Elmira Akhundova, People’s Writer of Azerbaijan
The book that lies before us is not quite ordinary. The stories presented in the collection are sometimes separated by decades. This is evidence that the theme of Karabakh, Shushi, and the region from which we came are the themes Gunel suffered through. And she took up the pen only when it was no longer bearable to remain silent. When it was necessary to throw out all my pain, my despair and at the same time hope in the next letter-essay. It’s not for nothing that she herself admits in the story “Letter to Shusha”: “Writing for me is a kind of passion, if it grabs you, it won’t let you go until I spill my heart out on a white sheet of paper.” But this is the quality of a real writer: when you can’t help but write.
These letters are so short, so lapidary and, at the same time, as voluminous as a novel. And Ilgar Fakhmi is right when he wrote in the preface that each of the written essay letters contained entire books of thoughts and feelings.
Of course, the most poignant and earliest of the Karabakh cycle is “Letter to Father.” Dated 2002. There are still 18 long years before the liberation of Karabakh. And like the groan of a broken string, the piercing question of a father to his son hangs in the air: “Don’t you want me back, father?” You know, in Kyiv, at the presentation of the book “Bayragdar”, where two Karabakh stories by Gunel Anargyzy were published, half of the audience cried while listening to this letter translated into Ukrainian. This was a completely new artistic interpretation of the theme of Karabakh and the Karabakh war; it is no coincidence that the story “Letter to Father” in audio and video formats became so in demand in the media space and on social networks.
The story “My Shusha” was written two years later, in 2004, and this is the most lyrical declaration of love for the city that I have ever read. And in May 2021, apparently impressed by her first trip to Shusha after her liberation, Gunel writes a third letter of dedication, in which she admits that there are no words in the world that could express the full extent of her reverent love for Shusha. And she also admits that today she is happier than ever in her life. I believe her, because I experienced the same feelings, having never been to Shusha in my life, when our Supreme Commander-in-Chief spoke the cherished words about the liberation of Shusha. Gunel repeats them in the story: “Dear Shusha, you are free! Dear Shusha, we are back! Dear Shusha, we will revive you!” He said this from the screen, I sat in front of the TV and tears rolled down my cheeks. And I, too, following Gunel, can say: that day I was happier than ever in my life.
And, of course, I would like to say a few words about the radio play “Sky Without Borders”. Honestly, it shocked me, because in artistic form it reproduced with almost one hundred percent accuracy the history of the future liberation of Karabakh and its subsequent revival. Honestly, if I had not seen the date the story was written, I would not have believed that the story was created 111 days before the liberation of Karabakh. So much for the gift of writerly foresight!
Gunel is undoubtedly a talented master of the epistolary genre, in which she created truly masterpieces. I wrote about them in one of my reviews, marveling at the powerful imagination, sparkling humor, art of transformation, and brilliant writing technique that the young author demonstrated in the book “Towards the Past.”
Gunel is the heiress of great literary traditions, a large and glorious family of writers. And, of course, this is not only prestige, but also a huge responsibility. Before my family, before my readers, before myself. She feels it to the fullest. That’s why he’s afraid to lower the bar. Therefore, each of her new works is a path upward, to the heights of comprehension of the Spirit, to the acquisition of that unique and most accurate Word, which, in essence, is God. Let us wish her to go through this thorny path to the end.
What themes are explored in Gunel Anargyzy’s collection of essays?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Elmira Akhundova: A Conversation on Gunel Anargyzy’s Collection
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Elmira! It’s a pleasure to have you here today, especially to discuss the poignant collection of essays by Gunel Anargyzy that you recently presented. Your insights into the themes of her work, particularly regarding Karabakh and Shusha, are truly compelling.
Elmira Akhundova: Thank you! It’s an honor to share my thoughts on Gunel’s powerful writings. The emotions embedded in her essays represent not just personal experiences but collective memories of our people.
Time.news Editor: Your comments highlighted how Gunel’s writing serves as a cathartic release for her pain and despair. Can you elaborate on how writing becomes an act of survival for her, and indeed for many artists from conflict regions?
Elmira Akhundova: Absolutely. For Gunel, and for many writers, words become a lifeline. In her essay “Letter to Shusha,” she describes writing as a passion that overtakes her. It’s a compelling reminder that when unspoken pain becomes unbearable, it often transforms into a narrative. This is especially true for those of us connected to regions that have experienced strife; our stories are steeped in historical and emotional weight.
Time.news Editor: The phrase “each of the written essay letters contained entire books of thoughts and feelings” is quite striking. What do you think makes Gunel’s letters both succinct and yet profoundly deep in meaning?
Elmira Akhundova: That’s a beautiful observation. Gunel has a unique ability to weave profound sentiments into minimalist prose. The brevity of her letters doesn’t diminish their impact; instead, it amplifies it. Each letter is a portal into a larger narrative—like “Letter to Father,” which encapsulates years of longing and frustration in just a few poignant exchanges.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating that you mentioned the emotional responses at the book presentation in Kyiv. What does that tell you about the universality of Gunel’s themes, particularly around loss and connection to homeland?
Elmira Akhundova: It underscores the universal nature of grief and longing. Though Gunel’s context is specific to Karabakh, her themes resonate widely. The audience’s tears reflected a shared understanding of loss—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a homeland, or a part of one’s identity. Art has a unique capacity to bridge divides and connect people through shared emotions.
Time.news Editor: In your introduction, you mentioned that Gunel was inspired to write after visiting Shusha post-liberation. How significant do you think this trip was, not only for her but for the broader context of Azerbaijani culture?
Elmira Akhundova: Gunel’s return to Shusha was pivotal. It marked a moment of reconnection—not only with her personal history but with the cultural and historical narratives of Azerbaijan. Her writings following that trip reflect a renewed hope and a determination to revive and cherish the heritage of Shusha. It’s a reclaiming of identity that resonates deeply with anyone who has faced displacement.
Time.news Editor: You also mentioned her lyrical homage to the city in “My Shusha.” What makes this particular piece stand out among the rest?
Elmira Akhundova: “My Shusha” is like a love letter, richly detailed and imbued with nostalgia. It captures the essence of what Shusha means not just to Gunel, but to many Azerbaijanis—its beauty, its culture, and its loss. The lyrical quality she invokes turns it from mere prose into something nearly musical, making the reader feel the pulse of the city as if it were alive.
Time.news Editor: That’s a beautiful sentiment. To wrap up, what do you hope readers take away from Gunel Anargyzy’s collection?
Elmira Akhundova: I hope readers walk away with an understanding of the profound connections that writing can forge amid suffering and upheaval. Gunel’s collection is a testament to resilience, love, and the enduring power of hope. Every story encapsulates not just loss but also the potential for healing and renewal. It’s an invitation to reflect on our own narratives and the histories that bind us.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Elmira! Your insights have certainly deepened our understanding of Gunel’s work and the broader cultural implications. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important themes with you.
Elmira Akhundova: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to keep these conversations alive, especially as we honor our past through the power of storytelling.