Baku, March 3, 2026 – The Europe Today: On March 3, the Presidential Library hosted the presentation of the book “Western Azerbaijan: In the Light of Speaking Traces” authored by renowned scholar-linguist, poet-publicist, and Professor Mahira Huseynova (Naghigizi). The event also featured a literary and artistic evening titled “I Am the Phoenix Bird Reborn from the Ashes.”
In her opening remarks, Director of the Presidential Library, Professor Afet Abbasova, provided a comprehensive overview of the author’s academic and literary contributions. She underscored the significance of the newly published volume in promoting awareness of historical realities and preserving the cultural heritage of Western Azerbaijan.
It was noted that Professor Mahira Huseynova, as a linguistics specialist, draws upon systematically documented evidence to argue for the Turkic origins of place names of settlements, mountains, and rivers in Western Azerbaijan. According to the presentation, the work challenges interpretations the author describes as historical distortions.
The event brought together prominent public figures and scholars, including Chairman of the Western Azerbaijan Community and Member of Parliament Aziz Alakbarli, as well as members of the Milli Majlis — Hikmat Babaoghlu, Malahat Ibrahimqizi, Fazil Mustafa, and Mehriban Valiyeva.
Among the speakers were Jabi Bahramov, PhD in History and Head of the Department of History of Western Azerbaijan at the Institute of History and Ethnology named after A.A. Bakikhanov of ANAS; Varis Yolchiyev, Director of the Azerbaijan Literature Fund; Sharaf Jalilli, PhD in Philology and Associate Professor; Professor Ibrahim Bayramov of Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University; and Tamraz Taghiyev, Member of the Board of the Western Azerbaijan Community.
Speakers highly commended Professor Huseynova’s contributions as both a scholar and educator, emphasizing the academic merit of the publication. They highlighted its grounding in onomastic heritage and toponymic analysis, noting the synthesis of rigorous research with expressive literary depth that conveys a profound attachment to the homeland.
In her remarks, Professor Mahira Huseynova expressed gratitude to the organizers and participants. She discussed the research process and the challenges encountered in preparing the book, describing the work not only as a scholarly study but also as a civic commitment aimed at restoring national memory. She reaffirmed that the theme of Western Azerbaijan would remain central to her future intellectual and creative endeavors.
Following the official ceremony, the event continued with a literary and musical program celebrating the author’s artistic legacy. In the Hall of Art Room, poems reflecting national spirit and devotion to the homeland were recited. Performances by People’s Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan Gulyanag Mammadova and Honored Artist Gulustan Aliyeva enriched the evening’s atmosphere. Musical compositions based on Mahira Naghigizi’s poetry added lyrical resonance and left a lasting impression on the audience.
The program concluded with final remarks delivered by Professor Afet Abbasova.
