Azerbaijan Marks 41st Death Anniversary of Renowned Scientist Zarifa Aliyeva
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan on Tuesday commemorated the 41st death anniversary of prominent scholar, Honored Scientist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, and academician Zarifa Aliyeva, recognizing her enduring contributions to the advancement of medical science, particularly in the field of ophthalmology.
Zarifa Aliyeva passed away on April 15, 1985, in Moscow. In 1994, her remains were repatriated to Azerbaijan and laid to rest at Baku’s Alley of Honor, where she was buried alongside her father, reflecting the nation’s deep respect for her legacy.
Born on April 28, 1923, in the Sharur district of Nakhchivan, Aliyeva graduated from the Azerbaijan State Medical Institute named after Nariman Narimanov in 1947. She began her career as a scientific researcher at the Azerbaijan Scientific Research Institute of Ophthalmology and went on to hold several prominent academic and leadership roles. From 1969 onward, she served as associate professor, professor, head of the laboratory of occupational pathology of visual organs, and later led the ophthalmology department (1982–1985) at the Azerbaijan State Advanced Training Institute for Doctors.
Throughout her distinguished career, Aliyeva made exceptional contributions to ophthalmological science. She was among the leading researchers addressing trachoma, once widespread in Azerbaijan, and was a pioneer in the study, prevention, and treatment of occupational eye diseases, particularly in chemical and electronic industries. Her scholarly work also covered modern challenges in ophthalmology, including notable publications such as Therapeutic Ophthalmology and Fundamentals of Iridodiagnostics.
Aliyeva authored 12 monographs, textbooks, and teaching aids, as well as nearly 150 scientific works. Her research output also included one registered invention and 12 improvement proposals, underscoring her innovative approach to medical science.
An active member of the global scientific community, she served on the Presidium of the All-Union Society of Ophthalmologists, the Soviet Peace Defense Committee, the Board of the Azerbaijan Ophthalmology Society, and the editorial board of the Moscow-based journal Vestnik oftalmologii.
In recognition of her outstanding scientific achievements, Zarifa Aliyeva was awarded the prestigious M.I. Averbakh Prize of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences in 1981.
Her legacy continues to inspire generations of medical professionals and researchers in Azerbaijan and beyond.
