The Mountains of Azerbaijan Through the Eyes of Modern Artists

The artistic interpretation of Azerbaijani mountains in modern fine art was explained in this article. This work attaches a great importance, since the mountain landscape is a part of a cultural and historical code of national identity. The aim of the study is to analyze the transformation of mountain imagery in the works of several 19th- and 20th-century artists. The study utilizes art history, comparative history, and compositional stylistic analysis. Using works by Vasily Vereshchagin, Tahir Salakhov, Bahruz Kengerli, Mikayil Abdullayev, Sattar Bahlulzade, and Baba Aliyev as examples, the author identifies distinctive features of artistic interpretation of mountain landscapes, ranging from ethnographic authenticity to philosophical and symbolic interpretation. It is established that the image of mountains acts not only as a natural motif but also as an expression of historical memory, spiritual resilience, and national self-awareness. A conclusion is drawn about the key role of mountain landscapes in shaping the artistic language of 20th-century Azerbaijani painting.