A POETIC MATHEMATICIAN

Communication with people was an important part of his scientific activity. He has been always surrounded by those who sought for his advice and valuable comments, ways to relieve from doubts, clarification, and support in difficult situations. Talking to him was bliss for one’s mind, added experience, and thirst to work. Faramaz Magsudov was both a prominent scholar and intellectual representing the Azerbaijani science. He was born on March 20, 1930 in Nakhchivan into a family of an ordinary worker. He has already been a distinguished pupil in his high school years known for his diligence and propensity for science. As a child, he has demonstrated great interest both in the exact sciences (mathematics and physics) and the humanities (history, literature, and poetry). And yet, when choosing a profession, he has chosen the former.

An Inspirer

After graduating from high school in Nakhchivan in 1948, he decided to follow his dreams in Baku, where Magsudov enrolled at the Azerbaijan State University (currently the Baku State University). In 1954, he graduated with honors from the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics and joined the Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, where he worked until his election as the President of the Academy.

After receiving his post-graduate degree in 1957, Magsudov became a Junior Research Associate at the Department of Mathematics. In May 1959, he defended his thesis and was appointed a Senior Researcher at the Functional Analysis Department a year later. In 1964, he was appointed Deputy Director for Science, and in 1974, already a DSc in physics and mathematics, he became the Director of his alma-mater. In 1976, Professor Faramaz Magsudov was elected a Corresponding Member, in 1980 - a Full Fellow of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan.

Faramaz Magsudov’s significant scientific contributions are recognized all over the world. In 1983, his method for studying the durability of giant energy systems, developed by a group of mechanics under his leadership, was awarded one of the highest prizes of that time, the USSR Council of Ministers Award. Magsudov is the author of a number of scientific innovations. He received five copyright certificates and two patents, was the author of more than 300 scientific articles, 11 monographs and textbooks.

It was hard to train highly qualified mathematicians and, at the same time, keep focus on attracting young talented researchers to the scientific work. Magsudov has supervised more than 100 candidates and doctoral dissertations during his career. In 1986, he was awarded the Order of Friendship of Peoples for training highly qualified personnel and great achievements in science by the decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. The majority of Faramaz Magsudov's students work at universities and research institutes of Azerbaijan, as well as in Turkey, Iran, Germany, the United States and other countries of the world.

Scientist, politician, "91"

Faramaz Magsudov is the owner of all scientific degrees and titles. In 1990, he was awarded the honorary title "Honored Scientist". In 1994, he was awarded the Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev Award. In 2000, Magsudov was awarded the Istiglal Order. In 1997, he was elected Co-chairman of the Azerbaijani-American Center of Culture, Science and Economics and a full fellow of the Islamic Academy. From 1994 to 2000, he was the Chairman of the Higher Attestation Commission. Until the end of his life, he has been the President of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan.

His maturity coincided with an extremely controversial and equally responsible period of socio-political life in Azerbaijan. Magsudov could not limit himself with his scientific work and the management of a large scientific institution. In the last decade of the 20^th century, in difficult historical period when the Azerbaijani people rose to fight for their independence, like many representatives of the Azerbaijani intelligentsia, he could not limit himself to scientific and pedagogical activity. Magsudov has contributed a lot as a public figure, joined political activities becoming one of its active participants. He has significantly contributed to the establishment of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP).

In 1990, a group of Azerbaijani intellectuals led by Academician Magsudov founded the charitable society ‘Alinja’ to help those who had suffered from the destruction of regions and villages bordering with Armenia and to prevent the leave of local Azerbaijani population from these locations. He later became the chairman of this society.

In the autumn of 1992, 91 intellectuals addressed the All-national Leader Heydar Aliyev, the then Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, appealing to him to actively fight for the sake of retaining the sovereignty of a very young independent Azerbaijan Republic. One of these intellectuals, who became known later as "91", was Faramaz Magsudov. Later he became the Member of Parliament (Milli Mejlis) up until the end of his life.

A World-class Mathematician

Leading the Academy of Sciences was also very difficult for Faramaz Magsudov at that time. The country was in a grip of political and economic problems. Scientific institutions and their employees lived and worked in difficult conditions. Instead of trying to find solutions for common problems, some suggested closing the Academy, the temple of science in Azerbaijan, back in the 90s. It was at this time that Faramaz Magsudov assumed such a responsible post as the President of the Academy of Sciences. The Academy has launched a number of reforms. By decree of the President Heydar Aliyev, the Academy has received the status of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan (ANAS). Faramaz Magsudov has invested much effort in strengthening and developing the ties of the institutes of ANAS with leading scientific centers of the CIS and the world.

He was respected. He deserved a reckoning. Academician Faramaz Magsudov was a prominent scientist with a great contribution to the development of Azerbaijani science, especially the exact sciences. He was a public figure, patriot who defended the Motherland in the most difficult days, always in the epicenter of events. Heydar Aliyev said about him: "Faramaz Magsudov is one of the most worthy people of Azerbaijan who has passed a glorious way of life, had contributed greatly to the development of Azerbaijani science, actively participated in the entire socio-political life of our country. A large school of mathematicians has been established in Azerbaijan. One of the most prominent representatives of this school and the scientists who raised the mathematical science of Azerbaijan to the world level was Faramaz Magsudov. He conscientiously worked in all areas that he was entrusted to, rose in science through his work, knowledge and his unique talent developed our science."

A Poetic Soul

Faramaz Magsudov was also remembered as a great connoisseur of poetry. The academician had an acute memory enabling him to remember poems by heart. He could not leave his past, as he was attached to his own memories. He loved Azerbaijan with all his heart, every corner of it, every village. He was especially pleased when somebody would mention Nakhchivan, where he was born and grew up.

A ruthless disease ruined his life when Magsudov was on top of his glory. Academician died in 2000 and was buried in the Alley of Honor.

In 2001, the local public community heard terrible news: the house of Faramaz Magsudov came under armed attack. His wife Eugenia and daughter Elmira were killed, the eldest daughter Tamilla was wounded. 

Faramaz Magsudov faced the hardships of life and managed to cope with them through many trials and errors. Many envied his titles and fame. He made enemies with his straightforwardness, rigidity, loyalty to his thoughts. But he had believed that there were more friends than enemies. He believed that the scientists he had supervised and the people and friends he had worked hard for would remember his name.

He turned into a spirit yearning at the sight of a fading hearth. The TV channels and media seem to forget him gradually. Even the path leading to the Academician’s grave has no traces anymore...