22-09-2023
On September 22, within the framework of the 100th anniversary events of the National Library of Azerbaijan, a roundtable discussion on "Talents of the literature of the Turkic world" was held, and presentation ceremonies of books “Gecə açılan atəş” published in Azerbaijani by Kemel Tokayev, a prominent representative of Kazakh literature, and “Dağların qəlbi”published in Kazakh language by the outstanding representative of 20th century Azerbaijani literature Mir Jalal Pashayev's were held. The Director of the National Library of Azerbaijan, Professor Karim Tahirov greeted the participants of the event and said that it was a remarkable event that this prestigious event was held within the framework of the library's 100-year jubilee events.
The book exhibition dedicated to the works of Kemel Tokayev, a prominent representative of Kazakh literature, and Mir Jalal Pashayev, a prominent representative of 20th-century Azerbaijani literature, from the "Talents of Turkish World Literature" series, was opened.
Later, the director of the National Library of Kazakhstan, the chairman of the Association of Libraries of Kazakhstan, Bakitjamal Ospanova, greeted everyone and introduced the Kazakh guests.
The event started with the moderation of member of Milli Mejlis, academician Nizami Jafarov and laureate of the President of Kazakhstan award, head of Kazakhstan radio Almaty branch Bakit Jaghiparuli. Academician Nizami Jafarov greeted the guests and participants, called Mir Jalal Pashayev one of the most respected artists of the 20th century Azerbaijani literature, and said that his works reflect Azerbaijanism, the national ideology and national spirit of the Azerbaijani people. Bakit Jagıparuli conveyed the sincere greetings of the Kazakh people to the people of Azerbaijan, informed about the work of Kemel Tokayev, who has a special place in Kazakh prose, and noted that the most prominent representatives of Azerbaijani and Kazakh literature have contributed to the historical, literary and cultural relations of the two nations by gathering at the book presentation ceremonies.
Poet-performer Talant Aringali greeted the participants with music played on the dombra.
The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Adil Karimli, made an opening speech, greeted the guests, and said that holding this event within the framework of the 100th anniversary of the National Library of Azerbaijan is of particular importance. Emphasizing that our multifaceted relations between the two countries, which are based on historical roots, are developing further thanks to our respected presidents, the minister noted that these relations always exist in the field of culture, as in any field, and that the presentation ceremonies of the books of prominent personalities of the two countries will contribute to bringing the countries and peoples closer together. He stated that the delivery of both books to both Azerbaijani and Kazakh readers will provide a basis for closer acquaintance with the culture, literature and history of each other's peoples. The minister also expressed his gratitude to everyone who closely participated in the translation, publication, and creation of these works, and emphasized that the books will be a valuable gift for the readers of both countries.
Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Malik Otarbayev, greeted everyone and drew attention to the message sent by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kasim-Jomart Tokayev. He said that the relations between the two friendly and brotherly nations with a common history, roots, and culture are constantly developing in all areas. Prof. He thanked Karim Tahirov.
Chairman of the Culture Committee of the Milli Majlis, professor Ganira Pashayeva expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the publication of the books, thanked Malik Otarbayev for the value given to Mir Jalal's heritage, as well as the management of the National Library for its support to such projects, and the work of these two rich writers combined. She said that the most important factor is patriotism, national thought, national feelings. Speaking about the importance of transforming our literature into fraternal languages, he drew attention to the importance of reading common literature and said that it brings the young generation closer. The speaker noted that these two writers are our common great personalities, and today, by cheering their spirits, we are sending an important message to the younger generations.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan Alim Bayel congratulated everyone on the occasion of today's event and thanked the heads of national libraries of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan for organizing the event at a high level. He noted that Kazakhstan confirmed its support for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity by issuing a statement two days ago. "Brother countries should and will always be with each other," said the ambassador, who congratulated our people on another victory. He drew attention to the fact that this year is marked by the anniversaries of National leader Heydar Aliyev, prominent writers Kemel Tokayev and Mir Jalal Pashayev. Emphasizing that the strengthening of our cooperation is based on trust, the speaker said that Kazakhstan-Azerbaijani relations have entered a new stage today. Bayel suggested to Malik Otarbayev that the writer and publicist Nariman Abdulrahmanli should be given a state award for his excellent translation, and also thanked People's Writer Chingiz Abdullayev for the foreword he wrote.
Rector of ADA University, professor Hafiz Pashayev, for participating in the event, prof. Thanking Karim Tahirov, he congratulated the library on its 100th anniversary. He called the book the most beautiful and the most valuable gift, at the same time he remembered the relations with Kazakh diplomats and ambassadors, and said that even in the Soviet era, they worked especially for strengthening the independence of the countries. The speaker noted that he learned to love literature from his father. He also spoke about the importance of distributing these books in universities, emphasizing that there are currently contacts and exchanges with 4 Kazakh universities.
Academician Nizami Jafarov proposed to translate and publish Mr. Hafiz's work "An Ambassador's Manifesto" in Kazakh language.
Academician Isa Habibbeyli, President of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, said that for the first time, the works of two different writers from two countries were presented, and he talked about the similarities and differences of the works of outstanding writers. He stated that the difference is that Kemel Tokayev wrote detective works and never turned to the narrative genre. Despite this difference, there are also similarities. So, despite living in the Soviet era, both writers stayed away from the Soviet ideology. In addition, the works of both writers reflect real life stories, both of them do not have images of officials, both of them created great literature of ordinary people. The generals in Kemel Tokayev's works are episodic characters.
The academic noted that Mir Jalal is a great author of satirical stories, and if we delve deeper into some of his stories, they can be examples of detective literature. The speaker also said that both of these prominent personalities, who made their mark, lost their fathers when they were children, and had painful lives. He said that the publication of Mir Jalal's book was a gift from the Kazakh people for the 115th anniversary of the writer, and the printing of Kemel Tokayev's book was a gift from the Azerbaijani people for his 100th anniversary.
Honored worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan Koyshikul Zarli, head of the "Spiritual Revival" center, writer Nurgali Oraz, translator of works of Mir Jalal Pashayev, first secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, People's Writer Chingiz Abdullayev spoke at the publication of these books, which are a contribution to the anniversaries of the two writers and an indicator of brotherly relations. and expressed their thanks for organizing the event.
At the end, gifts were presented and a commemorative photo was taken.