD thesis, obtaining a ScD degree in 1988. From 1988 to 1999, he chaired the Department of Azerbaijani Linguistics. In 1990, he got a ScD degree from Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey. He is an honorary member of Turkish Language Authority, Ataturk Culture Center and Turkish Folklore Authority. Kamil Valiyev was a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union and Expert Council of the Higher Attestation Commission. In 1993, he served as deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In 1998, he received Badge of Honor and Dignity of the Republic of Turkey. In 2002, he was awarded by the Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers and by Turkish Language Authority. In 2004, he was awarded by Biklent Univesity and Turkish Cultural Service Foundation. He was elected an honorary member of Chingiz Aitmatov Academy in Kyrgyzstan in 2004.
Kamil Valiyev has authored 30 books and more than 500 papers.

NIZAMI QULU JAFAROV
(1959)
Linguist

Nizami Jafarov was born on 21 September 1959. From 1977 to 1982, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. In 1985, he defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD degree in 1991. He served as a research fellow at the Institute of Linguistics named after Nasimi, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and chaired the Department of Criticism and Literary Studies, “Adabiyyat ve Injasanat” (Literature and Arts) newspaper. In 1991, he was employed as an instructor at the Department of Turkology, BSU, and was elected a professor in 1993. From 1994 to 2001, he worked as dean of the Faculty of Philology, BSU.
In 1998, he was appointed chairman of the Specialized Thesis Council on Linguistics, Higher Attestation Commission. In 2000, Nizami Jafarov was awarded th title “Merited Scientist”, and elected a member of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He now chairs the Milli Majlis Committee for Culture. In 2001, he was elected a corresponding member of ANAS, appointed director of Ataturk Center and elected chair of the Department of General Linguistics, BSU. Nizami Jafarov has authored 25 books. He is an acclaimed Turkologist, language historian, language theorist, and literary critic. He is a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union.
He has chaired Azerbaijan National Committee for “Dialogue Eurasia” Platform. He has authored a number of books, including “Ancient Turkic literature”, “From classics to contemporaries”, “Novelties in the Turkic world”, “Anar”, “From epos to book”, “Azerbaijani culture issues”, “From genesis to typology”, “Turkic world: chaos and cosmos”, “Poetics of Koroghlu”, “History of nationalization of Azerbaijani language”.
He has supervised one ScD and 30 PhD students to completion.
NARGIZ ARIF PASHAYEVA
(1962)
Literary critic

Nargiz Pashayeva was born on 13 December 1962. From 1978 to 1983, she studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Philology. In 1986, she defended a PhD thesis, and achieved a ScD in 2004 and professorship in 2005.
In 1987, she started her working career at BSU, which she joined as an instructor at the Department of Classical Azerbaijani Literature, Faculty of Philology. She was then promoted to a senior lecturer, associate professor, and in 2008 to chair of the department.
In 2006-2008, she served as vice-rector of BSU for international relations. She has chaired the Thesis Council under the university since 2006. She has been a member of Azerbaijan Writers` Union since 2007. Nargiz Pashayeva has been rector of Baku branch of Lomonosov Moscow State University since 2008. She was awarded the title “Merited Scientist” in 2009, and was elected a corresponding member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences in 2014.
Her research interests cover various stages of Azerbaijani literature. Her most popular monographs include “Innovativeness of Sabir”, “Human being as a literary research subject”, “A new man of the renewing literature”. She has published over 60 papers in local and foreign periodicals. She has supervised several PhD students to successful completion.
In 2011, she received “Merits in Friendship” Badge and “Friendship” Order of the Russian Federation for her contribution to Russian-Azerbaijani relations, and UNESCO medal for cultural diversity for her work in the field of culture.
In 2012, Nargiz Pashayeva received Commander’s Cross Order of Merit of Hungary. In 2013 she was awarded “Order of Academic Palms” of France for her contribution to the development of Azerbaijani-French ties.
She is a member of the Board of Directors of Friends of Azerbaijani Culture Charity Fund, founder and artistic director of “UNS” Creative Stage, and co-chair of Anglo-Azerbaijani Society.
Nargiz Pashayeva initiated the establishment of the Scientific Center of Azerbaijan and Caucasian Studies named after Nizami Ganjavi at the University of Oxford.

CHINGIZ MUKHTAR HUSEYNZADE
(1951)
Linguist

Chingiz Huseynzade was born on 21 July 1951. From 1969 to 1975, he studied at Baku State University, Faculty of Oriental Studies. From 1977 to 1988, he worked at the Institute of Linguistics named after Nasimi, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. In 1988, he defended a PhD thesis on “Anthroponyms of Turkic origin in Middle Ages Arabic Language Script Monuments until the 8th Century”. In 1990-1992, he served at the Faculty of Philology, Baku State University. In 1993, Chingiz Huseynzade served as section head in the Administration of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan. From 1993 to 1997, he was an adviser at the Department of Humanitarian Policy, Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
In 2005, he defended a ScD thesis on “Morphological Norms in Azerbaijani Language”. He has published nearly 100 papers. He has published “Morphological Norm in Azerbaijani Language”, “Language Norm and Criminal Law” (co-authorship), and “Anthroponyms of Turkic Origin in Middle Ages Arabic Language Script Monuments” monographs. He was awarded “Shohrat” Order in 2007. He is vice-president of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Islamic Solidarity Sport Federation, a member of the Executive Committee of the European Olympic Committees, and editor-in-chief of “Olimpiya” journal.