(MENAFN- AzerNews) By Vugar Khalilov
The truth that Javid relied on had only one meaning: to see his
people, his nation free and happy, and his homeland among the
civilized nations. On his quest for this truth, Javid confronted
the harsh limits and barriers of age. His artistic thinking and
writings are one of the invaluable examples of Azerbaijan's
cultural history.
October 24 marks the 140th birth anniversary of the prominent
poet and playwright Huseyn Javid. A variety of activities are being
held across the nation to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the
famous thinker, poet, and dramatist - one of the most brilliant
representatives of Azerbaijani literature.
Huseyn Abdulla oglu Rasizada was born on October 24, 1882, in
Nakhchivan. Huseyn inherited affection for literature from his
father, who was well-versed in music and mugham and was recognized
for his sweet voice.
He began his studies at the religious school and later continued
at the Russian-Tatar school in Nakhchivan, the Tabriz Talibiya
madrasa, and the Istanbul University.
After returning from Istanbul, Javid worked as a teacher in
Nakhchivan, Baku, Ganja, Tbilisi, and was also engaged in literary
creativity. His first books 'Mother' and 'Past Days' were published
in Tbilisi. Following the 1918 March genocide of Azerbaijanis by
Armenians, Javid went to Tabriz and published a poem in Sheikh
Mohammad Khiyabani's Tajddud newspaper. He married Mishkinaz after
returning to Nakhchivan.
During the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918-1920), Javid's
'Literature Lessons' penned together with Abdulla Shaig was one of
the first moves made toward the formation of a unified Turkic
literature curriculum.
During the early years of Soviet rule, fate seemed to test the
great artist; the poet suffered personal tragedies as well as
economic difficulties. He sold the books in his library and the
items in his wardrobe out of desperation. Literary critics have
characterized this period in Javid's writings as an ideological
turmoil and crisis. However, he could manage to compose his
masterpieces - 'Prophet' and 'Topal Teymur' poems during this
period.
Javid pioneered philosophical lyricism in national poetry,
ushering in a new era of Azerbaijani play with his verse tragedies
and historical dramas. His work was closely related to the history
of Eastern aesthetic ideas and global romantic traditions.
The rich legacy of the genius poet includes a series of poems,
such as 'Past Days', 'Spring Dews', 'Azer', 'Mother', 'Sheikh
Sanan', 'Iblis' (Devil), 'Sheyda', 'Abyss', the dramas 'Afat',
'Prophet', 'Topal Teymur', 'Knyaz', 'Sayavush', 'Khayyam', 'Devil's
Revenge', as well as the articles and letters reflecting his
literary, scientific and social views.
The great artist, who introduced the Pan-Turkism ideology into
Azerbaijani literature, spoke about the importance of maintaining
the fighting spirit of the nation in the poem 'Sea Performance'
(1912).
The poet's writings, which illuminate universal problems from a
humanist perspective, are still relevant today.
His poems illustrate that the genius artist, who really felt the
challenges of the day and perceived with a poet's heart that
conflict, war, and other horrific events would dominate thoughts
for many years to come.
Huseyn Javid was imprisoned in 1938 and accused of maintaining
counter-revolutionary ties, being involved in defamatory
discussions with former regime representatives, assembling and
educating young poets entrenched in nationalist beliefs around
him.
On June 9, 1939, the poet was condemned to eight years in a
labor camp. He died in Irkutsk Region's Taishet district (Russia),
in 1941. However, the poet was acquitted after his death on March
6, 1956.
Bringing Huseyn Javid's remains from Siberia to Azerbaijan on
the 100th anniversary of his birth was a sign of enormous love and
respect for the powerful master of words. With this bold action,
not only the great artist's spirit but also the hearts of millions
of people who loved him found peace.
Javid's works were inspired by an idea that is still relevant
and significant today. The philosophical ideas in his writings
elevate the poet to a higher level than his contemporaries. Huseyn
Javid's legacy will live as long as the Azerbaijani people and
history do, and his works represent the national asset of the
nation.
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