It has been 100 years since the death of Nariman Narimanov

Today is the day of remembrance for the outstanding statesman and writer of Azerbaijan, Nariman Narimanov. It marks 100 years since his death.

As BAKU.WS reminds us, Nariman Kerbalai Najaf oglu Narimanov was born in 1870 in Tbilisi. In 1890, he graduated from the Gori Seminary, and in 1908, he completed the medical faculty of the Imperial Novorossiysk (Odessa) University.

He sought ways to solve the problems faced by his people. While still young, Narimanov opened a library in Baku. His dream was the enlightenment of Azerbaijanis, and he developed extensive activities in this direction.

Many achievements of Azerbaijan in the Muslim East, including the first constitution, are associated with the name of Nariman Narimanov. During his rule, the customs and traditions of the Azerbaijani people were deeply respected, and all religious and traditional holidays were officially considered non-working days.

In addition to his political activities, he played an important role in the history of Azerbaijan as an educator and playwright-writer, opening the first reading room in Baku in 1894. As a writer, he is the founder of the Azerbaijani national novel ("Bahadur and Sona") and the first historical tragedy ("Nadir Shah").

In 1920, Nariman Narimanov actively participated in the establishment of Soviet power in Azerbaijan and was one of its leaders.

His initiative's contribution to awakening interest in the press and forming the habit of reading newspapers, magazines, and books is invaluable. The reading room received 27 titles of newspapers from Russia and abroad. The number of its readers of different nationalities grew day by day, year by year. For example, in the first month of the reading room's operation, out of 710 registered readers, 292 were Azerbaijanis. By 1897, this number had grown to 8619.

The National Reading Room, organized and led by N. Narimanov, gained fame in Russia and several countries of the Near and Middle East.

The newspaper "Terjuman," published in Bakhchisarai, in its issue of February 19, 1895, in an article titled "Baku Reading Room," wrote:

"Nariman Narimanov was an excellent writer. He is the author of 'Nadir Shah' and other works. He translated many works from foreign languages into Azerbaijani and also wrote textbooks. What Nariman Narimanov did for his people did not please Armenian nationalists and other enemies who infiltrated the leadership of Azerbaijan. They tried to defame Nariman Narimanov, discredit him, and remove him. Nariman Narimanov, who deeply loved his people, was called a 'nationalist' and removed from Azerbaijan."

Over time, Nariman Narimanov clearly realized that the Soviet government was the heir to Tsarist Russia.

Narimanov died prematurely on March 19, 1925, under mysterious circumstances in Moscow, a few hours after meeting with government representatives, and was buried by the Kremlin wall in Red Square.

Shortly before his death, he wrote to his son Najaf: "My dear son Najaf. If I am destined to live, I will try to raise you so that you bring benefit to humanity. If I am destined to die, I ask you to do for people at least as much as I, your father, have done."

After his death, Armenians continued their slanderous campaign against Nariman Narimanov. They did not allow his jubilee to be celebrated. Finally, Heydar Aliyev, who led Azerbaijan, overcame all these obstacles and ensured the solemn celebration of Nariman Narimanov's 100th anniversary.

The Azerbaijani people have immortalized the memory of Nariman Narimanov.

One of the districts of Baku bears his name. A large monument to Nariman Narimanov stands tall in Baku. One of the largest avenues in the capital is named after Nariman Narimanov. In addition, his memorial museum operates in Baku.