President Ilham Aliyev has signed an obituary following the passing of the prominent representative of national cinema, People's Artist Rasim Balayev.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the official statement noted that the Azerbaijani cultural community has suffered a heavy loss. Rasim Ahmad oglu Balayev, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Cinematographers Union, individual pensioner of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and State Prize laureate, passed away on March 29, 2026, in his 78th year.
Born on August 8, 1948, in Aghsu, Rasim Balayev graduated from the acting faculty of the Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts in 1969. He began his professional career at the Azerbaijanfilm studio in 1972. Throughout his distinguished career, he held various leadership roles, including serving as the first secretary of the Azerbaijan Cinematographers Union from 1990 and being elected its chairman in 2022. His portrayals of historical figures, most notably the legendary Babek and the poet Nasimi, are considered masterpieces of Azerbaijani cinematography and are part of the nation's golden film fund.
The obituary was signed by President Ilham Aliyev, First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, Prime Minister Ali Asadov, and other high-ranking officials and cultural figures, including Sahiba Gafarova, Samir Nuriyev, Eldar Azizov, Farah Aliyeva, Adil Kerimli, Polad Bulbuloglu, Anar Rzayev, Haji Ismayilov, Shafiga Mammadova, Ogtay Mirgasimov, and Fakhraddin Manafov. The leadership emphasized that Balayev's services to the development of national cinema were highly valued, earning him the "Shohrat," "Sharaf," and "Istiglal" orders.
Rasim Balayev's legacy is deeply intertwined with the revival of Azerbaijani cinema during the late 20th century. His work not only showcased his immense talent but also played a vital role in promoting the national and moral values of Azerbaijan to a global audience. As a public figure, he remained dedicated to the preservation of the country's cultural heritage until his passing. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of the Azerbaijani people.
