Shaig is known in Azerbaijan first and foremost as children’s writer. In Azerbaijan, Shaig’s poems and tales for children and youth are known and recited in every household, some of his writings being very first pieces of literature read by parents to their young children. In Azerbaijan, every child is familiar with Tıg-Tıg xanım (Lady Tig-Tig), Tülkü həccə gedir (Fox Goes on a Pilgrimage), Xoruz (Rooster) and Keçi (Goat). Shaig’s unique dedication to children and their upbringing earned him honorary titles of “classic founder of children’s literature” and “founder of new children’s literature in Azerbaijan”.
Alongside his literary work aimed at younger audience, Abdulla Shaig produced rich research material explaining goals and methods of child upbringing, looking into issues such as will, morals, relationships with family and school, habits, labour etc. He tried to instill healthy habits, ethics, communication and social skills in his students and young readers and taught them to respect their elders, nature and habitat, and to love their country and people. He was a sensitive teacher and writer who knew very well the psychology of his young students and readers and could easily establish friendly ties with them.
Shaig turned to children’s literature in 1910 when he wrote his first children’s plays and fairy tale poems Tıg-Tıg xanım (Lady Tig-Tig), Yaxşı arxa (Good Friend), Tülkü və xoruz (A Fox and a Rooster), Gözəl bahar (Beautiful Spring). In his works written before the Revolution, such as Yeni köməkçi (New Assistant), Çobanın mahnısı (Shepherd’s Song), Alma oğrusu (Apple Thief), Şələquyruq (Bushy Tail), Murad (Murat), Cümənin qəzəbi (Anger of Juma), Danışan gəlincik (Speaking Doll) the main focus is placed on education and moral upbringing of children. The writer denounces petulance, naughtiness, laziness and greed showcasing their negative consequences and tries to teach his young readers fine qualities such as courage, honesty, care and kindness.

Research by

Dr. Yagub Ismayilov