Vidadi Babanli Death and Obituary – Vidadi Babanli, a distinguished Azerbaijani writer, dramatist, and translator, passed away on August 16, 2025, at the age of 98. Born on January 5, 1927, in the village of Birinci Shikhli in the Gazakh district of Azerbaijan, Babanli’s contributions to Azerbaijani literature spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the nation.
Raised in a family with a strong educational background, Babanli’s father, Yusif Babanli, was a history teacher and school headmaster. After completing his schooling in his village, Babanli pursued higher education at Azerbaijan State University in Baku, graduating in 1949. His early literary endeavors began with poetry, with his first poem, “Anam sən oldun” (You turned out to be my mother), published in 1947. He also wrote under the pseudonym Vidadi Shikhli during this period.
Babanli’s literary career was diverse, encompassing poetry, prose, drama, and translation. He authored over 40 books, including novels, short stories, and plays. Notable works include “Vicdan susanda” (When the conscience is silent), “Gəlin” (Bride), and “Muagaddas ocaq” (Holy hearth). His dramas, such as “Ana intiqami” (Mother’s revenge) and “Itirilmish inam” (Lost confidence), were staged in various theaters, reflecting his versatility as a playwright.
In addition to his original works, Babanli was a prolific translator, bringing the works of Russian and Ukrainian authors, including Valentin Rasputin, to Azerbaijani readers. His translation of “Vicdan susanda” into Persian and Turkish further expanded its reach, with publications in Tehran and Istanbul in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
Beyond his writing, Babanli held significant editorial positions. He served as a literature expert and branch manager at “Adabiyyat Qazeti” (Literature Newspaper) from 1954 to 1960, and later as the branch manager at “Azerbaycan” magazine from 1961 to 1968. From 1974 to 1976, he was the editor-in-chief of Azerbaijanfilm’s dubbing department, and from 1978 to 1981, he served as the vice-editor of Yazıçı publishing house. His editorial work contributed to the development and dissemination of Azerbaijani literature.
Throughout his career, Babanli received numerous accolades for his literary contributions. In 1986, he was honored as a Merited Artist of Azerbaijan. In 2022, he was conferred the “Sharaf” (Honor) Order by President Ilham Aliyev for his significant work in the development of Azerbaijani literature. He was also a member of the Azerbaijan Writers’ Union from 1954 until his passing.
In his later years, Babanli continued to engage with literature, writing poems even at the age of 85. His enduring passion for writing and his commitment to Azerbaijani culture remained evident throughout his life. Vidadi Babanli passed away on August 16, 2025, in Baku, Azerbaijan. His funeral was held in his hometown of Birinci Shikhli, where he was laid to rest in the family cemetery, as per his wishes.
Vidadi Babanli’s death marks the end of an era in Azerbaijani literature. His works, characterized by their deep humanism and exploration of moral dilemmas, continue to resonate with readers. Through his extensive body of work and his role in shaping Azerbaijani literary traditions, Babanli has left a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of writers and readers alike.
