On December 4, the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art celebrated the 200th anniversary of the prominent artist, founder of realist easel painting in Azerbaijani national art, Mirza Gadim Iravani (1825–1875). The event was held in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, on the state-level celebration of the great artist’s anniversary. The program included the presentation of the book “Mirza Gadim Iravani: At the Crossroads of Time” and the opening of the exhibition “Mirza Gadim Iravani: 200 Years of Artistic Legacy.”

Speakers at the opening ceremony included the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Adil Kerimli; Director of the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art, Shirin Malikova; Chairman of the Board of the Western Azerbaijan Community, Aziz Alekberov; Chairman of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan, Farhad Khalilov; Deputy Director of the National Museum of Georgia, Mikheil Sereteli; and Head of the Scientific-Research Department of the museum, Telman Ibrahimov. In their speeches, the historical role of M.G. Iravani in shaping Azerbaijani visual art was particularly emphasized. It was noted that his works are unique examples of art, reflecting the cultural memory of the region in which the artist lived and worked.

Minister of Culture Adil Kerimli highlighted that the anniversary events held throughout the year are significant for passing on M.G. Iravani’s heritage to future generations and promoting it internationally.

Doctor of Philosophy in Art Studies, Telman Ibrahimov, provided participants with detailed information about the book “Mirza Gadim Iravani: At the Crossroads of Time”, of which he is one of the authors, emphasizing its importance for Azerbaijani visual art and art history scholarship.

The book, published by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art, offers a comprehensive study of the artist’s life and work. Under the guidance of PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor Shirin Malikova, the book highlights the exceptional role of M.G. Iravani in the history of Azerbaijani visual art, providing more precise and scientifically grounded biographical information. It comprehensively analyzes the artist’s works held in museums in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Russia, includes new attributions for several pieces, and presents previously unpublished artworks. One of the highlights of the publication is the inclusion of artworks reflecting the historical and cultural environment of 19th-century Yerevan, where M.G. Iravani was born and raised. The book is richly illustrated and includes archival photographs of 19th-century Yerevan.

After the official opening, guests toured and familiarized themselves with the exhibition.