Presidential Library's Collection Enriched with Rare Edition of Shah Ismail Khatai's Ghazals
A book of selected ghazals by Shah Ismail Khatai, titled "Ghazals", has been presented to the Presidential Library from a private collection.
Published in Baku in 1946 by the Society for Cultural Relations of Azerbaijan with Iran, this rare book—printed in Azerbaijani using the traditional Arabic script—reflects the poetic heritage of Shah Ismail Khatai, the founder of the Safavid state and a prominent Azerbaijani poet and statesman. The publication features the poet's ghazals, which explore themes of love, emotional turbulence, and spiritual quests.
Academician Hamid Arasli included 166 lyrical ghazals, drawing on Khatai's "Divan" preserved in the Manuscript Fund, as well as a manuscript compiled from British Museum and Ardabil copies. The book's introduction features the articles "The Literary Work of Shah Ismail Khatai" by Academician Hamid Arasli and "A Great Statesman" by Z. Ibrahimov.
These articles discuss Shah Ismail Khatai's statecraft, historical role, and literary work. Thus, the publication presents not only Khatai's poetic legacy but also his activities as a statesman and a literary figure. The exquisite floral designs in the book's artistic layout reflect the traditions of Eastern book culture.
This rare edition is a key source for studying Shah Ismail Khatai's poetic heritage and literary creativity, as well as his place in Azerbaijani history and culture. Including the book in the Presidential Library's collection ensures that this valuable publication, which reflects Khatai's rich literary heritage, is preserved in the library's rare books collection and made available for research.
