Nasimi Opera

"Truth said to me: 'Speak,' commanded, and I spoke,
My words became a tale, repeated on the tongues of people."

A spring morning in Shamakhi. The city is filled with the scent of flowers, and the Pirsaat River flows calmly. Sanam, saddened, bids farewell to her husband as he embarks on a long journey, accepting her fate in her heart. In the distance, Shahkhandan strokes his horse, realizing that this journey will not be easy for his brother Nasimi.
This path for Nasimi is not just a journey but a spiritual test. His mother’s prayers accompany him everywhere; wherever he may be, a mother’s heart is always with him.
As night falls, young Hurufis gather within the old castle walls, eagerly awaiting news from their teacher. Each one reads books filled with secrets, where Nasimi’s verses resonate, and the pages of the "Kursuname" turn, inspiring them in their search for truth.
In the magnificent, distant city of Samarkand, a celebration is underway, and even the stern Timur finds peace on this day. Meanwhile, Nasimi arrives in Tabriz and inquires with familiar merchants about the calligraphers and their art.
But these are dangerous times: from Shirvan to Anatolia, unrest rises, persecutions grow, and fear lurks at every step. In the Mamluk palace, a secret plot against him is already underway. His free thoughts and quest for truth are a great threat to his enemies. They resort to lies, slander, and vile methods to destroy him.
In a damp, airless, windowless dungeon, Nasimi finds himself in shackles. Every stone, every corner here is dear to him, for his heart remains free, and cherished memories of loved ones come alive, passing one by one before his eyes.
The square in Aleppo is crowded; the executioner awaits his command. Nasimi, whose poetic spirit soars like an angel, faces the accusations of his enemies. Occasionally, lightning flashes in the sky, and it seems that the clouds are ready to wash away the blood. The poet and his words are led to the gallows, and today, everyone on this square bears guilt.
Truth is me!
Truth is within me!
Truth is within me!

This poem is like a chronicle of Nasimi’s last days, concealing his thoughts, courage, and the deep tragedy of a man who dared to be the voice of truth in dark times.

Composer – Siyavush Karimi, People’s Artist
Libretto Author – Rafael Huseynov, Academician
Conductor and Music Director – Ayub Guliyev, Honored Artist
Chorus Master – Sevil Hajiyeva, Honored Art Worker
Stage Director – Inara Babayeva, Honored Artist
Choreographer – Yuri Lobachev, Honored Artist

Cast:
Chronicler – Nureddin Mehdikhanli, People’s Artist
Imadaddin Nasimi – Ramil Gasimov, Honored Artist
Fazlullah Naimi (Nasimi’s teacher) – Teyyub Aslanov, People’s Artist
Sanam (Nasimi’s beloved) – Fatima Jafarzadeh
Shahkhandan (Nasimi’s brother) – Jalal Isayev
Abdulqadir Maragayi (musician) – Ilkin Ahmadov, Honored Artist
Emir Timur (ruler) – Mahir Taghizadeh
Vizier of Emir Timur – Anton Ferstandt, Honored Artist
Representative of Emir Timur – Fahmin Ahmadli
Fatima – Kamila Nabiyeva
Merchant – Khayal Huseynov
Melikshua – Taleh Yahyayev
Ascetic – Jahangir Gurbanov, Honored Artist
Nasimi’s mother – Sema Hamzayeva
First Guard – Ruslan Persan
Second Guard – Rza Khosrovzadeh
Prison Guard – Fuad Azizadeh

Symphony Orchestra, Choir, and Ballet Company of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater