People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Arif Babayev has passed away, his son, Yashar Babayev told SİA.
He stated that his father died early this morning.
It should be noted that on July 23, at around 17:30, People’s Artist Arif Babayev was hospitalized at the Gakh District Central Hospital with a diagnosis of acute respiratory failure. He was later transferred by ambulance from the Gakh District Central Hospital to the Central Clinical Hospital in Baku.
Biography of People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Arif İmran oğlu Babayev
Arif İmran oğlu Babayev was born on February 20, 1938, in the village of Sarihajılı in the Agdam region of Azerbaijan. He became one of the most prominent mugham singers of the 20th century and a key representative of the Karabakh khananda (mugham singer) school.
He graduated in 1962 from the Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts and Culture. From 1963 to 1966, Arif Babayev worked as a soloist at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic. In 1966, he joined the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater and performed leading roles in mugham operas such as "Leyli and Majnun," "Asli and Kerem," "Ashig Garib," and others.
Arif Babayev was known for his exceptional performance of mughams like "Segah," "Shur," "Arazbari," and "Karabakh shikestesi." His rendition of "Segah" in particular was widely admired and considered unique.
In addition to his artistic career, he was a dedicated educator. In 1982, he became the first mugham instructor at the Bulbul Secondary Music School. In 1984, he began teaching mugham at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory (now Baku Music Academy). In 1990, he was awarded the title of “Mugham Professor.” He later headed the Mugham Department at the National Conservatory and also taught at Khazar University.
Arif Babayev received numerous awards throughout his career:
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Honored Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR (1978)
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People’s Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR (1989)
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Shohrat Order (1998)
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Istiglal Order (2008)
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Sharaf Order (2018)
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Heydar Aliyev Award (2025)
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International “Golden Plane Tree” Prize (2010)
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Presidential Honorary Diploma (2023)
His recordings are preserved in the golden archive of Azerbaijan Television. As a mentor, he trained many outstanding performers and played a key role in preserving and promoting Azerbaijani mugham art.
Arif Babayev passed away on August 1, 2025. His legacy continues through his students, his recordings, and his contributions to the art of mugham.
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