Literary-Critical View of the Prominent Azerbaijani Scholar M.F. Akhundzada: the First Systematic Examples of Literary Theory

This article explores the literary-critical views of M.F. Akhundzada. The study analyzes Akhundzada’s critical essays, incorporating perspectives from various critics. Controversial issues related to Akhundzada are discussed, and citations from literary scholars are provided. Special attention is given to the reception of realism, which Akhundzada pioneered, and the early stages of literary criticism. The article also briefly examines the literary-critical ideas found in his artistic works. The tendencies of Akhundzada’s criticism are analyzed and interpreted, with references to scholars’ opinions. The study provides a brief overview of criticism before Akhundzada and investigates the contributions of Akhundzada and his followers to the development of realist criticism, evaluating his achievements from a scientific perspective. While examining the relationship between Akhundzada’s philosophical thoughts and his literary-critical views, the research employs historical-comparative and analytical methods. Additionally, the article discusses Akhundzada’s thoughts and opinions on both classical and contemporary literary figures, as well as his literary-critical views. As a result, it is concluded that Akhundzada’s literary-critical views represent the first systematic literary-theoretical ideas in Azerbaijani literature and scholarship.