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On April 4, 2026, a book exhibition titled “Theatre Scholar Inqilab Karimov – 95” was presented to users at the National Library on the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the birth of prominent theatre scholar, Doctor of Art Studies, corresponding member of ANAS, Professor Inqilab Karimov.

The exhibition features the scholar’s research on the history of Azerbaijani theatre, dramaturgy, and the creative work of outstanding art figures, as well as his scientific works, monographs, reviewed and edited publications, and literature in Azerbaijani and Russian reflecting his life and academic activity. Periodical press materials are also displayed.

Inqilab Saleh oglu Karimov was born on April 4, 1931, in the city of Goychay. He received his secondary education in Goychay and graduated in 1953 from the Faculty of Theatre Studies of the Azerbaijan State Theatre Institute (now the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts).

Since 1957, he worked at the Institute of Architecture and Art of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and from 1985 until the end of his life, he headed the Theatre, Cinema and Television Department of the institute.

In 1963, he defended his candidate dissertation titled “The Youth Theatre of Soviet Azerbaijan,” and in 1988 he defended his doctoral dissertation titled “Problems of Formation, Establishment and Development of Azerbaijani Theatre (late 19th – early 20th century)” in Moscow, earning the degree of Doctor of Art Studies. In the same year, he was awarded the academic title of professor, and in 2001 he was elected a corresponding member of ANAS.

One of the founders of national theatre studies, Inqilab Karimov authored hundreds of scientific articles and about 200 scientific works, including 25 monographs and books such as “History and Development Stages of Professional Azerbaijani Theatre,” “History of Azerbaijani Theatre” (Volumes I–II), “Heydar Aliyev: On Art, Artists and Mastery,” “Abdulla Shaig and Theatre – 80,” “Aghadadas Gurbanov,” “Abdurrahim Hagverdiyev and Theatre,” and “Nariman Narimanov and Theatre.”

Under his supervision, 15 researchers received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. He also made significant contributions to the training of highly qualified cultural personnel.

The scholar was also engaged in literary creativity. He authored the book of short stories “How Can It Not Bleed,” staged the tragedy “The Tragedy of Betrayal” at the Baku Municipal Theatre, and translated 18 plays that were staged in various theatres.

Professor Inqilab Karimov’s works and scientific research have made a major contribution to the development of Azerbaijani theatre and culture.