Georgian-born intellectual, Dr. Fatima Hajiyeva—Doctor of Medicine, Professor, Surgeon, and Obstetrician-Gynecologist—is not only a highly esteemed medical professional but also a multifaceted scholar whose interests extend deeply into the realms of literature, culture, and society.
The author of several scientific volumes and numerous scholarly articles, Dr. Hajiyeva has made meaningful contributions to the medical sciences. Yet her intellectual pursuits transcend the boundaries of medicine. Currently, she is conducting a compelling interdisciplinary study on Ashig Alasgar, the legendary Azerbaijani ashug (folk poet-singer), often revered as the sultan of music and lyrics. Her research explores the representation of women in Alasgar’s poetry—analyzed from her unique dual perspective as both a physician and cultural scholar.
“In science, no idea is dogma; every person has the right to re-examine even the most popular idea of the most famous scholar at any time.”
— Abu Turhan
”I wholeheartedly agree with these timeless words from the great philosopher Abu Turhan,” Dr. Hajiyeva reflects. ”Though my profession is medicine, as a native of the Borchalı region and a daughter of the people, I have always felt a deep connection to literature. This love is no doubt rooted in the cultural values passed down through my family. In recent years, my interest in folklore and ashug poetry has grown significantly.”
Ashig Alasgar, a monumental figure in Azerbaijani ashug literature, left behind a poetic legacy that continues to stir hearts. His extraordinary natural talent and profound emotional insight are especially evident in his portrayal of women. “What captivates me most,” says Dr. Hajiyeva, “is how Alasgar brings his female characters to life—with refined language, delicate emotion, and lyrical power. He does not merely depict physical beauty; he celebrates the inner depth and richness of women. My appreciation for his work is informed not only by cultural admiration but also by my medical background—his nuanced understanding of the human form and psyche is remarkable.”
In the course of her research, Dr. Hajiyeva delved into the rich literary archives of the Public Association ”Dədə Ələsgər Ocağı” (Father Alesgar’s Hearth). Engaging conversations with its chairman, Hatay Alasgarov—a respected connoisseur of Alasgar’s legacy—along with a deep study of rare literary and artistic documents, illuminated many previously overlooked aspects of the poet’s work.
“Through this exploration,” she says, “I discovered Ashig Alasgar not only as a poetic genius but also as a kindred spirit—someone who, remarkably, grasped the anatomical and physiological intricacies of womanhood and transformed them into lyrical masterpieces that resonate with both scientists and artists.”
Within the poetic language of Dədə Ələsgər, the physical and spiritual essence of Azerbaijani women is portrayed with radiant imagery and authentic national character. The poet’s motifs—his treatment of physiognomy, his vivid characterizations, the graceful charisma of the women he depicts—form a mesmerizing tapestry. Indeed, no visual artist could match the elegance of the portraits he renders in verse.
He presents women as houris or angels—divine creations bestowed by the Almighty. Through the lens of medicine, Dr. Hajiyeva is deeply moved by the intricate subtleties in his vision: “The mystique of femininity, the allure, the form, the spiritual essence—how exquisitely, how skillfully, how accurately he expresses them! His poetry is both a scientific wonder and a spiritual offering.”
“O great poet,” she concludes, “reading your work is a form of scholarship, an act of reverence, a reward in itself.”
She closes with the poet’s own verse:
“One who worships is considered a believer,
but the reward of generosity is greater than that!”
Rauf Pen Nord
