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On April 7, 2026, on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the first issue of Azerbaijan’s first satirical magazine “Molla Nasraddin,” a virtual exhibition titled “A Bright Page of Azerbaijani Press: ‘Molla Nasraddin’ Magazine – 120” and a large traditional book exhibition titled “‘Molla Nasraddin’ Magazine – 120” were presented to users at the National Library.

The exhibitions feature official documents, original issues of the magazine, multi-volume book editions published in book form, and literature in Azerbaijani and foreign languages on the magazine’s major role in the development of national thinking and enlightenment. They also highlight the contributions of Jalil Mammadguluzadeh and prominent intellectuals of the “Molla Nasraddin” literary circle, including Omar Faiq Nemanzadeh, Mirza Alakbar Sabir, Abdurrahim bey Hagverdiyev, and Aligulu Gamkushar, as well as scholarly research works, bibliographies published by the National Library about representatives of the “Molla Nasraddin” literary school, and periodical press materials.

Those wishing to view the virtual exhibition can access it via the following link:
https://anl.az/el/vsb/Molla_Nesreddin_120/index.htm

The “Molla Nasraddin” magazine, which played a significant role not only as a satirical publication but also as a means of national awakening, enlightenment, and the development of public consciousness, created a turning point in the socio-political and cultural life of the country in the early 20th century. The magazine began publication on April 7, 1906, in Tbilisi at the “Geyrat” printing house and continued for twenty-five years with certain interruptions.

Under the editorship of prominent writer, publicist, and founder of satirical literature Jalil Mammadguluzadeh, it was published first in Tbilisi (370 issues), then for a short period in Tabriz (8 issues), and finally in Baku (390 issues). The editorial team included M.A. Sabir, O.F. Nemanzadeh, A. Hagverdiyev, A. Nazmi, A. Gamkushar, M.S. Ordubadi, and other intellectuals. Artists such as Rotter, Schmerling, and Aziz Azimzadeh, as well as Ali Behzad (for Tabriz issues), illustrated the magazine with realistic caricatures that visually expressed its socio-satirical messages.

Published weekly with 8 pages per issue, often in color and illustrated, “Molla Nasraddin” addressed social problems, ignorance, injustice, and societal issues in a satirical style. Named after the wise and humorous folk character Molla Nasraddin, the magazine aimed to make society reflect through laughter and to fulfill an educational mission against injustice.

The magazine was widely distributed not only in Azerbaijan but also in many cities across the Caucasus, Russia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, gaining millions of readers of different nationalities. As a result of its influence, other satirical publications such as “Bahlul,” “Kirpi,” “Zanbur,” “Babayi-Amir,” and “Sheypur” emerged in Azerbaijan.