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The presentation of the book "Captain of the Camera" by Azerbaijani writer and publicist Alexander Khakimov (Mutarjim publishing house, Baku, 2025) was held at the Magsud Ibragimbekov Creative Center.
The book is dedicated to the bright memory of the prematurely deceased Azerbaijani photographer and journalist Samir Aliyev, with whom the author was connected not only by professional relations, but also by a strong friendship. Samir Aliyev was a talented photographer and one of the best photojournalists of his time, who lived a short but bright and fruitful life. This is the first book in independent Azerbaijan dedicated to an Azerbaijani photographer in essence.
The director of the Center, Anna Ibrahimbekova, delivered a welcoming speech at the event. She emphasized the role of photography in history and in preserving the memory of the past.
Historian and photographer Rustam Huseynov noted the importance of the first book entirely dedicated to the life and work of an Azerbaijani photographer, and spoke in detail about Samir Aliyev's most interesting shots, his creative style and the peculiarities of his work as a photojournalist. He also shared information about the "Photographic Heritage" project of the Association of Photographers of Azerbaijan (AFB) and the magazine "IRS", as well as about his research into Samir Aliyev's photographic work.
The author of the book, Alexander Khakimov, spoke about the book, about how its concept arose and developed. He shared memories of his friend and colleague Samir Aliyev, details of their joint work, and various projects, both completed and uncompleted. The book is illustrated with photographs by Samir Aliyev.
The founder of the AFB, Mirnaib Hasanoglu, emphasized that Samir Aliyev's photographic work remains relevant today, noting that his photographs were also included in the book "Eyes of Fire," published in France.
The well-known Azerbaijani photojournalists who spoke next shared their memories of Samir Aliyev, with whom many were personally acquainted. Photographer Tofig Babayev shared warm memories of his colleague and spoke about Samir's professionalism as a photojournalist. Photographer Semyon Shalmeyev also shared his interesting memories of Samir.
The presentation took place in a warm, friendly atmosphere, where Samir Aliyev's friends and colleagues discussed details of his life and creative path, his creative achievements, and interesting episodes from his life.
The event concluded with an autograph session.
