Professor Jamila Hasanzade and I seated together, immersed in the discussion about her book, moments before the launch began

Guivami Rahimli, PhD, Professor at Baku State University and bp's Senior Government Affairs Adviser, shared with AZERTAC his memories from the presentation of “The Magic of the Pen. Select Miniatures from the Khamsa of Nizami Ganjavi,” the final legacy of a devoted scholar.

During the Global Forum, bp, in partnership with Nizami Ganjavi International Center, presented a book titled “The Magic of the Pen.” This publication is a remarkable collection of miniatures carefully selected from historical manuscripts of Nizami’s Khamsa – a masterpiece of world literature and a timeless treasure of Azerbaijani culture.

This publication was prepared to mark the “Year of Nizami Ganjavi” declared by President Ilham Aliyev, in 2021, and is dedicated to the 880th anniversary of the great Azerbaijani poet and philosopher and one of the world’s most brilliant literary minds.

The Khamsa, a quintet of epic poems, reflects Nizami’s profound wisdom, humanism, and poetic mastery, which continue to inspire generations across the world. The newly presented collection not only highlights the beauty of Nizami’s words but also brings to light the exquisite artistry of medieval manuscript illumination, capturing the imagination of readers with vivid illustrations and intricate details.

The collaboration between bp and Nizami Ganjavi International Center reflects a shared commitment to promoting cultural heritage and preserving the legacy of great thinker who have shaped human civilization. By bringing together global leaders, thinkers, and cultural advocates at the Global Baku Forum, the event underscored the enduring relevance of Nizami’s ideas of justice, love, and wisdom in today’s world.

The presentation of “The Magic of the Pen” stood as a cultural highlight of the Forum, reaffirming Azerbaijan’s role as a bridge between history and modernity, tradition and innovation, East and West.

This remarkable art and research book was authored by Professor Jamila Hasanzade, Doctor of Art History, and brings together a rich collection of miniatures carefully chosen from historical manuscripts of Nizami’s Khamsa.

Through carefully curated illustrations and scholarly insight, “The Magic of the Pen” not only reflects the richness of Nizami’s poetic imagination but also reveals the exquisite artistry of manuscript miniatures, which serve as a visual bridge between history and modern appreciation.

In their joint foreword, Co-Chairs of Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, former President of Latvia, and Ismail Serageldin, former Vice-President of the World Bank and Emeritus Librarian of Alexandria, paid tribute to the collective effort behind the publication, offering special thanks to scholars, translators, editors, co-sponsors including bp, and Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The publication also stands as bp’s gift to the 880th jubilee celebrations of Nizami Ganjavi. It represents a further contribution by bp to the study, promotion, and preservation of Azerbaijan’s rich and ancient history, its enduring moral values, and its magnificent literary and poetic treasury.

Seated at the presentation alongside Professor Hasanzade, I was struck not only by the significance of the moment but also by the familiar faces in attendance. Among them were former heads of states, including Co-Chair of Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, whom I had once been honored to host at the Sangachal terminal. Another distinguished guest was renowned historian and broadcaster Professor Bettany Hughes, who has described me as “a passionate historian and archaeologist.” Their presence underscored the international recognition of Nizami’s enduring legacy.

Gary Jones, bp’s Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye, warmly approaches Professor Hasanzade to personally congratulate her and engage in a lively discussion about the collection of miniatures

 bp’s role in supporting this cultural milestone was emphasized by Gary Jones, bp’s Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye, who stated:

“The book we are presenting today is a unique collection of invaluable art from around the world by authors and artists who have been inspired by Nizami’s genius for centuries. We are proud, as Azerbaijan’s long-term and reliable partner, to be able to recognise ‘The Magic of the Pen’ of Nizami Ganjavi – a genius of word and thought.”

Reflecting on the event, I was reminded of my earlier article “Journey of Mysterious Tales of Tabriz,” where I explored how stories and manuscripts preserve not only memory but also identity. In many ways, “The Magic of the Pen” continues that journey — linking the wisdom of centuries past to the cultural dialogues of today, ensuring that Nizami’s universal ideas of wisdom, love, and justice remain alive for generations to come.

Photographs from that day capture moments of warmth and collegiality: the author smiling at her work, Gary Jones, bp’s Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye, approaching Professor Jamila Hasanzade to thank her personally, and engaging in animated conversation about the book. These images now serve as precious memories of a remarkable scholar whose energy and dedication inspired everyone present.

For me, the memory of Professor Jamila Hasanzade goes far beyond that day. I recall the many times she called me, seeking support to obtain necessary materials from museums around the world and in preparing her books for publication. She was always so grateful for the help, and I remember her voice trembling with emotion — sometimes even in tears — as she spoke of the immense work still to be done. With characteristic humility and foresight, she would add that after her, perhaps no one could carry this mission forward.

Among her ongoing projects, I had promised her support for publishing her next book in Turkish, a collection of miniatures from the Ottoman and Safavid periods. I had already obtained materials from the museum in Tehran and was working to acquire miniatures from the Topkapı Museum.

Sadly, shortly after this memorable presentation, on 27 August 2022, Professor Jamila Hasanzade passed away. Her untimely departure turned “The Magic of the Pen” into her final scholarly legacy — a culmination of her lifelong dedication to Azerbaijani art, history, and literature. The book is not merely a collection of exquisite miniatures; it is her heart, her vision, and her spirit rendered in pages that will endure for generations.

This promise, unfortunately, became my last to her — a poignant reminder of the trust she placed in me and the unfinished work she left behind.

This tribute is for her, for her brilliance, and for the gift she left behind — a reminder that true scholarship is as much a labor of love as it is of intellect.