Uncovering Azerbaijan’s History: A Fresh Look at Military Heritage in Nizami Ganjavi’s Works

The pursuit of understanding Azerbaijan’s history is an ongoing journey, increasingly woven into modern literature, culture, and national pride. A recent contribution to this endeavor is Yusif Aghayev’s new book, “The Art of War in the 11th-13th Centuries in the Works of Great Azerbaijani Poet Nizami Ganjavi,” presented at the National Museum of the History of Azerbaijan. This event marked a dual triumph in Azerbaijan’s cultural and academic circles, linking medieval military history with the famous works of Nizami Ganjavi, a poet whose legacy has long enriched the nation’s identity.

Nizami Ganjavi, celebrated in the region as a pioneer of Persian epic literature, wrote eloquently about the social and political intricacies of his time. His poetry is lauded not only for its literary beauty but also for its detailed historical, ethnographic, and cultural insights into medieval Azerbaijan. Aghayev’s book delves into the military dimensions of Nizami’s works, bringing to life the battlefields, weaponry, and strategic thinking that shaped the era. The book meticulously explores types of weaponry, formations, strategies, and even military laws and training methods of the 11th to 13th centuries, presenting these details alongside a wealth of illustrations.

Associate Professor Sabukhi Akhmedov, who opened the event, highlighted Aghayev’s dedication to historical scholarship and the promotion of Azerbaijani heritage. “Aghayev’s work reflects our nation’s commitment to preserving the stories of our past,” Akhmedov remarked, “and his focus on military history aligns with the spirit of epic traditions, not only in Nizami’s works but throughout our literary canon, from Kitabi Dede Gorgud to Koroglu.”

Adding his thoughts, Tair Rzayev, a member of the Milli Majlis, called Nizami’s literary contributions a “living encyclopedia” of medieval Azerbaijani life. He emphasized that Nizami’s poetry serves as a bridge between past and present, offering today’s readers a vivid portrayal of the region’s cultural, social, and military landscape.

Reflecting on his work, Aghayev expressed deep gratitude for the support he received, highlighting the collaborative spirit that made the book’s publication possible.

The event also featured an introduction to the television series “The Atabeks of Azerbaijan,” produced by Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting (AzTV) in collaboration with Turkey’s Ikinci Yeni Film Production and Azerbaijan’s Shahdag Film Production. The series recreates the military-political landscape of Nizami Ganjavi’s era, and military costumes from the production were presented at the event. Ilgar Mehdi, director of Shahdag Film Production, stressed the impact of films grounded in historical accuracy, noting, “Cinematic storytelling based on thorough research is one of our most powerful tools for cultural representation.”

Cultural performances further enriched the event. The Song and Dance Ensemble of the Azi Aslanov Army Ideological and Cultural Center performed traditional dances, including the energetic “Sword Dance” and the martial “Jangi.” Vocalists Elchin Mammadov and Metleb Aghayev gave stirring renditions of Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s romances “Sevgili Canan” and “Sensiz,” works inspired by Nizami’s poetry.

Guests departed with signed copies of Aghayev’s book, a tangible reminder of Azerbaijan’s commitment to honoring its literary heritage and history. Nizami Ganjavi, born Abu Muhammad Ilyas Ibn Yusuf, continues to serve as a cultural beacon from Ganja, the Ildegizid State’s historic center, which remains at the heart of Azerbaijan’s cultural narrative.