Monument to Shah Ismail Khatai

Shah Ismail Khatai (1485-1524) is a famous poet and an outstanding statesman who founded the powerful centralized state of the Safavids.

Shah Ismail, being the ruler of the Safavid state, was also a great sheikh of the Sufi order of Safaviyai, one of the most talented poets of that time, who wrote in Azerbaijani under the pseudonym Khatai. In addition, he was also fond of horse racing, hunting, mastered the technique of painting and calligraphy, played barbate and had a good voice. A special place in Azerbaijani poetry is occupied by his poem “Deh name”, written in the beautiful Azerbaijani language.

According to legend, Ismail was a versatile person: he is also known as a talented poet.
At that time, he wrote under the pseudonym Khatai and is considered a classic of Azerbaijani poetry.
In addition, he was fond of horse racing, hunting, mastered the technique of painting and calligraphy, played barbat, had a good voice and great physical strength. Encouraged the development of crafts and trade.
Character of many folk legends and dastans.

The oldest manuscript of verses – “Divan” is currently stored in Tashkent. She was copied in the palace of Shah Tahmasib I by the famous calligrapher Shah Mahmoud Nishapuri.

Many manuscripts of Khatai are known. Shah Ismail used his poetry as an agitation, and his poems spread throughout the world along with wandering ashugs and dervishes