Multifaceted M.F. Akhundov: convinced Russophile, Iranian patriot and initiator of “Azerbaijani” identity
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Unlike other books about Akhundov, whose theme is the ups and downs of his life, the merits and demerits of his works, as well as the philosophical worldview, this work is devoted to the role of Akhundov in the process of forming an identity called “Azerbaijanis” or “Azerbaijani Turks”.
The urgency of the problem is that the debate around this topic is far from over. Today, as well as 100 years ago, there are disputes in society about three forms of identity: Turkic, Azerbaijani and Islamic. Moreover, the current situation is even more confusing and contradictory.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, supporters of Islam sought to establish a Shiite, and in fact, Iranian identity. Now, due to the wide spread of various streams of Sunni Islam in Azerbaijan, many forms of Islamic identity have emerged, which are already fighting among themselves.
On the other hand, the concept of “Azerbaijani identity” has also undergone a significant transformation. The author of this idea is M.E. Rasulzade not only did not deny the Turkic origin of Azerbaijanis, but on the contrary considered this factor (azərbaycançılıq) pivotal.
Meanwhile, in the modern interpretation, the concept of "Azerbaijani identity" is somewhat reminiscent of the notorious "Soviet" or "Ottoman" identity, designed to unite ethnic and national groups of different origins into a single whole.
The work is written in a rather critical tone in relation to the legacy of Akhundov, which, however, does not detract from his invaluable services to his fellow tribesmen.
