BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 30. President of the
Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva
have signed an obituary on the death of People's Artist Rasim
Balayev, Trend
reports.


"The Azerbaijani cultural community has suffered a heavy loss.
The prominent representative of national cinematic art, Chairman of
the Union of Cinematographers of Azerbaijan, recipient of the
President’s personal pension, State Prize laureate, and People’s
Artist Rasim Ahmed oglu Balayev passed away on March 29, 2026, at
the age of 78.


Rasim Balayev was born on August 8, 1948, in the city of Aghsu.
After completing secondary school, he studied at the Acting Faculty
of the Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts from 1965 to 1969. From
1969 to 1972, he worked as an actor at the institute’s Training
Theatre.


Since 1972, Rasim Balayev had been an actor at the
“Azerbaijanfilm” film studio. In 1990, he was appointed First
Secretary of the Board of the Union of Cinematographers of
Azerbaijan, and in 2022, he was elected Chairman of the Union.


From the very beginning of his work at “Azerbaijanfilm,” Rasim
Balayev gained recognition as a talented actor. Thanks to his
unique performance style and high artistic culture, he quickly won
the hearts of cinema audiences. The memorable and powerful
characters he created on screen were always warmly received by wide
audiences.


As a master artist who skillfully drew upon the rich traditions
of Azerbaijani cinema, Rasim Balayev’s creative path constitutes a
distinct chapter in the history of national cinema culture. The
films in which he played leading roles are part of the golden fund
of Azerbaijani cinema. The vivid characters he portrayed with deep
insight into their inner spiritual world are among the
unforgettable pages of our cinematic chronicle. These unique roles,
created with natural talent, have always stood out for their
originality and remained at the center of attention.


While bringing to life images of our heroic historical past and
contemporary figures, the master artist succeeded in creating a
vivid picture of the era. All these roles performed by Rasim
Balayev hold great importance in promoting our nation’s national
and spiritual values and in educating the younger generation in the
spirit of loyalty to the Motherland. The portrayals of the
legendary Babek and Nasimi by the artist are considered among the
greatest achievements of Azerbaijani cinematography.


Rasim Balayev also demonstrated his artistic mastery by creating
memorable characters in films produced beyond Azerbaijan.


He was also known as a public figure who approached social
processes with a deep sense of civic responsibility. He spared no
effort in preserving and promoting our national and spiritual
values.


Rasim Balayev’s services to the development of national cinema
culture were duly appreciated. Over the years, he was awarded high
state honors and honorary titles. He was decorated with the highest
orders of independent Azerbaijan — “Shohrat,” “Sharaf,” and
“Istiglal.”


The bright memory of the outstanding artist and modest, caring
individual Rasim Balayev will forever live in the hearts of our
people.


May Allah rest his soul in peace!"


Ilham Aliyev


Mehriban Aliyeva


Ali Asadov


Sahiba Gafarova


Samir Nuriyev


Eldar Azizov


Farah Aliyeva


Adil Karimli


Polad Bulbuloglu


Anar Rzayev


Haji Ismayilov


Shafiga Mammadova


Ogtay Mirgasimov


Fakhraddin Manafov