Ismayil Shykhly


Ismayil Shykhly, also known by his birth name Ismayil Shikhlinsky Gahraman oglu, was Azerbaijani writer.

Early years

Shykhly was born on March 22, 1819 in Ikinji Shykhly village of Qazakh Rayon of Azerbaijan. He studied in Kosalar village. In 1934, he got enrolled in Qakhazh Pedagogical School. He was impressed by Samad Vurgun's poem "Yadıma düşdü" during his speech at Alexandr Pushkin's 100th anniversary celebrated in Qazakh. The same year, Shykhly entered Baku State Pedagogical Institute. During his years in college, influenced by Vurgun's writing and Ashig folk art, he wrote many poems. His first poem "Quşlar" was published in Ədəbiyyat qəzeti newspaper in 1938. He was a teacher by profession and wrote a number of books on ancient and national traditions. His most famous work, "Turbulent Kura" was filmed in 1969 by Azerbaijanfilm.
On September 15, 1942 he volunteered for military service and fought in World War II through 1945.

Career

Upon his return, he continued writing and his first novel "Həkimin nağılı" was published in 1947.
In 1965-1968, he was the Chairman of Union of Azerbaijani Writers, in 1976-1978, he was the Chief Editor of Azərbaycan magazine, and from 1981 on, he was the First Secretary of the Union of Azerbaijani Writers. Shykhly had served as the deputy in Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan SSR and has been awarded with Sheref, Red Banner of Labor and Shohrat orders for his contributions to Soviet and Azerbaijani literature.
Ismayil Shykhly died on July 26, 1995 in Baku. He was buried at Alley of Honor.

Memorial

On January 28, 2019, Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed a decree on the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Ismayil Shykhly.

Works