Books about Azerbaijan
One of the first things I noticed about Baku is how deeply literature is woven into its culture. The name Nizami the poet isn’t just a historical reference — it’s everywhere. From parks and main streets to Baku’s trendiest neighborhoods and even the iconic Nizami Museum of Literature*, his legacy is ever-present. In Baku, Nizami Ganjavi is a ✨Cultural Icon ✨ — his works which are celebrated for their universal wisdom and human values, remain a symbol of Azerbaijan’s literary heritage.
Stories act as windows into a country’s cultural and national identity. So what are the roles of literature in Azerbaijan and what literary works can help you understand the heart and soul of this country?
“Free is a man who has no desires.” — Nizami Ganjavi
Why is literature so important in Azerbaijan?
1. A Legacy of Literary Giants
Azerbaijan is home to iconic literary figures like Nizami Ganjavi and Fuzuli, whose works are celebrated globally. Their names adorn streets, libraries, and cultural institutions, symbolizing their lasting influence.
These poets are not without controversy. Nizami Ganjavi, widely regarded as the greatest romantic epic poet in Persian literature, is celebrated across Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, the Kurdistan region, and Tajikistan. However, both Azerbaijan and Iran lay claim to his legacy:
• Azerbaijan’s Claim: Nizami was born in Ganja, a city located in present-day Azerbaijan, and his birthplace is a source of national pride.
• Iran’s Claim: During Nizami’s lifetime, Ganja was part of the Persian Seljuk Empire, and he wrote exclusively in Persian, the dominant literary language of the time.
Given the overlapping cultural and territorial histories of these neighboring nations, I am not surprised this rivalry between neighbours with overlapping culture and territory throughout history, exists.
2. Storytelling as a Cultural Pillar
Azerbaijan has a rich tradition of oral storytelling, with epic tales like “Dede Korkut” preserving history, values, and cultural identity across generations.
3. The Role of Poetry in Identity and Resistance
Literature played a crucial role during foreign rule and political oppression, serving as a tool for resistance and preserving Azerbaijani identity.
4. Literature and Education
Azerbaijani literature is a core part of the national education system, with children learning about classical poets and their works from an early age.
5. A Thriving Literary Scene Today
Bookshops and literary cafes in cities like Baku are often filled with young readers, reflecting a strong contemporary literary culture. In fact, one of the best finds in Baku is the Baku Book Center. It’s a space that goes beyond being just a bookshop, serving as a cultural hub with local crafts, gift shops, and cozy corners for book lovers. The recently renovated building is home to one of Baku’s most stunning spiral staircases.
Literary Works that Explain Azerbaijan:
Each of these recommended works offers a unique perspective on Azerbaijan’s culture, history, and identity — from timeless love stories to epic sagas and modern geopolitical realities. Whether through fiction, poetry, or historical analysis, they provide essential insights into the soul of the nation.
1. Ali and Nino by Kurban Said
Ali and Nino is arguably the most famous Azerbaijani literary work of the 20th century. While the author’s true identity remains a mystery, the novel is undeniably rooted in Azerbaijan’s cultural and historical landscape and has left a lasting impact on the nation.
Set during the oil boom of the early 20th century, the novel tells the story of Ali, a Muslim Azerbaijani man, and Nino, a Christian Georgian woman. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of cultural clashes — tradition vs. modernity, conservative Asia vs. liberal Europe, and the looming presence of Russia’s might. Even an Armenian character is introduced, offering insight into historical regional tensions.
The book explores the conflict between East and West, symbolized by Baku’s unique geographic and cultural position. A teacher’s early observation that the fate of Baku ‘whether our town should belong to progressive Europe or to reactionary Asia’, questions of allegiance and identity are at the forefront of the narrative. This plays out on every level, from different ways of eating through to the design of houses — every detail is infused with affection and wit.
The novel was adapted into a film of the same name, beautifully capturing the oil fields, Sheki Palace, and opulent ballroom filmed in the National Museum (which was previously the residence of an oil millionaire). While visually stunning, the movie simplifies some of the book’s more complex themes, particularly regarding gender roles in Ali’s family and society. In the novel, cultural contrasts are stark: while Nino’s father promotes marriage based on equality, Ali’s father views women ‘like children, only much more sly and vicious’, and societal norms dictate that wives must be controlled. These tensions culminate dramatically when Nino is kidnapped, and Ali must navigate a brutal code of honor to save her.
2. Layla and Majnun
Often referred to as the “Romeo and Juliet” of the East, Layla and Majnun originates from a 7th-century Arabic tale about the tragic love between Qays ibn al-Mulawwah and Layla bint Mahdi. Five centuries later, the story was immortalized in a 4,600-stanza poem by Nizami Ganjavi.
The reason this story stands out among Nizami’s other works is its cultural influence beyond literature. The tale was adapted into the first opera in the Islamic world, based on Fuzuli’s poem (written 300 years after Nizami). Photographs from the opera, featuring an all-male cast (including Leyla’s role), highlight the story’s enduring significance. The narrative has also inspired countless miniatures, folk art pieces, and even the opening ceremony of the 2015 European Games in Baku!
3. Solar Plexus: A Baku Saga in Four Parts
Translated into English by Andrew Bromfield, Solar Plexus is a sweeping saga chronicling the lives of four friends across critical periods of Azerbaijani history — from Stalin’s purges to independence in 1991.
Through the perspectives of these characters, the novel explores societal changes, personal struggles, and shifting ideologies across decades. The narrative paints a vivid picture of Azerbaijan’s tumultuous journey through Soviet rule, independence, and modernity.
This book serves as a historical and emotional guide, offering readers a window into the personal impact of political upheavals in Azerbaijan.
4. The Oil and the Glory
While not a novel, The Oil and the Glory by Steve LeVine provides essential context for understanding modern Azerbaijan. The book examines the geopolitical power struggle over Caspian Sea oil reserves, which hold billions of dollars’ worth of untapped resources.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan became a central player in the region’s oil boom, funding the striking modern skyline of Baku. LeVine meticulously chronicles the territorial disputes, international power plays, and economic transformations that define Azerbaijan’s oil industry.
For anyone seeking to understand how oil shaped Azerbaijan’s present-day identity and economy, this book is an invaluable resource.
Check out more books here.
*The Nizami Museum of Literature is my second must-visit museum after the National Museum, conveniently located in the same neighborhood. For just 10 manat, you’ll get a personal guide who speaks English, Arabic, Turkish, and Persian.
Fun fact: The word for book in Azerbaijan is kitab. The word comes from the Arabic word kataba, which means “to write”. In Islam, kitab is often used to refer to a book of sacred scripture, such as the scripture of the Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians, or Muslims — the meaning of which is closer to Indonesian and Malay. In Azerbaijan, kitab applies to all books, my overactive mind wonders if it’s further proof to Azerbaijan’s secularism ha!
