On the 22^nd of May the opening ceremony of the international scientific conference dedicated to the 100^th anniversary of the birth of Ata Tarzibashi, a prominent researcher of Azerbaijani and Kirkuk literature and folklore, was held at the Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS). The conference was organized by Institute of Folklore ANAS, Institute of Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi ANAS and Kirkuk Culture Association.

First, the exhibition dedicated to the Iraqi-Turkmen literature, the work of Ata Tarzibashi, one of the greatest figures produced by the Iraqi Turkmen and the Turkic world in the 20^th century, was viewed and examples of Azerbaijani and Kirkuk folk music were played.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli, the president of ANAS, opened the event with his opening speech and spoke about Iraqi-Turkmen and Azerbaijani literary relations, saying that there were common national and spiritual values and ancient historical roots between the countries. He mentioned that currently President Ilham Aliyev paid great attention and supported the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Iraq-Kirkuk. According to the academician, within the framework of Azerbaijan-Iraq relations, Azerbaijan-Kirkuk relations had reached a new stage.

The president of ANAS noted that Ata Tarzibashi, the spiritual father of Kirkuk Turks, was mainly known for his research on literature and folklore, made the need to collect, publish and study the nation’s national heritage the cornerstone of his activity. He dedicated his entire meaningful life to the scientific and spiritual advancement and national and cultural progress of Iraqi Turkmen.

Academician Mukhtar Kazımoglu-Imanov, director of Institute of Folklore ANAS, informed about the research carried out by Ata Tarzibashi on the activity of Mahammad Fuzuli. He said that Ata Tarzibaşı, who was the most skilled researcher of Kirkuk folklore, created the Kirkuk folklore school according to his many years of consistent activity.

The conference continued its work in divisional sessions. At the department meetings, numerous reports covering the investigation of the Iraqi-Turkmen language, history, folklore, ethnography, literature, as well as the rich activity of Ata Tarzibashi were heard and discussions were held around the speeches.

The conference continued its work in divisional sessions. At the department meetings, numerous reports covering the investigation of the Iraqi-Turkmen language, history, folklore, ethnography, literature, as well as the rich creativity of Ata Tarzibashi were heard and discussions were held around the reports.