Sultan Raev, Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY), has shared a message of condolence on his official social media account following the passing of Azerbaijani People’s Writer Elchin Afandiyev.

The message reads: “It is with deep sorrow that I have learned of the passing of Elchin Afandiyev, one of the most distinguished figures in Azerbaijani literature and culture - a valued author and statesman.

Elchin Afandiyev, a towering literary figure of the Turkic World, left an indelible mark on the collective memory of our people through his works spanning more than half a century. He made invaluable contributions to the literary heritage of both Azerbaijan and the entire Turkic World. His unforgettable works, such as “Mahmud and Maryam,” “Agh Deve” (The White Camel), and “Ölüm Hökmü” (Death Sentence), are etched into our cultural memory.

As both a writer and a public servant, Afandiyev played a pivotal role in the cultural development of Azerbaijan and in strengthening the spirit of unity across the Turkic World.

I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as to the people of Azerbaijan and the entire Turkic World.”

Ramin Abdullayev

Special correspondent