Literature

The land of Nakhchivan has rich literary traditions. Nakhchivan motives occupy a significant place in the people’s literature of Azerbaijan. In the chapters of the epos “Kitabi Dada Gorgud” plots having common subjects with Nakhchivan area and the names of the places and hearths are met. Experts on Gorgud showed that the events going on in the chapters “Bassat’s Killing of Tapagoz” and “Bakil’s Son Imran” are mainly connected with Nakhchivan. The plots, geographical names and heroes of Nakhchivan are met in the eposes “Koroglu”, “Asli and Karam”, and “Gachag Nabi”. All genres of the Azerbaijan people’s oral literature were represented in the folklore of Nakhchivan. There are mainly genres and samples being specific for this area (hakhishta, gulumey, yallibashi songs). The art of ashug – one of the important branches of the people’s literature (mainly in Sharur and Shahbuz districts) was also developed.

Even in ancient times a lot of notable poets and writers, including Gatran Tabrizi, lived and created in Nakhchivan for a while. Being close to the palace of Atabey Mahammad Jahan Pahlavan, gaining of an honor as “the sultan of doctors” Kamaladdin Nakhchivani was popular as a poet, too. During his service in the palace of the Atabeys, Abubakr ibn Khosrov wrote his famous work “Munisnama”, which is valuable for its important social-moral motives and for its humanism. In the Middle Ages, Ahmad an-Nashavi, Najmaddin Nakhchivani, Nassiraddin Tussi, Hindushah Nakhchivani, Mahammad Nakhchivani, Fazlullah Naimi and other scientists and thinkers enriched the Azerbaijan literature with their works of art.

Widely spreading of the movement of enlightenment in the XIX century gave a push to the speedy development of literature and culture in this area. In the literary sphere of Nakhchivan a serious reviving arrests our attention. Literary assembly “Anjumani-shuara”, created in Ordubad (1838) together with classical literary traditions, made a definite influence to the development of new enlightenment-realist literature. In the creative activities of the active members of the assembly as Gudsi Vanandi, Fagir Ordubadi, Ahmadaga Shami, Usta Zeynal Naggash, Molla Huseyn Bikas, Abbas Dahrir, Mashadi Hassan Dabbag and others, the motives of enlightenment ideas, critical-realistic-satirical inclinations, a complaint of the time and protest to injustice, along with the traditions of classical love lyrics, occupy special place. M.T.Sidgi’s (1854-1903) literary-pedagogical heritage has a particular place in the enlightenment-realistic literature of Azerbaijan. His poetical and prose samples, being published in “Numuneyi-akhlag” and “Tohfeyi-banat, or Present to Girls” text books, “Kabla Nassir”, “A Glance to a Statue of Man” works, “School Stories” are complete examples of the Azerbaijan enlightening literature.

Since the 80’s of the XIX century, the well-known writer-publicist and theatre man E.Sultanov (1866-1935) headed the literary-cultural sphere of Nakhchivan. “Intellectuals’ assembly” and “Muslim Shiite Dramatic Art Society”, being established by initiative and leadership of Sultanov, played an important role in organizing of advanced literary-cultured forces in the development of education, culture, press, especially in the establishing and developing of Nakhchivan theatre. J.Mammadguluzada, A.Khalilov, M.A.Suleymanov, S.Khalilov, M.Sheykhov, A.Sultanov, M.J.Shurbi and others, being the members of that society, carried out important services in this field.

In the XX century the land of Nakhchivan presented a lot of great personalities to social, literary-art thoughts and culture of Azerbaijan. Jalil Mammadguluzada (1869-1932), a genius writer, a playwright and publicist, the founder of “Molla Nasraddin” magazine, occupies an exceptional place in the history of the realist-democratic Azerbaijan literature for his stories, topical satire as “Incidents of Danabash Village”, his immortal comedy “The Dead Ones”, “The Book of My Mother”, “Meeting of Crazy Men” and other plays. The writer created his works as “Tea Ceremony”, “Currents’ Play”, “Incidents of Danabash Village” and “Post Box” while he was living in Nakhchivan.

M.S.Ordubadi, great master of novels, was the founder of historical novel genre in Azerbaijan literature and created its perfect examples (four-volumed epic “Misty Tabriz”, “Sword and Pen” and others). The majority of plots of “Misty Tabriz” are the fruit of his observations during the Nakhchivan period of his life. There are motives connected with Nakhchivan in “Sword and Pen”, too. Literary heritage of the poet and journalist A.Gamkussar occupies worthy place in the history of our literature. The coryphaeus of our national romantic poetry and playwright Husseyn Javid’s humanist lyrics, “Sheykh Sanan”, “Devil”, “Prophet”, “Lame Teymour”, “Sayavush”, “Khayyam” and other poetical and prosaic dramas, “Azar” poetical saga became the great works of Azerbaijan literature. In the 20’s of the XX century new young forces emerged into the literature. Young writers joining together in Nakhchivan department of “Golden Pens” society regularly published their first pen experiments in the newspaper “Sharg Gapissi”. Living and creating in Nakhchivan during different periods people’s writers M.Ibrahimov and A. Valiyev also influenced to the development of literary-cultural process and theatre positively. At the same time, events being connected with Nakhchivan gave rich creative materials to both writers. M.Ibrahimov took the plot of his play “Hayat” from the Nakhchivan mode of life and A.Valiyev used his Nakhchivan impressions in his novel “Budag’s Memoirs”.

The eminent representatives of modern Azerbaijan literature – a poet and playwright I.Safarli, people’s poet Mammad Araz, people’s writer A.Aylisli, and a poet Rustam Behrudi were also brought up in the land of Nakhchivan.

A big group of Azerbaijan writers live and create in Nakhchivan. Establishing of Nakhchivan department of the Azerbaijan Writers’ Unity (now Unity of Nakhchivan Writers), publishing of the province newspaper “Sharg Gapissi”, and local radio broadcasting gave a serious push to literary sphere of Nakhchivan.

In Nakhchivan, alongside the poetry, remarkable successes were gained in the field of prose as well. People’s writer H.Ibrahimov’s novels, “One Tenth of the Century”, “Slander”, “In the Tidings of Tomorrow”, “Spring Rain”, and different stories are among the achievements of modem Azerbaijan literature.

Traditions of drama are being continued successfully. Successful steps are being made in the field of journalism, too. The works of local dramaturges and journalists of Nakhchivan deserves a unique place.

The land of Nakhchivan presented to the literary criticism of Azerbaijan notable scientists as M.Shahtakhtli, M.Jafar, A.Sharif, A.Sultanli, M.H.Tahmassib and A.Zamanov. The well-known literary critics Y.Seyidov, M.Sadigli, F.Husseynov, A.Safarli and others were brought up in this land. Venerable enlightenment figure and literary critic L.Husseynzadah defended a thesis about A.Gamkussar (1950) for the first time in Nakhchivan, found out and published the divan (collection) of Jahanshah Hagigi, the ruler and poet of the Garagoyunlu state, and investigated the works of classics of our literature.

During last 30 years here was brought up the whole generation of critics and literary critics. Monographic research works of I.Habibbeyli, the Associate Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Y.Akhundlu and A.Ismayilov, doctors of philology, about the great classics of Azerbaijan literature J.Mammadguluzadah, M.S.Ordubadi, H.Javid are valuable presents to our literary criticism. Late literary critic I.Magsudov investigated the life and creative activity of E.Sultanov. At present, H.Hashimli, M.Jafarov, A.Azimli, A.Gadimov, F.Kazimova, M.Muradov, I.Jafarli, H.Mehdi and others carry on successful research works about the history of Nakhchivan literary sphere and modern literary process.

Handicraft

Pottery, metal processing, brazing, stone processing, wood processing, wearing, jeweler’s art and etc., being the ancient fields of popular art, are known since Eneolit and Initial Bronze Ages. Intensive development of tillage and cattle breeding in Nakhchivan created possibilities for evolution of handicraft. The growth of cultural necessity was completed with making of jewelry, artistic design of labor tools, mode of life equipment, definite parts of arms. As the result of archaeological excavations from the ancient dwelling places (I and II Kultapa, Sadarak, Nakhta, Ovchular’s Hill, Dasharkh, Gizilburun, Shahtakhti, Garabaglar, Kulus, Kolani, etc.) brought to light different labor tools and rich handicraft examples, ornament and mode of life things. Social life manner, religious-ideological outlook, belief and traditions of ancient tribes once living on the left bank of the Araz River found their reflection in handicraft of that period. Colored clay crockery (during this period the culture of colored crockery developed in Nakhchivan differing from others with a lot of features), multi-colored decorations, also elegant jewelry goods being made from bronze and silver, golden decoration things, beads being made from different minerals, tender handicraft works being made from metal, wood, bone, clay and stone, small clay and stone statues being typical for the culture of Bronze Age, are the brightest proves to it. Pottery, being an important field of ancient handicraft, was created in the area of Nakhchivan in the IV millennium BC. Archaeological materials show that clay crockery belonging to Eneolit and Bronze Ages were prepared in a potter’s wheel and burned in special forges. The most ancient remainders of potter's forges were found in the living dweller of I Kultapa. From II Kultapa living dweller were found different-shaped colored kitchen utensils with simple, geometrical and botanic patterns, bird and animal pictures (big pitcher, jug, bowl, pail, vase, lamp etc.), being prepared by hand, partly in potter's wheel. Decorating, coloring, squeezing, etc. of pottery goods, distinguished with their quality, motley and high quality forms are important fields of the people’s art.

Nakhchivan is one of the first ancient metal-processing (copper) hearths of the world. From the most ancient cultural layers of I Kultapa dwelling place different tools and adornment examples with copper-arsenic, nickel-arsenic mixtures were found. Moreover, from Plovdag necropolis of Ordubad district a lot of bronze pins and from Kultapa four pins with buttonholed heads related to Bronze Age, a piece of a knife, etc. were found. Materials, being discovered as the result of archaeological excavations, indicate that the ancient inhabitants of Nakhchivan had mastery of making labor tools and adornments from bones and stones.

Spindle heads made from stone, bone and clay, referring to trade of weaving, also very tender remainders of materials were met there. In the Middle Ages handicrafts as brazing, jeweler’s art, silkworm breeding, carpet making especially got a scope, different mode of life equipment and jeweler goods, being prepared with high mastery and taste, gained popularity. Those handicraft goods were exported to foreign markets, too. The master of art metal Osman ibn Salman Nakhchivani’s bronze can, decorated with carving patterns (1190), is being preserved in Louvr Museum (France).

Since the Middle Ages the technology of production was perfected, wheeled sweep coming into motion by legs (cocoon-opening loom) was used in silk production, agile weaving looms – in silk workshops. Ordubad was one of the main centers producing silk materials. Azerbaijan silk was exported to Iraq, Little Asia, Syria and different countries of Europe. Coarse calico production handicraft was widely spread in Julfa, Ordubad and Nakhchivan.

In the Middle Ages carpet-making art was also developed, occupying an important place in life and economy of Nakhchivan population. Carpet-making traditions are carried on today as well.

Architecture

Nakhchivan has widely been known with its unique architectural monuments in Middle East since long. From the dwelling places, concerning to the end of the III millennium and to the beginning of the II millennium, were found building remainders being built of art-brick, mighty castle walls, early city places, being surrounded with rectangle and semicircular towers in the territory of Nakhchivan (I and II Kultapa, Govurgala, Garabaglar, Oglangala, Plovtapa, Gazan-chi, Vaykhir, Chalkhangala, etc.). These monuments shed a light on relations of Azerbaijan, as well as Nakhchivan, with the highly developed cultural centers of the Middle East.

Dwelling places of Nakhchivan concerning to different historical periods, Cyclopian buildings, castles, fortifications, material, cultural and architectural monuments, building materials, building technology, etc. arrest our attention by their richness.

In the XII century Nakhchivan, being the capital of the mighty Atabeys State, was one of the political, economical and handicraft centers of Azerbaijan. The mastery of architecture reached its high level here; there were built a lot of religious-architectural monuments and civic buildings: sublime mosques decorated with ornaments and colors, tombs, palaces, caravansaries, bridges, castles and towers, religious schools for Muslims, decorated living houses, richly designed bath-houses, etc.

The architects from Nakhchivan – Ajami ibn Abubakr and Ahmad ibn Ayyub had great services in creating of tower-shaped tombs, being mostly spread type of memorial architecture of the Middle Ages in Azerbaijan. Youssif ibn Kusseyr’s tomb and Momina Khatun’s tomb, which had been raised by architect Ajami in the second half of the XII century, and which reached our time safely, are the most successful samples of eternalizing of a man’s memory with monumental cuts. Being one of the highest and most delicate tombs not only in Azerbaijan, but in the Islam countries as well, such longevity of Momina Khatun tomb most of all is connected with the completeness of the engineer’s solution. In his masterpiece the architect Ajami showed not only the depth of artistic thinking and the tenderness of taste, but also an engineering brilliance based on large mathematical knowledge and rich experience. The perfect bearing system of the monument, especially the tectonic structure of the tomb, clearly shows that the architect from Nakhchivan didn’t in vain carry the name of “the sheikh of engineers” even during his lifetime. As a result of Ajami’s activity, the Nakhchivan architecture school was established and formed in the history of Azerbaijan architecture.

School of architecture in Nakhchivan was guided by the mathematical calculation methods. The monuments were constructed according to precise calculation and measures, plans, location, and accurate arrangement of the ornaments and inscriptions.

With the influence of this school a lot of architectural compositions were created in the countries of Middle East. The architecture of Nakhchivan is not only popular with stone architectural monuments, but with the monuments of main building materials of which were red burned and violet colored bricks (Imamzadah architectural complex, etc.).

Losing its former grandeur as the result of Mongol aggression, reviving as other cities of Azerbaijan in the period of the Elkhani rulers in the second half of the XIV century, facing execution-robbery events during the marches of the Khan of the Golden Horde Tokhtamish and Emir Teymuor, passing from hands to hands more than once in the XVI century, and undergoing danger of destruction twice in the first half of the XVII century, Nakhcivan had lost its former grandeur, leading role and position in the political-economic and cultural life of Azerbaijan. Military-political events caused great detriment to the cultural centers as Julfa, Ordubad and Aylis. Hundreds of valuable buildings and monuments, having been created by notable architects, had been fallen to the ground, not reaching our times. Very often even the names of skillful craftsmen and people’s masters were not known.

Since the second half of the XVII century a definite reviving was felt in the lives of Nakhchivan, Ordubad and Julfa cities. According to the information of Turkish historian Ovliya Chalabi, there were 20 thousand houses, 70 religious buildings, 20 caravansaries, 7 bathhouses and markets in Nakhchivan in the XVII century. Besides, Imamzadah architectural complex (XVI-XVII centuries), Ismayil Khan’s bathhouse (XVIII-XIX centuries), Khan’s house (XIX century), mosques and religious schools for Muslims, force houses, bathhouses and caravansaries, the ensemble of Arassat square, and the complex of covered market in Ordubad were built. Tombs and mosques, other architectural monuments, historical buildings were built in the villages Dar, Dasta, Aylis, Dimis, Ganza, Vanand. Architectural monuments, concerning to the XVII century, the walls of which were decorated with beautiful pictures, have been reached our time.

None the less, Armenian “researchers”, trying always to falsify the history in the sake of ideology, utilized skillfully the political and ideological atmosphere of the Soviet period. They put forward territorial claims against Nakhchivan land carrying out “scientific” blackmail campaigns as part of offensive “Great Armenia” plan and still the propaganda is on the agenda. In contrast to scientific facts and methodology, they buried grave stones by wrong ways in the territory of Nakhchivan, which is full up with ancient Azerbaijan monuments, then beginning to make a racket put ahead the territorial claim to our lands. Coming to the territory of Nakhchivan by illegal ways, Armenian historians took photo-pictures of historical monuments, concerning to different periods, made some changes on them, published books full of pictures and articles overcrowded with fib information. Nevertheless, politicized Armenian “researchers” could not be succeeded on destruction of the Azerbaijani monuments in Nakhchivan, and their concocted claims were completely disproved by genuine scholars.

Currently, in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic a lot of important state decisions had been accepted in the fields of research, protection and restoration of national and spiritual knowledge, and monuments having great historical value, and complex measures had been carried out for their protection and preservation. Thus, according to the order of the Chairman of the Supreme Assembly of Nakhchivan AR, dated the December 06, 2005, “As to organization of the protection and identification of the historical and cultural monuments in Nakhchivan territory”, 1143 monuments were thoroughly learned from April 2006 to December 2007. In the wake of the measures fulfilled the “Nakhchivan monuments” encyclopedia which will be an important source for the investigation and promotion of our monuments was published.

Art of Painting

The roots of art of painting in Nakhchivan go up to the ancient Gamigaya drawings (VII-I millennium BC) despite its professional appearance at the early XX century. In these drawings, which reflect the outlook, artistic-aesthetic thought of ancient inhabitants of this land, their economical life and mode of life (hunting, ceremony, dancing scenes, stone carvings with some plot, goat, bull, deer, bird and other animal pictures, different pictographic signs) became eternal. Material-cultural examples having been found in the territory, especially column bases, which were found from Zogala dwelling place in the Alinjachay valley, original bronze griffin figures (VI-VII centuries), bronze monument of Javanshir and other works of art show that the descriptive art existed in Nakhchivan since ancient times.

In the Middle Ages, since Islam as a religion is comparatively against to descriptive art, calligraphy, engraving and bibliography developed in Nakhchivan as it was in all Middle East countries. Then Nashavi Haddad ibn Assim (XI c.), Izzaddin Abulfazi Doblatshah as-Sahibi (XII c.), Afig Ordubadi, Mirza Mahammad Ordubadi (XVI-XVII c.), eminent poet Usta Zeynal Naggash (XIX c.) and others were able craftsmen.

The art of professional work of painter was created at the beginning of the XX century. In the works of Bahruz Kangarli, the founder of realist Azerbaijan painting, the color of the time, topical subjects found their reflection. The developing of panorama and portrait genres in Azerbaijan painting is connected with his name. Number of portraits of our people who had been forced to run away to foreign lands because of the massacre of Armenians against our nation (“A Refugee Woman”, 1921; the Azerbaijan State Art Museum named after R.Mustafayev, etc.), occupy a significant place not only in the creative work of the painter, but also in Azerbaijan painting.

During last 80 years together with other fields of art, descriptive art also developed. The famous Azerbaijan and Turkish painters Ibrahim Safi, people’s artists Husseyn Aliyev and Elmira Shahtakhtinskaya, Honored Art Worker Ayyub Husseynov, Honored artist Jamil Mufidzadah are from this land. Honored Art Worker Shamil Gaziyev and Ayyub Fataliyev are mainly known as theatre painters. S.Gaziyev’s portrait “A Shepherd” (1931) is preserved at the Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow).

In recent years there is an obvious revival of the artists’ work. The Union of Painters works in the Nakhchivan AR. The works of prominent artists are protected, propagandized and displayed in the State Picture gallery and the exhibition room of Union of Artists.

Music

Since ancient times national music as well as classical music spread in the land of Nakhchivan side by side. People’s creative activity – songs and dancing melodies, the art of ashugs – played an important role in the development of musical culture. Songs related to seasons and rites (rue-falling, khan decorating, jangulum, veil rising, etc.), to labor activities (godu-godu, milker’s words, thrashing-floor songs, etc.) are ancient examples of music folklore. People’s songs (“Hey, girl, come, morrow is appearing”, “A girl with mirrow”, “A girl with a shepherd”, “Not awakes, sleeping”, etc.), also hakhishtas, gulumeys, dancing melodies, especially yalli (Turkish folk dance) and yallibashi songs connecting together vocal and instrumental music (most of all in Sharur district) spread largely. The art of ashugs, having special place in people’s creative activity, has mainly spread in the areas of Sharur and Shahbuz. In the XIX-XX centuries Ashug Dahri, Ashug Ali Khankhanim’s Son, Gulali Mammad, Vaykhirli Mammadjafar, Chobankarali Jafar, Ashug Nabat, Ashug Fatullah, Ashug Hamid, Sarraf Gassim, Sadarakli Youssif and others were very popular ashugs.

Professional classical music – mugham singing and the profession of singing mainly spread in Ordubad and in Nakhchivan (singers are Mandi Malak, Kabla Bakhshali, Gulan’s son, Idris Nagiyev, Mashadi Abdul, Sari Heydar and others). Popular musician Muradagha Nakhchivanli (XVII century) worked as a palace musician of the Turkish sultan Murad IV. Up to the beginning of the XX century music mastery also spread widely in people’s festivals, wedding ceremonies and artistic-musical meetings. Instrumental mastery also spread widely (accordion-player Salminaz, kamancha-player Firuz and others).

Since the end of the XIX and the beginning of the XX centuries an interest to the modern music grew in Nakhchivan. Dramatic and musical theatres were established and open concerts were organized during that period. In the theatre building, which was built at the beginning of the XX century, “Leyli and Majnoon”, “Shah Abbas and Khurshudbanu” mugham operas by U.Hajibeyli, “50 Year-Aged Youth” and “Married Single” musical comedies by Z.Hajibeyov were performed.

Beginning since the 20’s of the XX century wind-instrumental orchestra and eastern trio gave concerts in the central resting park of Nakhchivan city. Later on they were replaced by people’s musical instruments’ ensemble. In the 30’s side by side with people’s musical instruments European instruments as violin and mandolin also came into fashion. A musical school (now the musical technical school) was opened in Nakhchivan thanks to the initiative of U.Hajibeyli; the genius composer made a present of notes and a piano dubbed “Berlin” to that school. Beginning since the 50’s the development of musical art of the autonomous republic got a new scope. The graduates of the Nakhchivan musical school (N.Mammadov, R.Mirishli, R.Mammadov, A.Alakbarova and others) continued their education at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory (now the Baku Music Academy).

In 1958, the Nakhchivan State Song and Dancing Ensemble (Nakhchivan State Philharmonic Society since 1983) was established. An instrumental ensemble, the folkloric musical instrumental ensemble, symphonic staff and a dancing group work at the philharmonic society. Since the end of the 70’s students from the autonomous republic were received to the Azerbaijan State Conservatory remaining beyond competing examinations. Specialists in music had been prepared at the Nakhchivan State University since 1994. In 1998, a conservatory being attached to the department of art was opened at the university. The conservatory has piano, violin, folkloric musical instruments, mastery classes and a concert hall. An opera studio works here since 2000.

The land of Nakhchivan gave to the musical space of Azerbaijan composers as R.Mirishli, N.Mammadov, M.Alakbarov, M.Mammadov, R.Mammadov, singers as H.Gubadov, A.Babayev, A.Zeynalov and Y.Safarov.

Theatre

The art of theatre in the forms of square theatre and sketch performances existed in Nakhchivan since ancient times. But the professional theatre dates back 120 years ago. In 1882, by the initiative of the well-known intellectual E.Sultanov, “Muslim Shiite Dramatic Art Society” and “Intellectuals’ Assembly” were established in Nakhchivan. Teachers were main members. In 1884, E.Sultanov wrote a two-parted play “Tatarka” (“Azerbaijani Girl”). By the initiative of members of the society and assembly in the house of progressive intellectual Haji Najaf Zeynalov, which was situated in “Zaviya” ward, a comedy of M.F.Akhundov “Monsieur Jordan and Dervish Mastali Shah” was performed on August 12, 1886. Subsequently, “Mullah Ibrahimkhalil Alchemist”, “Vizier of Khan of Lankaran”, “Haji Gara”, “Robber-crushing Bear” comedies of M.F.Akhundov, and afterwards “A Mode of House Education”, “Fakhraddin’s Misfortune”, “Came out of Rain, Fell into Hail” (“Haji Ganbar”) by N.Vazirov, “Collapsing Hearth”, “Ill-fated Youth”, “Fairy magic” by A.Hagverdiyev, “Nadir Shah” by N.Narimanov, “The Dead Ones” by J.Mammadguluzade and other plays found their stage embodiments. Alongside E.Sultanov, J.Mammadguluzade, M.T.Sidgi, G.Sharifov, A.Sultanov, M.S.Gulubayov, A.Khalilov, S.Khalilov, M.J.Shurbi, J.P.Sultanov, M.A.Suleymanov, N.Sheykhov, M.Gaziyev and others, later on B.Nakhchivanli, R.Tahmasib, A.Gamkusar, R.Isfandiyarli served to a great extent for Nakhchivan theatre. H.Arablinski, M.Aliyev, S.Ruhulla and others coming to Nakhchivan frequently, taking part in the performances together with local actors and producers, and giving them valuable advices, greatly influenced the growth of professional level of Nakhchivan theatre. In general, during the 80-90’s of the XIX century and at the beginning of the XX century, Nakhchivan theatre played an important role for the development of national theatre.In the 20’s of the XX century Nakhchivan theatre entered a new increasing stage. Nakhchivan actors joined in one company. The State Dramatic Theatre was established in 1922. H.Javid's (“Sheykh Sanan”) and J.Jabbarli’s (“Aydin”) plays brought new breathing to Nakhchivan theatre. The theatre developed in romantic and also in realistic directions. In the 30’s there were successfully performed J.Jabbarli’s “Almaz”, “Yashar”, M.Ibrahimov’s “Hayat”, S.Rahman’s “Wedding”, S.Vergun’s “Vagif” plays and other works. During this period a lot of talented actors and producers (I.Mussayev, S.Movlavi, M.Mirishli, I.Hamzayev, A.Hagverdiyev, K.Gaziyeva, F.Alikhanova and others) came to the stage of Nakhchivan theatre. In its repertoire the theatre addressed to the works of the world classics together with Azerbaijan plays.

While the USSR was being defended during the years of the II World War (1941-45), plays written in the spirit of heroic deeds and patriotism were performed there. During later periods the best works of Azerbaijan drama, including also Sophocles, W.Shakespeare, F.Shiller, K.Goldoni, Lope de Vega, N.V.Gogol, A.N.Ostrovski, A.P.Chekhov, M.Gorkiy, N.Hikmat and other world classics’ works were performed successfully.

The works of local author (H.Ibrahimov, M.Tariverdiyev, H.Razi, H.Elsevar, A.Yussifli, Kamala, H.Arzulu and others) also occupy an important place in the repertoire of the theatre. In addition to dramatic works, the musical works of the theatre including “Leyli and Majnoon”, “Husband and Wife” by U.Hajibeyov, “Ashug Garib”, “50 Year-Aged Youth”, “Married Single” by Z.Hajibeyov, “Bride of Five Manats”, “Crane” by S.Rustamov, “Congratulations” by F.Amirov, “Ulduz”, “We Know What to Do” by S.Alaskarov and other operas and musical comedies were also performed successfully. The works by local authors of theatre (H.Ibrahimov, M.Tariverdiyev, H. Razi, H.Elsavar, Ə.Yusifli, Kamala, H.Arzulu) are also important. During the following decades some generations of talented actors (M.Guliyev, Z.Hamzayeva, S.Husseynova, A.Gardashbeyov, A.Shahsuvarov, R.Jafarkhanova, H.Aghayev, Y.Hagverdiyev, K.Huseynov, P.Mammadova, T.Mammadova, I.Bananyarli, T.Movlavi, M.Safarov, I.Mammadov, N.Hamzayev and others) and producers (B.Galandarli, V.Babayev, V.Assadov, A.Lalayev, K.Guliyev and others) were brought up here.

Nakhchivan State Puppet Show was established for the robust education and world view of juveniles after the decision of the government of Azerbaijan dated September 14, 1989.

Currently, there are Nakhchivan, Ordubad, Sharur people theatres and Huseyn Javid poetic theatre in Nakhchivan AR alongside 2 professional theatres – Nakhchivan State Musical Drama named after J.Mammadguluzade and State Puppet Show named after M.T.Sidgi.

Museums

 There are 20 museums, namely Heydar Aliyev Museum, history, literature, “Azerbaijan carpet”, “Memory” museums of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and the museum under opened heavens, 6 district history-ethnography and 7 home museums, and the memorial museum of J.Mammadguluzade in Nehram village of Babek district.

Heydar Aliyev museum – Being located in Nakhchivan city it is open to public since May 10, 1999. In the Museum there are available posters dedicated to National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s family, his childhood and youth, relevant documents and materials as well as signed letters, resolutions and orders, copies of the agreements signed with the Republic of Turkey and Islamic Republic of Iran, and appeals of people of the Republic of Azerbaijan concerning to the period when he works as the chairman of Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan AR. In the museum “I am unanimous with the nation”, “Return”, “Nakhchivan lives and fights” divisions were founded. There is wide range of journals, albums, and books, reflecting life and activity of Heydar Aliyev in the library of museum.

Memorial museum – Being founded with the aim to perpetuate the memory of Nakhchivanis killed in the battles for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, this museum is located in the 100-m2 round-shaped building on the hill along the Nakhchivan-Sharur road. 1025 exhibits, namely photos, personal documents, and materials as to war activities of Nakhchivan martyrs, including the photos, personal belongings and other materials of national and Soviet Union heroes, are preserved and exhibited.

“Azerbaijani Carpet” Museum – Being established as Nakhchivan carpet museum in April 1998, the museum was soon named as “Azerbaijan Carpet” Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic State Museum. It is located in 200-year “Khan House” of Nakhchivan city. The samples of all types of carpets (xovlu və xovsuz kilim, sumax, vərni, şəddə, palaz, cecim və.s.) and carpet wares (məfrəş, heybə, çanta, torba, xurcun, örkən və.s.) are exhibited here. The carpet samples related to XVIII-XIX century Ganja-Gazakh, Guba-Shirvan, Garabagh, Tebriz-Nakhchivan carpet-making schools are preserved in the museum. Alongside “Gollu chichi”, “Pirabadil”, “Alpan”, “Gadim afshan”, “Ovchulug”, “Zili”, “Ancient buta”, “Nakhchivan”, “Gasimushaghi”, carpets with a plot are important. Home things – copper trays, potteries and porcelains, and ancient national man and woman clothes are exhibited in the museum. The exhibitions of carpet-makers of the republic and the meetings with craftsmen are held here, and the video-records are preserved. There is also Momina Hatun tomb museum attached to this museum. Valuable information as to Atabeyler period of our nation can be obtained in this unique museum of the country.

The Museum Under Opened Heavens – The ram monuments, inscriptions on stone, and 169 material-cultural samples consisting of various stone figures, of different ages found in the area of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic are protected and exhibited in the museum established in 2002 in “Ajami” place of Nakhchivan city. The Momina Hatun tomb museum of XII century reflecting the activities of Azerbaijan Atabeyler state is also in this 2.58-ha museum area.

Nakhchivan State History Museum – The state status was granted in 1968 to this museum established in 1924. The material-cultural and applied art samples, ancient numismatic materials, as well as national clothes, artistic embroidery samples and carpet wares, adornment and daily-life goods, art works and etc. discovered during archeological excavations in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic are exhibited in the museum within which over 41 thousand exhibits are protected. Furthermore, scientific research works are conducted, stationary and mobile exhibitions are organized, and several educative events such as meetings, ceremonies, scientific-theoretic and practical conferences, round tables are held in the museum.Apart from Nakhchivan AR State History Museum, there are 6 regional history-ethnography museums in the autonomous republic. These museums, reflecting the history and culture of the relevant districts from the very ancient times onward, are of crucial importance in terms of national and historical memory.

Nakhchivan AR Literature Museum – Valuable manuscripts, applied and descriptive art specimens, ancient and contemporary books (including with autograph), newspapers and journals, memorial goods and other museum exhibits are preserved in this museum since its establishment in 1967.

Home Museums – There are home museums of writers J.Mammadguluzade and M.S.Ordubadi, romantic poet and playwright H.Javid, academician Y.Mammadaliyev, military figure J.Nakhchivansky and artist B.Kangarli, all of whom were born in Nakhchivan, in the autonomous republic. The exhibits of different periods of their life and activity, including various documents, literary works, photos, memorial goods and etc. are exhibited in the museums.

Libraries

The libraries are of special importance in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic among the cultural-educational institutions and are always the focus of state attention. Currently there are 234 public libraries, 201 of which are in country settlements, in the autonomous republic. The biggest libraries are as follows:

Nakhchivan Republic Library – The biggest library and scientific-methodic center in the Autonomous Republic. It was founded on the basis of city library of Nakhchivan in 1930. There are nearly 320 thousand books and journals in the library fund. There are 100-seat 2 halls and nearly 17 thousand readers. The library has departments as methodical, book-working, catalogue, acquisition, mass, information-bibliography, service, book-reserving, musical note, and interlibrary subscription; and sections as information, exchange, registration and depository mobile. The library actively takes part in social and cultural life of the autonomous republic, and holds events, scientific and theoretical seminars.

Electronic library – In 2004, the modern Electronic library for the Nakhchivan State University was given into usage. There are more than 160 thousand books in the library fund. The library has 4 reading-halls, an internet center, exhibition section, periodical press fund, bindery, and etc.

Nakhchivan AR Child Library – It was founded on the basis of Nakhchivan city child library in 1960. There are 174.948 written texts in the fund. And there are 2 reading-halls and 3 diversified circles in the library. It has 7.280 readers. The library liaises with the school libraries of the autonomous republic and provides them with methodical resources.

Nakhchivan Book House – The Book House given into use in 2005 is the first trade center for complex sale of art, scientific and political literature, school means and pupil uniforms. On the other hand, events related to the national-patriotism education of pupils and juveniles, meetings with creative scholars, public discussions of new books, and many conferences are held here.