"I lived this life like this" - 65th anniversary of Professor Mahira Huseynova at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University

On November 4, the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University (ASPU) hosted a literary and artistic event titled “I Lived This Life Just Like That,” dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the renowned linguist, poet, Vice-Rector for International Relations of the university, Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor Mahira Huseynova (Naghigizi). The event was attended by members of parliament, government officials, heads of higher education institutions, representatives of the educational community, media representatives, scholars, as well as the university’s faculty members and students.

In his opening speech, ASPU Rector Professor Jafar Jafarov noted that Mahira Huseynova is among the intellectuals who have devoted their entire lives to the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University. Having begun her career as a teacher at the same institution where she studied, she later served as head of department, dean, and Vice-Rector for International Relations, making significant contributions to the development of the university’s academic and administrative systems. The rector emphasized that Professor Mahira Huseynova is one of the prominent researchers in Azerbaijani linguistics. Her scholarly studies of the phonetic, morphological, and lexical levels of the Azerbaijani language from a theoretical perspective, as well as her linguistic approach to the works of ashug poets and folk poets, have made an important contribution to the academic study of the poetic layers of the language. The professor’s monographs, textbooks, and methodological manuals continue to be widely used in higher education institutions as essential academic and methodological resources. At the same time, Mahira Huseynova’s literary creativity and public activity complement her multifaceted personality. Her poetic and journalistic works published under the pen name “Mahira Naghigizi” reflect her deep thinking, commitment to national and moral values, and humanistic views. This has further strengthened the respect she has earned in society as a scholar, intellectual, and guardian of spiritual values. Jafar Jafarov also drew special attention to Mahira Huseynova’s activities in the field of international relations, noting that under her leadership ASPU has expanded its cooperation with many foreign higher education institutions, thereby enhancing the university’s international reputation. He also highlighted that the Western Azerbaijan Research Center, launched on the professor’s initiative, today fulfills an important mission not only in academic research but also in preserving national memory.

The Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Science and Education, Metin Kerimli; the Chairman of the Board of the Western Azerbaijan Community and Member of Parliament, Aziz Alakbarli; the Director of the Ataturk Center in Azerbaijan, Academician Nizami Jafarov; and other speakers highly appreciated Professor Mahira Huseynova’s academic, pedagogical, and public activities, speaking about her multifaceted contributions to Azerbaijani science and education as a scholar, educator, and public figure. It was noted that Mahira Huseynova stands out not only for her academic achievements but also for her contributions to the development of education, the training of young professionals, and the preservation of national and moral values. The speakers emphasized that Professor Mahira Huseynova’s activities are not limited to scientific achievements alone; in both her scholarly and poetic works, the issues of national thinking, linguistic purity, and the preservation of national and moral values have always been at the forefront.

Professor of the Faculty of Philology at ASPU, Teyyar Javadov, delivered a comprehensive academic report on the jubilarian’s rich creative path. The report emphasized that the research conducted under M. Huseynova’s leadership has contributed to the formation of modern philological thought and created conditions for the application of new approaches in the teaching of literature and language. Her academic school continues to serve as a model for young scholars today.

In the artistic part of the event, a documentary film produced by “Azerbaijan Television” and dedicated to the work of Mahira Naghigizi was first screened. Musical and literary pieces such as “Mother,” “Without You,” and “Western Azerbaijan” were warmly received by the audience. Poems authored by Mahira Naghigizi and musical performances were presented by well-known figures of the republic’s arts scene, including Nureddin Mehdikhanli, Leyla Rahimova, Tural Ahmad, Gulzar Farajova, Elnur Zeynalov, Gullu Muradova, Leyla Guliyeva, Samir Jafarov, Gulyanag Mammadova, Ashug Samira, and other artists.

At the end of the event, the jubilarian was invited to the stage, where she expressed her gratitude to the organizers, colleagues, and guests. She emphasized that she is proud to be a part of the Pedagogical University family and that this value holds a special place in her life.

It should also be noted that on the occasion of Professor Mahira Huseynova’s 65th anniversary, jubilee events were also held at the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Nakhchivan State University, and the Guba and Shamakhi branches of ASPU.