Chess In Azerbaijan: A Cultural Obsession Explained

Chess is one of the most popular sports in Azerbaijan, with the country being regarded as one of the chess superpowers. The popularity of the game in the country can be traced back to the 12th century, with references to chess found in the works of poets Khaqani and Nizami, as well as in the works of writer Fuzuli. The active development of chess in Azerbaijan, however, began in the 1950s, with sports clubs like Neftchi, Spartak, and Nauka having active chess departments. The country has produced several notable chess players, including Teimour Radjabov, Shahriyar Mammadyarov, and Vugar Gashimov. The popularity of chess in Azerbaijan can also be attributed to the country's time as part of the USSR, with the Soviets prioritizing the game during the Cold War.

Chess is one of the most popular sports in Azerbaijan

Organized chess began in Azerbaijan shortly after the creation of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic in 1920, and the game soon became widespread. The country's first chess column appeared in the newspaper Bakinsky Rabochy in the early 1920s, and the first Baku championship took place in 1923. The active development of chess in Azerbaijan began in the 1950s, with sports clubs such as Neftchi, Spartak, and Iskra having active chess departments. The Azerbaijan Women's Championships have been held regularly since 1960.

Azerbaijan has produced many notable chess players, including Teimour Radjabov, Shahriyar Mammadyarov, Vugar Gashimov, and Zeinab Mamedyarova. The country has also hosted many international chess tournaments and competitions, including the 42nd Chess Olympiad in Baku, which hosted about 2,000 chess masters from 175 countries.

Chess is popular in Azerbaijan for several reasons. One reason may be the country's Soviet past, as math and chess were important in the Soviet Union, and these traditions have been carried on. Chess is also a more accessible hobby than some other sports, and it is less risky to one's health, making it a more appealing option for many people and their families. Additionally, the Azerbaijani government has played a role in promoting and developing chess in the country, with President Ilham Aliyev signing an executive order in 2009 to initiate a state-supported chess development program.

The country has a rich chess history

Organized chess began in Azerbaijan shortly after the creation of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic in 1920, and the game soon became widespread. The first chess column appeared in the newspaper Bakinsky Rabochy in the early 1920s, and the first Baku championship took place in 1923. The active development of chess in Azerbaijan began in the 1950s, with sports clubs such as Neftchi, Spartak, Nauka, and Iskra having active chess departments. The Azerbaijan Chess Federation was founded in 1920, and the country has since produced many notable chess players, including Teimour Radjabov, Shahriyar Mammadyarov, Vugar Gashimov, and Zeinab Mamedyarova.

Azerbaijan is known as one of the chess superpowers, and despite the collapse of the Soviet Union, chess remains extremely popular. The country has hosted many international chess tournaments and competitions, including the 42nd Chess Olympiad, which took place in Baku. In 2009, President Ilham Aliyev issued an order to improve the development of chess in Azerbaijan from 2009 to 2014, further solidifying the country's commitment to the sport.

Chess is also popular in Azerbaijan due to its accessibility and the success of the country's national chess players. Chess is a more accessible hobby than some other sports, and there are many successful chess families in the country, with multiple successful players from each family. Additionally, the country's national chess players have consistently placed highly in top-ranked tournaments, further fueling the popularity of the game.

The Azerbaijani government has supported chess development

The government also recognised the importance of hosting international chess tournaments and competitions, such as the 42nd Chess Olympiad in Baku, which attracted around 2,000 chess masters from 175 countries. The active development of chess in Azerbaijan, with support from sports clubs and the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, has resulted in the country's chess players achieving high rankings and winning medals at top-ranked tournaments.

Additionally, the government has supported the popularisation of chess by promoting its ancient roots and traditions in the country. References to chess can be found in the works of 12th-century poets and writers, and the game has been woven into Azerbaijani literature and culture. The government's efforts have contributed to the enduring popularity of chess in Azerbaijan, with the country being known as one of the chess superpowers even after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Chess is accessible and less injury-prone than football

Chess is a popular sport in Azerbaijan, with a rich history dating back centuries. The game was introduced to the country during the Soviet era, and it has since become an integral part of Azerbaijani culture. One of the reasons for its popularity could be attributed to its accessibility. Chess is a relatively inexpensive hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. It does not require a large amount of space or specialized equipment, making it more accessible than sports like football, which typically needs a large field and a ball.

In addition to its accessibility, chess is also less physically demanding and injury-prone than football. Playing chess does not carry the same risk of physical injuries that are commonly associated with contact sports like football. This factor may be particularly appealing to parents who want their children to engage in activities that are both mentally stimulating and safe. The low risk of injury in chess may also contribute to its popularity in Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, chess has a strong presence in Azerbaijani families, with multiple successful players coming from the same family. For example, Shahriyar Mamedyarov, a Grandmaster, has two sisters who are also female Grandmasters. This familial involvement in chess could be a contributing factor to its popularity in the country.

The popularity of chess in Azerbaijan can also be attributed to the success of its national players on the world stage. The country has produced several notable chess players, including Teimour Radjabov, Shahriyar Mammadyarov, Vugar Gashimov, and Zeinab Mamedyarova. These players have achieved significant accomplishments, such as winning international tournaments and attaining high rankings. The success of these individuals has likely inspired and encouraged many others in Azerbaijan to take up the game.

Lastly, the Azerbaijani government has played a role in promoting and developing chess in the country. In 2009, President Ilham Aliyev signed an executive order for a state-supported chess development program covering 2009-2014. This initiative included the introduction of chess classes in schools and the establishment of a Chess Faculty at the Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Culture and Sport. The government's support for the sport has likely contributed to its popularity and accessibility in Azerbaijan.

The country has produced several notable chess players

Chess is a popular sport in Azerbaijan, and the country has produced several notable chess players over the years. The country's rich chess history can be traced back to the 12th century, with references to the game found in the works of Persian poets such as Khaqani and Nizami, who lived in modern-day Azerbaijan. The game became organised in the country shortly after the creation of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic in 1920 and has been widely popular since.

Some of the notable Azerbaijani chess players include:

• Garry Kasparov, who achieved great success in the 1980s and became the world champion.
• T. Zatulovskaya, who successfully participated in championships and other competitions in the 1980s.
• Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, who is currently one of the top-ranked Azerbaijani chess grandmasters.
• Misratdin Iskandarov, who is also among the top-ranked Azerbaijani grandmasters.
• Teymur Radjabov, who became the first Azerbaijani to win the World Chess Cup in 2019.
• Vugar Gashimov, a legendary chess player who made a remarkable contribution to the chess history of Azerbaijan, despite his short life.
• Elman Rustamov, the President of the National Chess Federation since 2007.
• Cahangir Ağarəhimov, an Azerbaijani chess title-holder as of October 2019.
• Şəhriyar Məmmədyarov, another notable chess player from Azerbaijan.

The country's strong chess culture has been supported by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, which was founded in 1920, and by state-supported chess development programs initiated by the government.

Frequently asked questions