Baku: Guivami Rahimli, PhD, professor at Baku State University, has shared with AZERTAC his article commemorating the life and legacy of Abulgasim Huseynzade, an unforgettable figure in Azerbaijani folklore. Published to mark the remembrance day of the great folklorist, who was born in September and passed away in the same month, the article pays profound tribute to his cherished memory and expresses gratitude to those who have contributed to preserving and keeping alive his rich legacy.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the article highlights that one of the richest and most significant layers of Azerbaijani oral folk literature is its tradition of proverbs and sayings. Abulgasim Huseynzade, renowned for his exceptional contribution to this field, devoted his life to collecting the wisdom of the Azerbaijani people and preserving it for future generations. The thousands of proverbs he gathered constitute a living reflection of the nation’s spiritual heritage and collective wisdom.
What is particularly remarkable is that Abulgasim Huseynzade himself seemed almost like a proverb brought to life – his appearance, manner of speaking, and way of life all seemed to embody a profound sense of wisdom. Through his dedication and tireless efforts, hundreds of proverbs were rescued from oblivion, recorded in writing, and preserved for generations to come.
Although Abulgasim Huseynzade passed away in September 1988, the wisdom he collected continues to live on, preserving his voice and his legacy in the cultural memory of the Azerbaijani people. His life story is intertwined with the memory of such a renowned philanthropist as Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. When his father, Nurmahammad, lost his sight as a result of an accident at work, it was Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev’s support that enabled the young Abulgasim to leave the mollakhana, a traditional religious school, and enroll in a Russian-Tatar school.
For seven years, he received a monthly allowance from Taghiyev’s administration to cover his school expenses – a gesture of support that would change the course of his life. This fact alone represents an important chapter not only in Abulgasim Huseynzade’s life, but also in the broader history of enlightenment and education in Azerbaijan.