The anniversary event titled “Elkhan Mammadli: Harmony of Music, Words and Life” was held, dedicated to the 80^th anniversary of the birth of the prominent folklore scholar and Honored Cultural Worker Elkhan Mammadli. The event was significant in terms of commemorating Elkhan Mammadli’s contributions to Azerbaijani folklore studies, especially the study of ashiq creativity and evaluating his scientific heritage.

At the beginning of the event the exhibition was presented, consisting of newly published books containing examples reflecting Elkhan Mammadli’s scientific and artistic creativity and research materials written about him.

The event participants first observed a minute of silence in memory of the late scientist.

Opening the event with an introductory speech, director of the Institute of Folklore of ANAS, Doctor of Sciences in Philology Hikmat Guliyev spoke about the scholar’s scientific heritage and contributions to Azerbaijani folklore studies. It was noted that Elkhan Mammadli occupied a special place in Azerbaijani folklore studies not only as a researcher, but also as a bearer of a national-cultural mission. He was characterized as a scholar who approached folklore as “a living system” and conducted his research mainly in a living environment - based on materials collected at ashiq gatherings and expeditions.

Hikmat Guliyev especially mentioned the scholar’s services in the field of collecting and systematizing Borchali folklore. The director estimated the scientist’s radio and television activities as an important service in bringing folklore memory to a wide audience and promoting living traditions.

Then a short film about Elkhan Mammadli’s life and activities prepared by the Folklore Studio was shown.

The film reflected the scientist’s scientific research path, the folklore samples collected by him, the fundamental research he published and his memoirs.

The event continued with reports by Professor Asif Hajiyev, PhD, associate professor Tajir Samimi, Doctor of Sciences in Philology, associate professor Shakir Albaliyev, PhD, associate professor Ilhama Gasabova, Ali Shamil, PhD, associate professor Altay Mammadli, Head of Staff of the Turkish Culture and Heritage Foundation, Doctor of Historical Sciences Fakhri Hajiyev, Honored journalist, poet, publicist Tahir Talibli, Halimat Mammadova, PhD Sahiba Pashayeva dedicated to Elkhan Mammadli’s scientific activities.

Speaking at the end of the event, the late scientist’s brother Eldar Mammadli expressed his gratitude to those who contributed to the organization of the event, the speakers and the participants and also expressed special gratitude to the leadership of the ANAS Institute of Folklore for the attention and respect shown. He mentioned that preserving and appreciating the scientist’s legacy was the greatest moral support for family members.