Interviews with deputies in Azerbaijani media are usually limited to legislative initiatives, political processes, and the parliamentary agenda. However, a deputy is also the person who is most closely acquainted with the life of the region they were elected from, its people, and their problems.
Modern.az's project “The Region Through the Deputy's Eyes” goes a little beyond politics and takes the reader into the inner world of the regions.
This time, the guest of the project is Razi Nurullayev, the deputy of the Imishli electoral district No. 81.
- Mr. Razi, why did you decide to become a deputy specifically from Imishli?
- I was born and raised in Imishli. I know the people there, their lifestyle, and their way of thinking very well – my relatives, classmates, and acquaintances are all there. That's why I chose Imishli, and I have never regretted this decision. I wouldn't say Imishli is an easy district. As it belongs to the Aran region, people's way of thinking and interaction is different. When I was first elected as a deputy, it was difficult for me. I even thought for a while that it might have been easier if I had been elected from another district. Later, I saw that every district has problems; it's just that the way these problems are expressed differs. Some speak openly, others remain silent. In the end, I decided that working in Imishli is more appropriate because I consider myself a part of these people. I am one of them.
- People in every region have different characteristics. In this sense, how would you characterize the people of Imishli?
- The people of Imishli are sincere, but also a bit persistent. They are also very hardworking and inclined towards construction. In Imishli, almost everyone has sand and cement in front of their house. You see they have a beautiful house, but as soon as they have a little money, they strive to build another house in their yard. Most of their money goes to sand, stone, and cement. The executive authority sometimes states that they are repairing the district center and building new roads, but residents dump sand and stone, leaving the roads in poor condition. For a while, the level of education in the district was very low, but recently, interest in this area has increased. Every year, I meet with applicants in Imishli who score more than 600 points. Historically, the people of Imishli have been engaged in animal husbandry and farming. Working with them is not that difficult for me, but of course, there are many who create difficulties and problems. Overall, I am not dissatisfied with them.
Due to the appeals of the people of Imishli, I engage in disputes with various state bodies and officials, get reprimanded because of them, experience hardships, and undergo stress.
- What has Razi Nurullayev done for Imishli? Are they satisfied with the deputy?
- Any resident of Imishli who wishes to meet with me can easily do so. I am not inaccessible to them. The work I have done is written in the history of Imishli and will always remain there. For example, Imishli football developed strongly. Imishli's football, its stadium, and its spirit had been destroyed. I asked AFFA, and I personally brought football back to Imishli. Everyone knows that the district's deputy restored football to Imishli. I spoke with the State Agency for Vocational Education, and after a long time, the vocational school in Imishli, which was in a dilapidated state, was repaired, and new specialties are now being opened there. The opening of that building will also take place soon. One of Azerbaijan's most beautiful vocational schools will be located precisely in Imishli. The school was built with funds allocated by the state to the Ministry of Science and Education, but thanks to the deputy's struggle. I was alone in this struggle. In Imishli, I have provided wheelchairs to more than 350 individuals in need, through the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population. I personally took a few of them out into the yard in their wheelchairs; they saw the sun after a long time. I always bring such issues to the agenda, take photos and share them, and discuss them with relevant institutions. The entire community sees all of this. I have arranged for the repair of up to 200 km of roads in Imishli through requests. If the most seriously ill patients from Imishli came to Baku, I stood by them, arranged for several of their major operations at state expense, or asked others for money, and we brought them back to life. I thank the relevant institutions again, as this was accomplished through their efforts. However, if a deputy does not fight and does not knock on doors, these things are not possible. Sending a letter and waiting does not achieve anything. There were individuals in Imishli who had been unable to obtain disability status for 20-30 years. We have managed to restore the disability or pension of over 700 people. I personally followed up on each of these cases.
Imishli's construction magnates, villagers, musicians, the elder who hung the USSR flag, the writer who criticizes everyone...
- Which historical and cultural examples, and which individuals, is the district you represent known for?
- Now, when people say Imishli, they think that businessmen from Imishli built half of Baku. At the same time, Imishli is known for cotton growing. Its animal husbandry is also good. Beautiful musicians such as Niyamaddin Musayev, Simara Imanova, and Elkhan Shirinov have also emerged from Imishli. Furthermore, Imishli has had many lawyers. I believe that during the Soviet era, 20-30 percent of the graduates of Baku State University's Faculty of Law were residents of Sarikhanli village in Imishli. Today, police chiefs and court chairmen in many districts are from Imishli. Today, there are also many officials from Imishli. Some have become famous later.
Saleh Samadov was the chairman of the Council of Elders in Imishli, a prominent businessman. Everyone makes mistakes, and raising the USSR flag was his mistake. I hope his door will open. One of Imishli's famous social media phenomena is Karamət Böyükçöl. He is a talented person. If he weren't, thousands of comments wouldn't be written on his posts. I also saw him at a book exhibition. I bought his books. He provokes some people, criticizes, throws stones into their gardens, but in any case, he expresses many issues correctly. This person does not oppose his state. Talented people are also strange: one day good, one day bad.
I am also one of the most courageous politicians in Azerbaijan. I do and say what I believe is right. I have been this way, and I will remain this way. Karamət might criticize me, but he won't go deep. I don't remember the last time I saw Karamət. Frankly, I haven't helped him until now; if my means were extensive, I would. He has also never asked me for anything.
- Have you asked anything from wealthy, influential, or construction magnates from Imishli?
- I don't ask for much from the wealthy Imishli residents in Baku either. During my first term as a deputy – during the pandemic – I had said some things, and they did what they could. Now I know that if I say something, they won't do it. Because everyone does things in a limited capacity. But I think that if the deputy of Imishli were from somewhere else, those individuals would flock around him like moths. Since the deputy of Imishli is from that very region, they don't appreciate it.
- In most regions, a hidden animosity prevails between the district's executive head and the deputies. What is the state of your relations?
- The poor relationship between executive heads and deputies has already become a tradition in Azerbaijan. I am busy with my own work. Whatever I do, I do for the people of Imishli.
- You emphasized that Imishli lagged behind in education levels at certain times. What is the current situation?
- Some traditions in Imishli disappoint me. Everyone in the district used to hold large mourning ceremonies, competing with each other. Finally, a month ago, serving food at mourning ceremonies was abandoned. This was one of my biggest wishes. More attention should be paid to education in Imishli. Our district was not among the leaders in this field. Farming and animal husbandry caused people to divert their children from education. There are some people who do not send their children to school so that they can look after sheep and goats. I even witnessed girls not being allowed to attend school. My female classmates were not allowed to attend school after the 6th or 7th grade. Currently, there is a strict control mechanism in this area, so it does not become widespread. Today, girls in Imishli study better than boys and are admitted to universities with higher scores.
- Every region also differs with its unique customs and traditions. In this regard, which customs and traditions would you prefer not to see in Imishli?
- Although I do not perform namaz, I pray as much as, perhaps even more than, those who do, and I read religious literature. But I don't like to talk much about this. Because, unfortunately, many religious figures do not practice what they preach. And ignorance has always been more prevalent.
At one time, religious inclination in Imishli had taken a radical direction. The district's community received training according to Iranian rules and was guided in that direction. However, in the last 1-2 years, the situation has changed considerably. People are more interested in formalities than in religious knowledge. When someone passes away, the mullahs do not speak about that person or recall their identity. Mourning ceremonies are often held not for the soul of the deceased, but for their family, status, and position. There are even cases where if you ask someone attending the ceremony whether the deceased was a man or a woman, they cannot answer. This is because people sometimes attend mourning ceremonies just to be seen.
If mullahs spoke about the life, behavior, and good deeds of the deceased during mourning ceremonies, this would both affect people and strengthen the culture of compassion and remembrance in society. For example, if the deceased's social situation was poor, people would offer more help; if they were a good person, they would remember them. But now, this spirit is fading.
- Many of the Imishli construction magnates you mentioned earlier are Hajjis. What is your view on this?
- The principle of being a Hajji is not a status for me. Unfortunately, in recent times, the concept of 'Hajji' has begun to acquire a negative connotation. Someone goes on the Hajj pilgrimage; this is an important tenet of Islam. But this does not grant anyone superiority. There are also many among Hajjis who do not perform good deeds afterward. Being a Hajji, namaz, worship – these are matters between a person and Allah. It is not right for someone to exert pressure on others in the name of religion. People should approach religion as a science.
Religious superstition has been forming in Imishli for many years, spreading mainly through mourning ceremonies and mosques, and influencing people's thinking. However, 60-70 percent of this tendency has already been eliminated. Now, a process of religious clarification is underway in Imishli.
- Is there a problem of widespread drug use in Imishli? For a long time, the district's name was mentioned among the first in this area. Do people appeal to you because their relatives have been imprisoned for this reason?
- There is a problem with narcotics in Imishli, but serious measures are being taken by the relevant authorities in this area. In fact, those most harmed by drugs are its users. However, the root of the problem lies with those involved in drug trafficking. If drug traffickers are neutralized, users will no longer have access to harmful substances. I highly appreciate the work done by law enforcement agencies in this direction, and there is no point about which I would be dissatisfied.
However, it is also a fact that drug addicts or traffickers will not completely disappear just because there is police. Consequently, the police are also human, and in some cases, even among officials, those who assist in this work can be found. I have repeatedly proposed in parliament that regular analyses be conducted among individuals working in state and budgetary organizations. Even if this information is not disclosed to the public, these individuals should be directed to treatment if discovered. Because drug traffickers sometimes try to corrupt those working in state institutions.
I thank the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the work it has done in this direction. However, I believe that in this matter, not only law enforcement agencies but society itself must unite.
Another important issue is the social aspect. When opportunities for people's employment and productive use of their leisure time are scarce, many fall into wrong paths and find it difficult to escape. In most districts, opportunities for entertainment, recreation, and cultural activities are very limited for people. For example, in Imishli, until a few years ago, women could not go to restaurants; they were not allowed in. Since there were no suitable, safe, and comfortable places for women to go, they also showed no interest in such places.
"I condemn and curse parents who marry off their daughters before they reach maturity"
- One of the problems that characterize Imishli in a negative sense is early marriage and the issue of girls being diverted from school. Does this trend still continue?
- Imishli's name has been mentioned several times in connection with early marriage. The reason for this stems from ignorance, superstition, and ancestral customs and traditions. I condemn and curse parents who marry off their daughters before they reach maturity. I believe that such cases will decrease in Imishli after the relevant law comes into force on July 1. Not even one girl child should remain uneducated. It should even be enforced. If they don't get an education, they should be penalized.
- Doctor shortage is also one of the main problems in the district..
- Since 2020, I have been stating that Imishli needs 189 doctors. Currently, this number is 105. The issue is that more bonuses should be offered to doctors at the state level to encourage them to go and work in Imishli. Even a 1000 manat bonus is not enough for them. Doctors working in the district could also be provided with housing or have their rent paid.
- You have repeatedly drawn attention to Imishli's heating problem in plenary sessions. You have also been criticized for this. What is the current situation in this regard?
- 9 villages in Imishli were without gas. Gas supply was ensured for 4 of them. The gasification of the villages was carried out through the internal resources of "Azerigas" and SOCAR, and as a result of my persistence and struggle. Another village in Imishli – Gulubayli – has also been included in the list for gasification next year. For the other 4 villages, substantial state investment is needed. A decision has been made, but a precise date for when it will be implemented cannot be given.
"I found jobs for 1500 people in Imishli, but all my relatives remained unemployed"
- Do you have relatives living in Imishli, and what do they do for a living?
- I have appealed to relevant state institutions and helped more than 1500 people in Imishli to find employment. However, although my sister, brother, and their children live in Imishli, none of them have been provided with jobs. One sister, one brother, and their children live in Khalfali village of Imishli. All my relatives from my mother's side are also in various villages of Imishli. Frankly, my own relatives are now dissatisfied with me because none of them are working. I have exhausted all my limits and networking opportunities on requests, but I have not been able to secure jobs for my own relatives. All of them tell me, "You are a deputy, but we are unemployed." And I say with full responsibility: this is true. Today, my sister, brother, their children, and even my brother-in-law blame me for not being able to help them. The only thing I can do is provide financial support. I have appealed to state institutions several times, but no results have been achieved. When I make a request for someone else, I can insistently demand it, but when it comes to my relatives, I cannot do this. Perhaps there have been those who abused this. As a result, all the deputy's relatives in the district have remained unemployed.
Today, no state institution can say, "We have hired Razi Nurullayev's such-and-such relative." Yet, I have said and asked many times. So, how are they supposed to make a living? Sometimes, when I convey their request, they simply say, "Yes, we remember," and the matter remains unresolved.
Two of my own children were unemployed; I recently found a job for one, but her travel expenses exceed her salary. Yet, she has a high education and knows several languages. I believe that my children will find their own paths in the future. I have not tried to find jobs for my children at state expense; on the contrary, I want them to advance through their own abilities. A businessman told me, "Send your daughter; let her come and work for me." My daughter graduated from ADA University with a degree in computer science; her knowledge was suitable for that job. But I thought she should work with foreign companies, build her own career, earn more, and benefit more. I have never asked state institutions for jobs for my children.
Sometimes my relatives face injustice, but it is difficult to secure their rights. There are both objective and subjective reasons for this. We are still a new state; many issues still need to be transformed into state ethics and administrative tradition. A newly appointed official should preserve the good practices of their predecessor. Sometimes I think we are in too much of a hurry, but a pear ripens in its own time.
- Doesn't going to Imishli frequently tire you out?
- I love walking. If I walk, I don't get tired. On the contrary, traveling by car tires me out more. When I go to Imishli, I usually rush – because meetings are scheduled, and I need to arrive on time. When I return, I rush back to Baku again, as I have other work. I didn't get so tired before, but when a person constantly travels back and forth, they experience both physical and mental fatigue. We get tired not only physically but also spiritually. We experience stress 4-5 times a day: sometimes a constituent calls, expresses dissatisfaction, and a little later, news comes that the problem has been solved. One finds oneself amidst different emotions several times a day.
- Which specific dishes from Imishli do you particularly enjoy?
- In Imishli, I most enjoy chighirtma made from village chicken. If you eat it once, you won't want any other food. Generally, I am not a big eater, but I am a bit selective about food. I don't eat just any dish.
- If we are not mistaken, your wife is not from Imishli. What differences does being from different regions create within the family?
- In Azerbaijan, people often try to marry someone from their relatives or from the same village. I have never agreed with this. My wife is from Jabrayil. In my opinion, it would be better if people intermarried with different regions and got to know different cultures. It is true that being from different regions sometimes creates certain difficulties, and I have experienced this myself. But there's an interesting saying: wherever you marry from, that's where you belong.
"The Ministry knows the issues, but struggles to implement them"
- Mr. Razi, finally, I would like to address you as the Deputy Chairman of the Agrarian Policy Committee. Imishli is also an agricultural district. Does the committee fulfill your requests and proposals regarding Imishli? What are the points you are satisfied and dissatisfied with? How do you evaluate the committee's activities?
- In the Agrarian Policy Committee, I participate in discussions related to agricultural development, express my views on draft laws, and make proposals. My relations with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food Safety Agency are normal; I can contact them whenever I wish. I have never experienced disrespect from them. However, I want these relations to yield real results. The Ministry knows what I say, but no concrete results are visible.
They plant cotton in Imishli, but the plant does not grow more than two spans, and sometimes crops in the fields dry up due to lack of water. When Majnun Mammadov was minister, I met with him, and he also agreed with these problems. The issue of land passportization in agriculture was raised, but it has not yet been realized. If a plant requires water, it should not be allowed to be planted in an arid area. Lands should be passportized so that it is known in advance what will be planted in which area. Farmers cannot sell their produce because buyers want to purchase products in bulk from large cultivated areas. Lands should be consolidated to some extent. The capabilities of a farmer planting tomatoes on 5 sot are not the same as those of a farmer with a 100-hectare plot.
The Ministry is aware of these problems but struggles to implement solutions. Because it is not easy to reach an agreement with citizens. Technological progress is rapidly advancing worldwide, but we are still in a transitional period. Both the legislator and the executive p bear responsibility here.
"Although I am the Deputy Chairman of the Agrarian Policy Committee, I am not invited to the events of relevant institutions"
- As the Deputy Chairman of the Agrarian Policy Committee, are you able to cooperate with executive bodies?
- To date, I have not received any invitations to events from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Food Safety Agency, or other institutions. Yet, I have been the Deputy Chairman of the Agrarian Policy Committee for over a year. The system in many state bodies has not yet fully settled. New personnel arrive, wanting to change something, but sometimes this works to their detriment. A deputy should not be a mere decoration. Sometimes they invite to an event, but the protocol is not properly established. There have even been times when I was called, but no seat was found, and I turned around and left.
Although I am the Deputy Chairman of the Agrarian Policy Committee, I cannot provide detailed comments on some issues because I do not receive invitations to the meetings of relevant institutions. I believe that Azerbaijan will not be able to fully provide itself with agricultural products through its internal capabilities for a long time.
Imishli district is an area located in the Aran region of Azerbaijan, possessing ancient history and rich agricultural traditions. The district was founded in 1930, initially under the name Garadonlu, and later took the name Imishli with the relocation of the administrative center. These lands, located on the banks of the Aras River, were distinguished by their water sources and caravan routes. The Bahramtapa water junction, commissioned in 1959, and the Bash Mugan and Azizbayov canals originating from it, played a significant role in the development of agriculture in the region. Today, Imishli is considered one of the dynamic districts of the Mugan plain, both economically and socially.
