In Commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary: The Ideal of Azerbaijan in the Play Anamin Kitabi by Jalil Mammmadguluzadeh

Abstract

Jalil Mammadguluzadeh (1869-1932), the editor of "Molla Nasreddin" (1906-1931) magazine, which was the most famous printed source in Azerbaijan appealing to the common people, was one of the leading writers, journalists and thinkers of Azerbaijan at the beginning of the 20th century. This year, when the 150th anniversary of his birth is celebrated, Jalil Mammadguluzadeh is the author most talked about in the literary circles of Azerbaijan. His play "Anamin Kitabı" is one of the literary works that preserves its actuality in Azerbaijan. "Anamin Kitabi" (My Mother's Book) play written by Jalil Mammadguluzadeh, who was also referred to as Mirza Jalil at that time, is one of the most important literary works reflecting the spiritual world at the beginning of the 20th century. In this play, the author brings such issues as Homeland, Nation and Language to the top. This play can be characterized as the summary of all the issues that were depicted by the author in his feuilletons and articles written up to that moment. Studies on "Anamin Kitabi" (My Mother's Book) play are mostly focused on such issues as the alienation from the language and essence as well as the alienation from one's own people. The subject and the purpose of this literary work include such issues as national unity, independence, deep commitment to the roots, national ideology and struggle for independence. Although the most important message of this play is the ideal of Azerbaijan. In this work, "Anamin Kitabi" (My Mother's Book) play is studied to the finest details. Such issues as the socio-political organizations mentioned in the play and author's relationship with these organizations, the similarity of the characters of the play with people from the author's inner circle, references to Alibeg Husseinzadeh, as well as activities conducted for the benefit of Azerbaijan by A. Husseinzadeh and Mirza Jalil depicted as two different poles in the Azerbaijani literary criticism, are evaluated here. The ideal of Azerbaijan in "Anamin Kitabi" by J. Mammadguluzadeh is defined on the background of the period.