Writers must be aware of the people’s condition, write about real life, write for the benefit of the nation and leave a historical legacy for future generations – Zaur USTAC
[Our guest today is Zaur USTAC, one of the shining figures of Azerbaijani literature — poet, writer, translator, and journalist, editor of the “Yazarlar” magazine, member of the Azerbaijani Writers and Journalists Union, and laureate of the “Golden Pen” award.]
Interviewed by: Jakhongir NOMOZOV | Uzbekistan
— You began your literary career in 1988. How did the socio-political atmosphere and sources of inspiration during that time shape Zaur Ustac’s mastery of the pen? How does the weight of those years manifest in the voice of your current writing?
— That’s correct. My first piece titled “Love for Labor” was published in an official press organ on May 24, 1988. The themes of that period mainly focused on glorifying labor and celebrating holidays. We wrote about real, everyday life — as the saying goes, “what’s straight is straight, what’s crooked is crooked.” I believe one of the most valuable habits I’ve carried from those years is just that — being realistic, seeing things with open eyes, praising the good, speaking of meaningful deeds, being among the people — in daily life. To be hardworking. To keep working without tiring or giving up. That’s how it was.
— You often emphasize the concept of “purity of the pen.” Is this a personal belief or a literary manifesto for you?
— As I mentioned in the previous answer, this is what we were taught. It is a norm.
A beneficial and meaningful literary norm proven by the test of long years — you can call it a manifesto. In short, it’s our working principle.
I believe goodness and benefit lies in this path. It serves the good of our collective work.
— In your opinion, what role should writers play today as the heart and conscience of the people?
— Dear Jakhongir, your questions are so beautifully chosen that our conversation flows like a poem. Mashallah. The answer to this question is embedded in what I’ve already said.
A writer, a poet, a scholar — all should be among the people. They should know what the people think, what they eat and drink daily. Take, for example, the time when my first literary attempts were published…
Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh, Khalil Rza, Khudu Mammadov, Anar, Elchin… May mercy be upon those who have passed, and good health to those still living.
When a literary work, a writer’s word is sincere and heartfelt, it becomes beneficial — both for the one who says it and the one who hears it.
Writers must be aware of the people’s condition, write about real life, write for the benefit of the nation and leave a historical legacy for future generations. That’s it.
— How did the Karabakh war leave a mark on your life and creativity?
— In one day, many of the interests that existed in the world disappeared. Many issues became mundane. The value and importance of being human, of humanity, of health, of surviving — all increased.
I realized that time is the most precious gift. I began to give even more thanks for every moment I was safe. I started working more, doing good, selfless deeds more. And no matter what we do, compared to the grace that the Almighty grants us, it is very little — like a drop in the ocean — and if we can do even that, we are truly fortunate.
— Through the “Ustac.az” center, you have combined science, creativity, and personal development. In your view, what directions should this center serve in the future?
— Our work will continue in this very direction.
Regardless of age, status, or gender, we will be there for those who need us.
That is our purpose, our mission, the essence of our work.
— One of life’s heaviest lessons is loss. As a creative soul, what have you learned from your losses?
— I have learned to be grateful for every moment of life and to value what I have. I have learned to share, and to find joy in sharing. Life, in its truest sense, becomes more beautiful when it is shared. Thank you especially for such a meaningful and thought-provoking question.
— A human being has two great homelands: one is their native soil, the other — their heart.
How have you built a bridge between these two through literature?
— I have united them. Just as a demon’s soul resides in a bottle in ancient tales, my soul finds peace in my homeland. It beats freely, its rhythm aligned with the murmur of the springs and waterfalls of this land. This is where I find happiness. The more I see my homeland flourish, the more pride swells in my chest. I realize that my youth has not been in vain. That is a very special feeling.
— When life gets difficult, people tend to turn to either silence, prayer, or solitude. How do you spiritually recover from exhaustion — by writing poetry, observing nature, or by resting in silence?
— I’ve said this before and I say it again: I have never faced any hardship in life. Whatever I have wished for in my heart, the Almighty has granted me. I simply enjoy traveling through my homeland, writing poetry, and reciting poetry. What I feel must be said, I write mostly for future generations. That’s all.
Does today’s generation’s scientific and intellectual potential inspire you, or does it concern you?
— In every case, I rejoice. It inspires me.
— How would you assess the literary and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan? How can these relations be taken to a new level?
— Our nations are truly brotherly. Our languages are one, our traditions are one.
Throughout history, there were attempts to divide us or present us as strangers — but the very fact that we are having this conversation today proves they failed.
Undoubtedly, the future will be even brighter. We will form even closer ties in all areas.
— A poet is always in a state of searching, feeling loss, feeling deeply… What kind of poems have your own losses become?
— That’s a thoughtful and meaningful question.
Especially the loss of our brothers like Həmdəm Ağayev, Vüqar Ağayev, Şükür Həmidov, and İlqar Mirzəyev, who gave their lives defending and liberating our lands — that affected me deeply. I have a series of poems dedicated to İlqar.
Most recently, my poetry book “40 Days – 40 Poems” was published — a dedication to our martyrs.
— How does Zaur Ustac listen to his own heart? How do you maintain inner dialogue with yourself?
— I am a very sensitive person. Sometimes it burdens me. I suffer. I am as calm as I am passionate. One might say that I have lived until now entirely by the voice — the dictation — of my heart. I only turn to my mind when doing mathematical calculations. My dialogues with my soul are always fruitful.
I know myself very well.
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Jakhongir NOMOZOV is a young poet and journalist from Uzbekistan. He is also a Member of the Union of Journalists of Azerbaijan and the World Young Turkic Writers Union.
