The honorary title "People's Poet" was first awarded to Samad Vurgun in 1956. Our country, continuing this tradition during the period of independence, deems poets who have rendered great services to the development of our poetry, gained great public favor, and created literary works of high ideas and artistic value worthy of this honorary title.
Since Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991, the honorary title "People's Poet" has been awarded to 14 individuals to date. The honorary title "People's Poet" has been awarded to 1 person by Azerbaijani President Ayaz Mutallibov, 1 person by Yaqub Mammadov, 1 person by Abulfaz Elchibey, 5 people by Heydar Aliyev, and 6 people by Ilham Aliyev.
Mammad Araz, Khalil Rza Uluturk, and Qabil received the honorary title in the first years after independence.
Modern.az reminds that in 1998, the first female poet to receive this title was Hokuma Billuri, and in the same year, Fikrat Goja and Sohrab Tahir were also included among those deemed worthy of the “People's Poet” title. In 1999, Jabir Novruz and Vagif Samadoglu were awarded. Heydar Aliyev deemed them worthy of this honorary title.
In the 2000s, the “People's Poet” title was awarded to authors who expressed the poetic quests of the independence period. President Ilham Aliyev first deemed Zalimkhan Yaqub, Nariman Hasanzade, and Sabir Rustamkhanli worthy of this supreme honorary title in 2005.
The President later awarded the “People's Poet” title to three more individuals – Vahid Aziz, Ramiz Rovshan, and Musa Yaqub – with his decree dated May 24, 2019, “On the awarding of honorary titles to cultural figures of the Republic of Azerbaijan.”
The number of our People's Poets currently alive is four. This includes Sabir Rustamkhanli, Nariman Hasanzade, Vahid Aziz, and Ramiz Rovshan. Modern.az contacted them and inquired about the works they are currently engaged in.
Although Nariman Hasanzade, the elder of our People's Poets, recently experienced a deterioration in his health, he is currently engaged in creative work. After being discharged from the hospital, he also wrote a poem titled “The Secret of the World.” Nariman Hasanzade's family members stated in their declaration to our website that the People's Poet's health is currently normal. According to them, Nariman Hasanzade continues his creative activity and is currently working on a new poem dedicated to his doctor. Let us remind that our People's Poet will turn 95 next month.
Among the People's Poets, Sabir Rustamkhanli is also engaged in political activity. He served as a deputy in the Milli Majlis for a long time. The poet, who is preparing to celebrate his 80th birthday, currently serves as the chairman of the Civic Solidarity Party. Sabir Rustamkhanli stated that he currently has a book titled “On Behalf of Azerbaijan,” which he has fully completed and already sent for publication. According to him, the book includes his speeches made on behalf of Azerbaijan in various countries around the world, travel notes, and observations.
The People's Poet added that he is also working on a novel in parallel. Although the novel has already been written, it is still in the final editing stage. The title of the work is “Revenge of the Mountains,” and it is difficult to say exactly when it will be fully ready.
Sabir Rustamkhanli noted that his activity in the field of dramaturgy also continues. Currently, his play titled “Love for Exile” is being prepared for performance at the Sumgait State Theatre.
Among our poets who last received this title, 80-year-old Vahid Aziz complained about the cold weather in his statement to our website. The poet stated that he prefers warm months and primarily writes his poems during these periods. Currently, he prioritizes meetings with young people, literary discussions, and creative conversations over creative work.
Ramiz Rovshan, many of whose poems have become popular among young people, will also celebrate his 80th birthday this year. He continues his creative work.
