On February 27, 2026, an event dedicated to the 220th anniversary of the Azerbaijani enlightener Ismayil bey Gutgashinli was held, jointly organized by the Scientific Library of Sheki Regional Scientific Center of ANAS and I. Nakam Central Library.

The event was attended by employees of the Center, researchers and students.

The purpose of the event was to re-evaluate the literary and enlightening heritage of Ismayil bey Gutgashinli on a scientific level, to more deeply investigate the place of his work in the history of Azerbaijani literature and to convey it to young people, to promote national-spiritual values, enlightening traditions and classical literary heritage, and to show the relevance of this heritage in the context of the modern literary process.

At the event, deputy director for scientific affairs of Sheki RSC, doctor of philology, docent Kamil Adishirinov delivered a comprehensive report on the topic “The Place and Role of Ismayil bey Gutgashinli in 20th Century Azerbaijani Literature”, and spoke about the rich literary heritage, educational activities and role of Ismayil bey Gutgashinli, one of the prominent representatives of 20th century Azerbaijani literature, in our history of national thought. He said that Ismayil bey Gutgashinli is one of the figures who formed the initial foundation of enlightener-realism in Azerbaijani literature, and who brought to the forefront issues such as national awakening, secular education ideas, human freedom and social progress in his work.

The associate professor emphasized that Gutgashinli's legacy was an important source of ideas not only for the period in which he lived, but also for subsequent stages, and the roots of the realistic and enlightener directions formed in 20th century Azerbaijani literature lie precisely in this legacy.

At the end of his speech, Kamil Adishirinov said that the classical enlightener heritage plays an important scientific basis in the evaluation of modern literary processes and creates a conceptual basis for the consistent study of the history of literature. According to him, addressing this heritage is not only a tribute to the past, but also necessary in terms of determining future literary directions.

Also at the event, Dilbar Yagubova, head of the "Reader Service" department of the I. Nakam Central Library, delivered a report on the topic "Rashid bey and Saadat khanum: The triumph of love and enlightenment." She noted that the love line in the work is not only a description of the fate of two young people, but also an artistic expression of the idea of renewal and enlightenment of society. The speaker emphasized that Ismayil bey Gutgashinli masterfully presented the contradiction between old thinking and a new worldview through this work.

Dilbar Yagubova said that the presentation of the image of a woman in the work is especially noteworthy. The image of Saadat Khanum acts as a carrier of enlightened ideals, and the author emphasizes the importance of women's education and taking an active position in society.

The speaker drew attention to the parallel development of the concepts of love and enlightenment in the work "Rashid bey and Saadat Khanum".

Dilbar Yagubova also touched on the language and style features of the work, saying that the author directly addresses the reader with a simple and understandable style of expression, trying to convey enlightened ideas to a wide audience.

Then, discussions were held around the topics, and the participants' questions were answered.

Finally, a video clip dedicated to the life and work of Ismayil bey Gutgashinli, prepared using artificial intelligence technologies, was demonstrated.