Today, Azerbaijan celebrates National Music Day on September 18th, marking the birthday of the renowned Uzeyir Bey Hajibeyov, a luminary in our musical culture. This day is a cherished occasion for both music enthusiasts and our entire nation, as Uzeyir Bey's immortal art holds a special place in every Azerbaijani's heart. The tradition of honoring the great composer's birthday as a holiday was established by the maestro Niyazi, who continued to celebrate it annually even after Uzeyir Bey's passing.

In 1995, President Heydar Aliyev decreed that September 18th should be celebrated as National Music Day, aligning with the 110th anniversary of the composer's birth. Uzeyir Hajibeyov made groundbreaking contributions to the world of music, including pioneering the art of opera in Azerbaijan and the broader Muslim East with "Leyli and Majnun" in 1908. He also introduced the musical comedy genre, with works like "Husband and Wife," "O Olmasin, Bu Olsun," and "Arshin Mal Alan," which vividly depicted Azerbaijani life and traditions of his time...