Mirza-Fatali Akhundov Monument, Baku
The Mirza-Fatali Akhundov Monument in Baku is a significant cultural and historical symbol. Located on the facade of the Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature and within Akhundov Park on Istiglaliyyat Street, the statue commemorates Mirza Fatali Akhundov (1812-1878), a foundational figure in Azerbaijani literature, drama, and philosophy.
Mirza Fatali Akhundov was an Azerbaijani writer, philosopher, and public figure who was profoundly influential in shaping Azerbaijani art and thought. Born and raised in Iran, he moved to Azerbaijan where he authored numerous poems, philosophical and historical works, and notably, six comedies that are considered brilliant for their time, starting in the 1830s. These contributions are particularly significant as Akhundov is recognized as the founder of modern Azerbaijani drama.
The monument itself has a storied history. Designed in 1934 by Jewish sculptor Pinhos Sabsai, it is one of the oldest statues in Baku. The statue, while modestly proportioned to fit the small garden of the museum, holds a commanding presence, although there has been a sentiment that a more grandiose installation in front of the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater might better reflect Akhundov's monumental impact on Azerbaijani culture.
The statue has not only been a cultural icon but also a focal point of controversy. Historical records reveal that on the eve of World War II, some local youth, discontented that Akhundov's statue was positioned with its back towards their village, attempted to reorient it using tools. In 1977, another significant incident occurred when a young man tried to destroy the monument, justifying his actions by claiming that Akhundov had betrayed his people by proposing a project to reform the alphabet.
Despite these challenges, the Mirza-Fatali Akhundov Monument continues to stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of a man who profoundly shaped Azerbaijani intellectual and cultural history, making it a notable landmark in the heart of Baku.
Mirza Fatali Akhundov was an Azerbaijani writer, philosopher, and public figure who was profoundly influential in shaping Azerbaijani art and thought. Born and raised in Iran, he moved to Azerbaijan where he authored numerous poems, philosophical and historical works, and notably, six comedies that are considered brilliant for their time, starting in the 1830s. These contributions are particularly significant as Akhundov is recognized as the founder of modern Azerbaijani drama.
The monument itself has a storied history. Designed in 1934 by Jewish sculptor Pinhos Sabsai, it is one of the oldest statues in Baku. The statue, while modestly proportioned to fit the small garden of the museum, holds a commanding presence, although there has been a sentiment that a more grandiose installation in front of the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater might better reflect Akhundov's monumental impact on Azerbaijani culture.
The statue has not only been a cultural icon but also a focal point of controversy. Historical records reveal that on the eve of World War II, some local youth, discontented that Akhundov's statue was positioned with its back towards their village, attempted to reorient it using tools. In 1977, another significant incident occurred when a young man tried to destroy the monument, justifying his actions by claiming that Akhundov had betrayed his people by proposing a project to reform the alphabet.
Despite these challenges, the Mirza-Fatali Akhundov Monument continues to stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of a man who profoundly shaped Azerbaijani intellectual and cultural history, making it a notable landmark in the heart of Baku.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Baku. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Mirza-Fatali Akhundov Monument on Map
Sight Name: Mirza-Fatali Akhundov Monument
Sight Location: Baku, Azerbaijan (See walking tours in Baku)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Baku, Azerbaijan (See walking tours in Baku)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Baku, Azerbaijan
Create Your Own Walk in Baku
Creating your own self-guided walk in Baku is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
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Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan. It is also the country's largest city with about 25 percent of the nation's population located here.
A city existed on the site of Baku since at least the 5th century ADE. The city at that time was called Bagavan. The first record of its modern name appeared in 938 when it was called Bakuh. The city was a domain of the Arab Caliphate, followed... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
A city existed on the site of Baku since at least the 5th century ADE. The city at that time was called Bagavan. The first record of its modern name appeared in 938 when it was called Bakuh. The city was a domain of the Arab Caliphate, followed... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles