Repression realities in Azerbaijani fiction prose (1960s–1980s)

Abstract

The strengthening and development of the ideology of Azerbaijanism in Azerbaijani literature of the 1960s–1980s begins with the “period of thaw” of the 1950s. One of the important steps in this direction was the theme of repression being reflected in literature. As in poetry, the realities of repression became one of the key motifs reflected and explored in Azerbaijani fiction prose of the 1960s–1980s. The article examines the representation of the theme of repression in Azerbaijani fiction prose of the 1960s–1980s novels, novellas, and short stories and analyzes the methods of applying various literary devices under conditions of
ideological censorship. Based on the works of Mehdi Huseyn, Suleyman Valiyev, Bayram Bayramov, Anar, Yusif Samadoghlu and Elchin, the atmosphere of fear and intimidation, as well as the moral and psychological traumas created by the truths of repression are revealed and analyzed. The study shows that despite writing and creating under strict censorship, writers were able to reflect the realities of repression and played a direct role in the awakening of national memory.
Keywords: Azerbaijani literature, repression, fiction prose, censorship, 1960s–1980s