The prominent poet Molla Vali Vidadi was one of the brightest representatives of early realism in 18th-century Azerbaijani literature. He was born on March 17, 1707, in the village of Shikhli, Gazakh district. Originally from Shamkir, Vidadi's father, Mahammad Agha, was a leading and educated man of his time who provided his son with an excellent education. After his father's death, Molla Vali Vidadi, who had a deep interest in science and education, took on the family’s responsibilities. Distinguished by his hard work and talent, Vidadi earned respect and influence among the people from a young age. He became known as Molla Vali due to his position as a mirza (scribe) for Ahmadaga in the village of Shikhli. Vidadi married Pari Khanum, the daughter of Molla Jabrayil from Giragsalahli, and they had two children. Throughout his life, he maintained correspondence with his dear friend Molla Panah Vagif, sharing thoughts about the times he lived in.

Vidadi, a famous poet in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus lived and worked for a time in the palace of the Gulistan Khanate in Karabakh and later in the palace of Erekle II of Georgia. After his time in Gulistan, a small khanate in the Javanshir district of Karabakh, he moved to Erekle II of Georgia’s court. Vidadi played a key role in establishing relations between the Karabakh Khanate and the Georgian court, and he became friends with Husayn Khan Mushtaq, the Khan of Shaki. His poem "Müsibətnamə," which addresses the assassination of Muhammad Husayn Mushtaq, and "Mərsiyə," dedicated to Erekle II's deceased son, are considered historical poems in Azerbaijani literature, as they are based on real events. For unknown reasons, Vidadi was arrested in Tiflis and spent some time in prison, where he composed several poems, including the famous goshma "Durnalar," believed to have been written during that period. After some time, the poet was released from prison, returned to Gazakh, and spent the rest of his life there. He worked as a simple peasant in Gazakh, continued writing poetry, and organized his collection. Despite living a long creative life, only part of his works have survived.
 
Vidadi, who played a special role in the periodization of national literature, was one of the founders of the "early realism period" in literary history. As a powerful artist, he wrote his works in the vibrant vernacular, incorporating classical and folk poetry elements. The poet drew upon the language of his time and the poetic ideas found in the divan literature of classical poetry. Vidadi exhibits artistic qualities similar to the depth of Fuzuli's poetry, while also reflecting the simplicity and clarity evident in his close friend Vagif's poems, which are written in the folk poetry style.

Vidadi's legacy has been studied by literary scholars such as F. Kocharli, H. Arasli, A. Dadashzadeh, and Mammad Arif. These works, which celebrate high humanism, moral values, personal dignity, and spiritual purity, hold a significant place in our history of poetry. The works of Molla Vali Vidadi were published in mass circulation by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan’s decree dated January 12, 2004. Vidadi died in 1809 in the village of Shikhli.

Recommended literature:

1. Mustafayeva, Nailə Balabəy qızı. XVIII-XIX əsrlər Azərbaycan ədəbiyyatında müxəmməs janrı / N. B. Mustafayeva ; elmi red. P. Ə. Kərimov ; AMEA M. Füzuli adına Əlyazmalar İnstitutu. - Bakı : Elm və təhsil, 2017. - 352 s.
2. Ağayeva, Vüsalə Sakit qızı. Molla Vəli Vidadi yaradıcılığının ideya-bədii xüsusiyyətləri : monoqrafiya / V. S. Ağayeva ; elmi red.: T. Hüseynoğlu, S. M. Qocayeva ; red. P. Eyvazov ; Bakı Dövlət Universiteti. - Bakı : "MBM" MMC, 2015. - 124 s.
3. Vidadi, Molla Vəli. Seçilmiş əsərləri : izahlar və şərhlərlə / M. V. Vidadi, M. P. Vaqif ; tərt., ön sözün müəl. X. H. Yusifli ; Azərbaycan Mədəniyyətinin Dostları Fondu. - Bakı : OKA Ofset, 2007. - 368 s.
4. Vidadi, Molla Vəli. Əsərləri / M. V. Vidadi, M. P. Vaqif ; tərt.-red. N. Q. Cəfərov. - Bakı : Çaşıoğlu, 2004. - 328 s.