Baku: Uzeyir Hajibeyli's 140th anniversary was commemorated on September 18, 2025, celebrating the Azerbaijani composer known for pioneering modern professional musical art in Azerbaijan. Esteemed for his roles as a conductor, musicologist, publicist, playwright, teacher, public figure, and People's Artist of the USSR, Hajibeyli's legacy continues to resonate.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Estonian composer Peeter V¤hi shared his insights into Hajibeyli's work in an interview as part of AZERTAC's ongoing series with global cultural figures. V¤hi remarked on the timeliness of the inquiry about Hajibeyli, as he recently completed a CD album of works by Estonian classical music founders Konstantin Trnpu and Rudolf Tobias, whose significance mirrors Hajibeyli's in Azerbaijani music.

V¤hi discussed the early 20th century emergence of national professional cultures beyond Western Europe, noting that while some regions imitated Western or Russian influences, others like Hajibeyli found a harmonious blend of local traditions and foreign elements. V¤hi praised Hajibeyli's music for its perfect synthesis of East and West, which continues to inspire Azerbaijani composers and allows traditional instruments to coexist with Western ones.

Despite Hajibeyli's contributions, V¤hi acknowledged that his music remains relatively unknown outside Azerbaijan, the Turkic world, and the Islamic sphere. He expressed hope that Hajibeyli would receive greater recognition, especially in light of his milestone anniversary.