History
The Book “Our Centenary History of Cartoons” was published
President Ilham Aliyev states that the strength and richness of the country is in its economic and moral power. It is moral valuables that give the country strength. To protect and develop our moral valuables is the civic duty of each of us. The order of Ilham Aliyev of January 23, 2006 was an obvious case of care and support shown to our moral valuables. This order was signed with the purpose of properly celebration of the centenary jubilee of “Molla Nasraddin” magazine that had an important role in the creation and development of Azerbaijan satiric publicism. The significance of “Molla Nasraddin” magazine in descriptive art of Azerbaijan is shown in the book “Our Centenary History of Cartoons”; the author of this book is Bayram Hajizadeh, the President of Azerbaijan Cartoonists’ Union. Bayram Hajizadeh states that “Our Centenary History of Cartoons” book is a jubilee present for cartoon lovers. At the same time, the author deeply analyses enlivening and consciousness that the first satiric magazine “Molla Nasraddin” created in different spheres of people’s lives, especially in the field of national press. It was both literary and descriptive art event. Interesting and meaningful cartoons of Oskar Shmerling, Iosif Rotter, Azim Azimzadeh, Y.V.Chamanzaminli, B.R.Telingator, Ismayil Akhundov, Huseyn Aliyev, Gazanfar Khaligov, Davud Kazimov, Najafgulu Ismayilov, Alakbar Zeynalov, Sadig Sharifzadeh, Mikayil Abdullayev, Adil Elchin, Bayram Hajizadeh, Kirman Abdin, Boyukaga Yahyayev and other artists were placed in the book “Our Centenary History of Cartoons”. As the author of the book Bayram Hajizadeh stated, one of the interesting features for art lovers was that Huseyn Aliyev, Mikayil Abdullayev, Kazim Kazimzadeh, Tahir Salahov, Ogtay Sadigzadeh and others whom we knew as professional painters had also been engaged in cartoon drawing. At the same time, he told that Azim Azimzadeh who had been a head artist in “Molla Nasraddin” magazine, could assemble around himself such cartoonists as Huseyn Aliyev, Gazanfar Khaligov, Ismayil Akhundov. As a result, a good opportunity for formation of national cartoonists’ personnel arose. Most of the cartoons in the book show the development way and prosperity of Azerbaijan. Cartoons have a significant role in educating people in the spirit of patriotism. Such drawings take up special place in the book “Our Centenary History of Cartoons”. In “Our Wishes” board of the book the achievements in all fields of Azerbaijan are enumerated, and the firm belief in fair solving of Armenia-Azerbaijan, Upper Garabagh problem is shown. At the end of the book the moment that we all look forward is noted – let us make our lands free and build more beautiful villages and towns than before.
“Azerbaijan” newspaper (August 9, 2006)
