IDRIS ATAMOGHLAN AGHAYEV (1923-2003) Historian

Idris Aghayev was born in Bilasuvar region in 1923. After graduating from Salyan Pedagogical Vocational School in 1940, he was dispatched to Bilasuvar to be engaged in teaching activity. He participated in the World War Two, serving as commander of the 223rd Azerbaijani tank division from December of 1941 to September of 1943. In early 1944, he was a tank commander in the 1221st tank regiment on the Belarus front, and participated in the liberation of Ukraine and Belarus, Vistula–Oder Offensive, and the Battle in Berlin. He was awarded 2nd letter of gratitude by Stalin. On 30 April 1945 he was wounded again in Berlin. Until August of 1947, he was a tank commander in the 117th tank regiment in Magdeburg, Germany. He was demobilized in 1947. From 1947 to 1952, Idris Aghayev studied at Azerbaijan State University, Faculty of History. From 1956 to 1959, he did postgraduate studies in teaching methodology at Azerbaijan State Research Institute. He defended a PhD thesis in 1968, and achieved a ScD degree in 1989. He obtained professorship at Azerbaijan State University in 1991. He was elected an associate professor at the university in 1971. He received “Taraqqi” Medal on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Baku State University.