In 2026, the 120th anniversary of Samad Vurgun (Samad Yusif oglu Vakilov), one of the powerful figures of twentieth-century Azerbaijani literature, People's Poet, renowned playwright and public figure, laureate of the USSR State Prize, full member of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Azerbaijan, will be celebrated.

Samad Vurgun is an outstanding artist who has started a new bright stage in the annals of Azerbaijani literary thought. The poet, whose multifaceted activity was based on the principle of Azerbaijaniness, sang with fiery love the Land of Fire, where he was a singer. His poem "Azerbaijan", which has become a byword in languages, is a poetic expression of the love of the Motherland in the heart of every Azerbaijani. The great master of words fought tirelessly for the purity of his native language, benefiting from the inexhaustible treasury of folk creativity, and created valuable works with deep human and social content, reflecting all the beauties of meaning of this language. Samad Vurgun's unique lyrics with romantic and philosophical content, which elevate national poetry to the heights, are included in the golden fund of Azerbaijani literature. Vurgun's dramaturgy, which instills respect for the past and faith in the future, forms a special page in the history of Azerbaijani theatrical art. Samad Vurgun's artistic heritage, rich in innovative qualities, has had a strong influence on modern Azerbaijani poetry as a school and today plays an important role in the upbringing of the younger generation in the spirit of devotion to national and spiritual values.

Guided by Clause 32 of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in order to ensure the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the outstanding poet Samad Vurgun, who made exceptional contributions to the development of Azerbaijani literature, I decide:

1. The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, together with the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and relevant institutions, taking into account the proposals of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, shall prepare and implement a plan of events for the 120th anniversary of the People's Poet Samad Vurgun.
2. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan shall resolve the issues arising from this Order.

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, February 23, 2026