"Encyclopedia of Nakhchivan artists"

Remarkable works have been done in the direction of studying the ancient history and rich culture of the Nakhchivan region of Azerbaijan, and significant publication projects have been implemented. "Encyclopedia of Nakhchivan Artists" was published as a continuation of such publications as "Nakhchivan Encyclopedia" (in two volumes), "Nakhchivan Monuments Encyclopedia".

The encyclopedia was created according to the decree of the Supreme Assembly of the autonomous republic on the 50th anniversary of the Union of Artists of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic dated March 2, 2021. Last year was an art festival for artists living in Nakhchivan: conferences, festivals and exhibitions were organized on the occasion of the union's 50th anniversary.

By the way, we would like to touch upon an article published in the July 17, 1971 issue of the "Literature and Art" newspaper. Mammadaga Tarlanov, the deputy chairman of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan, wrote in the article entitled "Broad Privileges": "These days we left for Nakhchivan with a good purpose. People's artist Sattar Bahlulzadeh, head of painting department Abdulkhalig and others were in our group.

Yes, this delegation went to Nakhchivan in order to organize the Union of Artists there. The union created at that time has already left half a century behind.

You will feel proud as you scroll through the encyclopedia rich in elegant design, detailed information, and reproductions of artists' works in "Ajami" publishing house. Chairman of the Nakhchivan Artists' Union, Honored artist of Azerbaijan, MP Ulviyya Hamzayeva, chief fund custodian of the union Nizami Aliyev and artist Araz Khudiyev have put a lot of effort into this work. I have no doubt that this book will be a valuable resource for research professionals, artists and art lovers. Information about 160 artists (painters, graphic artists, sculptors, art critics, masters of decorative and applied arts), about 600 color reproductions of their photos and works are reflected here. Also, as one of the other features and scientific importance of the book, it is possible to emphasize the provision of information about artists who lived in the Middle Ages, masters of decorative and applied arts (calligrapher, engraver, engraver, ornament maker). In addition to well-known artists, information about young artists in the publication attracts attention and expands the scope of the book.

Bahruz Kangarli, the well-known artist of Azerbaijan and Turkey, Ibrahim Safi, People's artists Huseyn Aliyev, Elmira Shahtakhtinskaya, Arif Gaziyev, Akif Asgarov, Huseyngulu Aliyev, Honored art workers Ayyub Huseynov, Shamil Gaziyev, Honored artists of the autonomous republic are among the artists whose names have forever entered the history of Azerbaijani visual art in the encyclopedia. When you consider such names as art worker Mammad Gasimov, Mirjalil Seyidov, corresponding member of ANAS, doctor of art studies Karim Karimov, doctors of art studies Adil Gaziyev and Jamila Novruzova, you will be sure of the importance of this book.

The encyclopedia contains comprehensive information about art organizations operating in Nakhchivan - union, museum, gallery and exhibition halls, as well as rock paintings in Gamigaya.

N. Aliyev writes in the preface of the encyclopedia: "Members of the Union of Artists of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic have greatly expanded their international relations in recent years. Thus, they received invitations from many foreign countries and participated in exhibitions, festivals and competitions organized abroad. Our artists participated in these prestigious events and represented our autonomous republic with dignity."

Of course, it would be great if the book would be republished in a better and expanded form in the future. Although the publication contains complete information about the majority of Nakhchivan artists, there are artists whose names are not included in this encyclopedia. Our wish is that in the future, when the encyclopedia is republished, all creative people working in this field will be included.

In the end, we congratulate those who worked hard in creating the encyclopedia and wish success to the artists who continue their creativity. We believe that in the future, new publications will be prepared on various fields of our fine art.

Asad Guliyev,

Art critic