Azerbaijan has suffered a profound loss in its cultural and intellectual spheres. Hidayat Orucov, a prominent writer, playwright, publicist, translator, statesman, and diplomat, as well as an Honored Art Worker, has passed away at the age of 82.
According to information provided to the Operative Information Center-OMM by the Ministry of Culture, Hidayat Khudush oglu Orucov was born on September 5, 1944, in the village of Maralzami, Mehri district, Western Azerbaijan.
After graduating from the Faculty of Philology at the Azerbaijan State University (now Baku State University), he embarked on an extensive literary and journalistic career. In 1968, Orucov began serving as the director of the Jafar Jabbarli Yerevan State Azerbaijani Drama Theater. Concurrently, he led the Azerbaijani Literature Council of the Writers' Union of Armenia and taught 19th-20th century literature at the Azerbaijani department of the Yerevan Pedagogical Institute.
Between 1984 and 1992, Orucov held key editorial positions at the Ganjlik publishing house in Baku. During his tenure, he oversaw the publication of significant literary series, including the 50-volume "Library of World Children's Literature," as well as major collections such as the 15-volume "Azerbaijani Folklore" and the 25-volume "Adventure and Fantasy" series.
Following the restoration of Azerbaijan's independence, Orucov played a pivotal role in state administration. He served as the Presidential Advisor on interethnic relations (1992-1993), State Advisor on national policy issues (1993-2005), and State Advisor on national minorities and religious affairs (2005-2006). From 2006 to 2012, he chaired the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations. Transitioning into diplomacy, he served as the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Kyrgyzstan from 2012 to 2021.
Orucov authored over 60 books spanning poetry, prose, and publicism. His monograph, "Heydar Aliyev and National Policy in Azerbaijan," was translated into multiple languages, including English, Russian, Turkish, and Arabic. His contributions were recognized with the "Shohrat" Order, the 2nd-degree "For Service to the Fatherland" Order, and the Honorary Diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan has expressed its deep condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Hidayat Orucov, honoring his enduring contributions to the nation's cultural and political life.
