ISAQ MAMMADRZA JAFARZADE (1895-1982) Archaeologist, ethnographer

Isaq Jafarzade was born in Ganja in 1895. He received his secondary education at a madrasa. From 1910 to 1916, he studied at a six-year city school, from 1924 to 1927 at Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute, Faculty of History, and from 1927 to 1930 at Azerbaijan State University, Faculty of Oriental Studies. He embarked on a teaching career at the Faculty of Workers, Azerbaijan State University, during his student years. In 1925, he became a member of Azerbaijan Research and Study Society and Committee for Conservation of Ancient Azerbaijani Monuments. In 1926, he was employed as a research fellow at Azerbaijan State Museum. In 1933, Isaq Jafarzade worked at the Institute of History, Azerbaijan SSR Academy of Sciences. From 1938 to 1964, he headed the Department of Archaeology at the institute. He was director of Azerbaijan History Museum in 1952-1953. In 1944, he defended a PhD thesis. He received the title “Merited Scientist” in 1965. He participated in archaeological missions to Khojaly, Qızılvang, Chovdar, Yaloylutepe (1924-1926), Orenqala (1934), Ganja (1938-1940), Absheron, Sabayıl, Qobustan (1939-1950), and organized and headed archaeological expeditions. He discovered more than 70 cultural monuments in the territory of Azerbaijan. He launched the study of Qobustan rock paintings, and also conducted researches into lifestyle and traditions of ancients tribes in the territory of Azerbaijan. Isaq Jafarzade made a critical contribution to the development of archaeology and ethnography and the training of archaeological specialists in Azerbaijan. He was the recipient of “Red Labor Flag” Order and several medals.