Azerbaijani provincial authority publishes a list of 30 must-read books

The Chairman of the Supreme Majlis (assembly) of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, Vasif Talibov, signed an order on 28 August regarding a list of books deemed necessary for reading.

According to the order, the list of books will serve to form patriotism, national identity and the world outlook of the younger generation. In connection with this, special sections must be created in libraries of educational and cultural facilities for these books.

The list comprises 30 titles, which include both Azerbaijani authors and classics of world literature.

T he first entry on the list of books is the work entitled: ‘The Appeal of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev to the People of Azerbaijan in Connection With the New 2001, New Era and Third Millennium’.

The list also includes the works of Nizami, Tusi, Saadi, Shahriyar, several well-known authors from Nakchivean, Dreizer, Hemingway, Maupassant, Jaсk London and other classics.

There is only one entry of Russian literature which dates back to Soviet times – the autobiographical novel ‘How Steel Was Tempered’ by Nikolay Ostrovski.

You can read the entire list of 30 books (in Russian) here. 

Talibov’s order has become the subject of widespread discussion in the social media networks of Azerbaijan. We offer several comments without the names of the authors:

“Honestly, the majority of the indicated books are more or less understandable: respect for elders, guidance, but there are several points which are completely left out of the list. Either this is for humor, or they just didn’t think about it.”

“Oy, I looked at the list. There are some interesting titles mentioned there. I’m really surprised.” 

“Great initiative. I would spread this order throughout Azerbaijan. Those who don’t read these books should be fined! And maybe then, in a few years, we would have some serious positive changes in our society.”

“Great selection, from the ‘Great Leader’ – that’s how Heydar Aliyev is known in Azerbaijan – to socialist realism. And there’s a bonus: the story about a girl with reduced social responsibility, but with a real feeling of patriotism. (that is, the story of Maupassant ‘Boule de Suif’).”