H. Zeynalabdin Tağıyev's Life and Creativity

The story of Hacı Zeynalabdin Tağıyev, who was born into a poor shoemaker's family and became a millionaire, is a prime example of how a person's willpower and determination can lead to great heights. His life is not only filled with wealth and success but also embodies true patriotism and self-sacrifice. Let us now take a closer look at his journey of ascent.

From Childhood to Pinnacle: Tağıyev's Youth Years

Hacı Zeynalabdin Tağıyev was born into a simple and difficult life. From a young age, he was accustomed to hard work. At just 12 years old, he began working as an apprentice under a builder. Every morning, as he woke up early to go to work, he always had great aspirations in his spirit. Despite his young age, he never thought small. He knew that one day he would do great things. By the age of 15, he began to be recognized as a builder, and Tağıyev's determination and skill drew everyone's attention.

However, his rise did not stop there. With the money he saved, Tağıyev started his own business at the age of 20. He initially organized small house construction and stone processing projects. But he personally oversaw all the work. He was not only a worker but also a manager, strategist, and thinker. He later turned his focus to trade and light industry. He achieved success in both fields and quickly became the owner of shops and manufacturing enterprises. This was the beginning of his bright future.

A Breakthrough in the Oil Industry: Tağıyev and Baku Oil

But Tağıyev was not satisfied with just construction and trade. He ventured into one of the largest endeavors shaping the future of the Azerbaijani economy – the oil industry. In the 1870s, Tağıyev owned a small kerosene plant with only two boilers. But this small start was just a stepping stone for his grand ambitions. In 1872, he established a company named "Hacı Zeynalabdin" and directly entered the Baku oil industry.

One of the most exciting moments of this period occurred in Bibiheybət. Tağıyev leased land and began drilling wells there. This was a highly risky endeavor, and for five years, there were no positive results. Even his partners withdrew from the project, considering it unprofitable. But Tağıyev did not back down. He continued alone, returned his partners' capital, and kept drilling. In 1878, at last, the fruits of his labor began to show. One of the wells produced an oil gusher, and this event completely changed his life. He became not only a large oil owner but also one of the leaders in the oil industry. Tağıyev was one of the largest entrepreneurs who brought Azerbaijani oil to world markets via the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Railway.

Charity and Commitment to His Nation

However, for Hacı Zeynalabdin Tağıyev, being wealthy was not enough. He had a deep love for his nation and people in his heart. This love directed him toward significant charitable activities. He did not limit himself to merely increasing his wealth; he also spent it for the welfare of his people. He financially supported numerous projects in education, healthcare, and culture.

He implemented major social initiatives such as the water supply project in Baku. These projects were aimed at improving the welfare of the city's population. Each time he completed a project, he knew that his love for his nation was not in vain, and that these efforts would benefit future generations.

Eternal Legacy: The Buildings Constructed by Hacı Zeynalabdin Tağıyev

Tağıyev made his mark in Azerbaijani history not only through economic success but also through the magnificent buildings he commissioned. Some of the buildings he financed have become part of Baku's architectural heritage today.

• Baku Girls' School: This was the first secular school opened for Muslim girls. Hacı Zeynalabdin was one of the first individuals to advocate for women's education. By constructing this school, he provided girls with the opportunity to receive an education. Today, it houses the Muhammad Fuzuli Manuscripts Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

• Personal Mansion: This building now serves as the Azerbaijan National Museum of History. At that time, this magnificent structure symbolized Tağıyev's taste and wealth.

• Baku Real School: This was the first vocational school that provided technical and practical knowledge. It is currently used as the Modern Military Lyceum.

• Azerbaijan Theater Building: Baku's first professional theater building. This structure now operates as the Azerbaijan State Musical Theater.

These buildings are not merely made of stone and cement. They are living testimonies of Hacı Zeynalabdin Tağıyev's love and service to his nation and people.

Hacı Zeynalabdin Tağıyev: His Legacy and Place in Hearts

Hacı Zeynalabdin Tağıyev was not just a wealthy businessman. He was a symbol of the Azerbaijani people, a true philanthropist dedicated to the welfare of his nation, and a national leader. His life should be an inspiration to everyone. Emerging from a poor family to become a millionaire, he immortalized his name in history as a person who made invaluable contributions to his nation and state.

Today, the buildings he constructed, the projects he financed, and the sacrifices he made remind us of the kind of person he was. He was not only a guiding star for his time but also a beacon for future generations.

The life of Hacı Zeynalabdin Tağıyev shows us that with determination, hard work, and love for one's nation, anything is possible.