September 18, 2025, marks the 140th anniversary of the birth of Uzeyir Hajibeyli – the great composer, founder of modern professional musical art in Azerbaijan, conductor, musicologist, publicist, playwright, educator, public figure, and People’s Artist of the USSR.

AZERTAC continues its series of conversations with prominent figures in music and culture. Speaking about the legacy of Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Professor Aktoty Raimkulova – Doctor of Arts, DBA, composer, and President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation – shared her thoughts.

“Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s legacy is not only the heritage of Azerbaijan but of the entire Turkic world. He managed to transform national melodies, intonations, and imagery into works that resonated globally while preserving the depth and originality of the Turkic soul.

Hajibeyli’s music is a cultural code through which we can understand the history, worldview, and spiritual values of our peoples. His operas Koroglu and Leyli and Majnun became the first professional works in the opera genre in the East, marking a truly historic step that changed the trajectory of musical culture in the Turkic world. Today, his creativity serves as a bridge between past and future, inspiring us to preserve and develop the rich heritage of the Turkic world.

For me as a composer, the significance of Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s work is immense. He is an example of a true artist who was able to combine tradition with innovation. His music not only sounds – it breathes and speaks the language of human emotions, understandable to all.

His genius lay in transforming folk traditions and mugham into academic form, a mastery that commands admiration. Every composer dreams of creating music that will live on for centuries. Hajibeyli achieved this. For me personally, he is a symbol of courage, depth, and devotion to his people. His work reminds us that art can become a bridge between tradition and modernity, and a tool of cultural dialogue between East and West.

Hajibeyli’s music is loved and revered not only by professionals but also by the wider public. For example, the arias, duets, and ensembles from his musical comedy Arshin Mal Alan were sung by both children and adults – in schools, courtyards, and at celebrations – reflecting the nationwide recognition of his talent.

Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s music embodies universal values of humanism, peace, beauty, and spiritual elevation. His works present the image of the Turkic people to the world not only as guardians of ancient traditions but also as active contributors to global culture.

The Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, established on the initiative of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and with the support of the heads of state of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye, actively works to preserve and promote the rich heritage and culture of the Turkic world internationally.

One of the foundation’s priorities is the popularization of the cultural heritage, art, folk creativity, and works of outstanding composers of the Turkic world.

As you know, this year we are celebrating the 140th anniversary of the great Uzeyir Hajibeyli, and an international symposium organized by the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation together with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture, the National Conservatory, and the Institute of Folklore of ANAS is a vivid example of how cooperation unites efforts to preserve and promote the great names of our cultural world.

By promoting, studying, and popularizing his music, ideals, and principles worldwide, we fulfill the mission of cultural and peace ambassadors. We demonstrate that Turkic civilization has made an enormous contribution to world art. Through Hajibeyli, we reveal to humanity not only the musical heritage of one genius but also the spiritual depth and values of the entire Turkic world,” Raimkulova emphasized.