THE DEVELOPMENT OF LITERARY CRITICISM IN NAKHCHIVAN DURING THE PERIOD OF INDEPENDENCE

Abstract

The article examines the stages of development, major directions, and theoretical characteristics of literary criticism in Nakhchivan following the restoration of Azerbaijan's state independence. It analyzes the activities of the Nakhchivan school of literary studies in the context of the strengthening of national consciousness, the elimination of Soviet ideological restrictions, and the emergence of new scholarly approaches to literary and cultural heritage during the independence period. Particular attention is paid to the scholarly contributions of Yavuz Akhundlu, Huseyn Hashimli, Asgar Gadimov, Maharram Jafarli, Farman Khalilov, Abulfaz Azimli, Seyfaddin Eyvazov, and other literary scholars whose research significantly influenced the development of literary criticism in the region. Based on monographs, scholarly articles, and critical reviews published in different periods, the study explores the thematic scope of literary criticism, its methodological approaches, and the principles applied to the evaluation of literary works. Furthermore, the article highlights the importance of scholarly activities devoted to the study of classical and modern literary heritage, historical prose, poetry, drama, and folklore. The findings indicate that, despite challenging socio-political circumstances, literary criticism in Nakhchivan entered a new stage of development during the independence period. It played an important role in preserving national and spiritual values, promoting the scholarly evaluation of literary heritage, and enriching Azerbaijani literary studies. The research also emphasizes the significance of the Nakhchivan literary studies tradition in shaping national literary thought and maintaining continuity between classical literary traditions and contemporary critical approaches.