Paris honours 140th anniversary of legendary Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibayli

A gala concert at UNESCO headquarters in Paris has marked the 140th anniversary of Uzeyir Hajibayli, the great Azerbaijani composer, founder of modern professional music in Azerbaijan, author of the first opera in the East, and composer of Azerbaijan’s national anthem.

The event was organised by Azerbaijan’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO together with the Association Dialogue France-Azerbaijan (ADFA), local media reported, citing the ADFA press service.

Opening the evening, Azerbaijan’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Elman Abdullayev, stressed that celebrating Hajibayli’s 140th anniversary is not only an homage to his life and work but also a reminder of music’s power to unite cultures and embody universal values. He underscored Hajibayli’s extraordinary role in shaping Azerbaijan’s national musical identity.

Hajibayli’s creative genius was revolutionary. In 1908, his opera Leyla and Majnun went beyond being a musical piece — it marked a cultural breakthrough. By blending the centuries-old traditions of Azerbaijani mugham with Western classical forms, he built an artistic bridge between East and West.

Abdullayev emphasised that this synthesis, which lies at the heart of Hajibayli’s legacy, gives his music its timeless strength: it embodies the spirit, literature, and history of the Azerbaijani people while resonating universally in the language of art. He noted that Hajibeyli’s creative vision is deeply aligned with UNESCO’s mission.

The event also featured remarks from Isa Habibbayli, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Doctor of Philology, and Professor. He highlighted the breadth of Hajibeyli’s creative legacy, which has transcended national borders and is performed successfully on world stages, serving as a true cultural bridge between peoples.

Habibbayli reminded the audience that Hajibayli was not only a brilliant composer but also an educator, teacher, and public figure. It was through his initiative that the Azerbaijan State Conservatory — today’s Baku Music Academy — was established, an institution that has nurtured generations of renowned musicians.

The choice to celebrate Hajibayli’s anniversary at UNESCO underscores the international significance of his contributions. His works are not only a national treasure of Azerbaijan but also part of the shared cultural heritage of humanity.

Uzeyir Hajibayli’s music endures as a living thread — connecting eras, cultures, and human hearts.

By Tamilla Hasanova