Medicine in Azerbaijan

The history of medicine in Azerbaijan has deep roots. To fight many diseases, the ancient people believed in witchcraft . This is evidenced by the trimmings, painted signs in the Azykh cave , relating to the Stone Age . ^[2]

The fruits of the rose hip common in Azerbaijan ^[3] , tea of which is used for colds

Early residents used medicinal plants and herbs in an attempt to treat diseases. The experience they gained developed from generation to generation in traditional medicine . With the advent of writing, the development of the oral and written branches of traditional medicine began to separate. ^[four]

The rich flora of Azerbaijan has attracted the attention of doctors and scientists from ancient times. Many medicinal plants have been used for prevention and treatment. seeds, roots, flowers, leaves were used. Women easily observed the effects on the body of fruits, vegetables and medicinal tea , their effect on coughing , bleeding , pain, diarrhea and other diseases. ^[four]

However, it follows from early manuscripts that not only plants were used in the treatment. Healers of that time were also familiar with surgery , had some experience with primitive methods of treating tumors , fractures in various places of the human body. For example, as a result of archaeological excavations in the village of Chalagantepe near the village of Afetli, Agdam region, I. Narimanov found a human skull dating back to the 4th millennium BC. e. ( Eneolithic ), with traces of trepanation ^[2] . In the village of Khachbulag in the Dashkesan region in 1971, the archaeologist H. Kesemenli discovered a skull dating back to the end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Iron Age , on which a trepanation operation was also performed. R. Gasimov, who studied the skull, noted that "artificial trepanation was performed near the junction of the parietal bone with the frontal ." ^[2]

In 1958, during the archaeological excavations in the village of Garatepe of the Mugan Plain, those belonging to the 5th - 1st centuries BC were found . e. jugs with tanned ruts , which, according to experts, the inhabitants of that time used as medicine to treat rheumatism , fever and the prevention of certain diseases. ^[2]

Aromatherapy methods were also known. It was believed, for example, that the smell of quince enhances the energy of the body. Lemon was used to tone the nervous system , and apples were used to stimulate the brain .

In ancient times, an active cultural interchange took place between the inhabitants of Azerbaijan and the inhabitants of Mesopotamia . For example, sesame oil and saffron were imported from Sumer . The medicine of the period of the formation of the Median state, which covers the territory of Azerbaijan, can be judged by such a historical monument as the Avesta ^[5] . It also says that "the doctor has three weapons: a word, herbs and a knife." The doctor treating with word and suggestion was considered the best at that time. ^[6]

During this period, there was a rapid development of medicine, which is also confirmed by archaeological finds. They found, for example, antimony vessels polished from marble and gold brushes for its application, which in the Middle Ages was also used as an antitussive and antiemetic drug. Patients were given wine from a bowl made of antimony. ^[2] During the excavations in Shamakha , various glassware was found intended for the manufacture and storage of medicines that were used by alchemists in both folk medicine and pharmacology . These findings confirm that in the Middle Ages the population of Azerbaijan was also engaged in the craft of a pharmacist ^[2] .

In the VIII century, Shirvan , mainly with the Albanian and Iranian population, was conquered by the Arabs . Thanks to the influence of cultures within a single caliphate , both science and culture have developed. Universities, observatories, libraries, mosques and hospitals appeared. It is in the Islamic period that the rise of medical science is observed. At that time, madrassas functioned in mosques in Azerbaijan, where they taught Arabic and Persian languages, religion, mathematics, calligraphy, history and literature. Medicine and alchemy were also taught. From written monuments it is known that as early as the XII century in the territory of modern Azerbaijan, in historical Shirvan , in the city of Shemakhy ^{[7], a} famous medical school studying treatment methods was organized by the famous doctor and pharmacist Kafiddin Omar ibn Osman (uncle of the famous Persian poet Hagani Shirvani ^{[ 8]} . Here, along with training, research was conducted on the healing properties of medicinal plants and healing with their help ^[7] .

Living in the late Middle Ages ^[9], Mohammed Bergushadi wrote the work “Tibby Nebivi”. Bergushadi wrote the first half of his work in Arabic, and the second in his native Azerbaijani language. In fact, this is the first known book about medicine, presented in the Azerbaijani language. In the first part, therapeutic agents for diseases of almost all organs, including nervous diseases, are recommended. In some cases, you can notice the presentation of the symptoms of the disease. The second part sets out the composition of medicines, mainly from the plant world. In the third part of the book provides guidance on the diet for certain diseases ^[10] .

The development of medicine in the XV — XVI centuries is characterized by two features. The first is the development of medicine, which is closer to the anatomical, physiological and hygienic direction, the second is the extinction of traditional medicine, which entirely passes into the hands of healers and tabibs. A clear evidence of the growth of scientific medical thought can be found in such works as Kemal-name, The Book of Excellence and a textbook on medicine in the Azerbaijani language (1437-1438) by Mahmoud ibn Mahmedy Dilshad Shirvani, a native of Shemakha, considered a major physician ^{[11 ]} . Peru Ghazi Najimeddin Ahmed ibn Abubekr ibn Muhammad Nakhchivani belongs to valuable comments on the "Canon" of Ibn Sina ^[12] . In the medical literature there is an indication of a major doctor and poet Sahab Seyid Mohammed Ordubadi ^[13] . Mirza Muhammad Hasan Shirvani organized a school-hospital, from the walls of which Seyid Ali Tabrizi came out. In fact, Mirza Muhammed was the organizer of the last medical school in Azerbaijan, which existed before the Turkmanchay Treaty , after which it was destroyed at the request of the clergy ^[13] .

A 16th-century Azerbaijani doctor, Yusif Karabagi, a native of Karabakh , wrote many medical treatises, as well as "Explanations and Interpretations to the" Canon of Medical Science "Ibn Sina." He lived and worked for a long time in Central Asia, in Samarkand and Bukhara ^[14]

In 1712, in the Azerbaijani language was written "Tibbnam" ( azerb. Tibbnamə - "Book of Medicine" ) by Muhammad Yusif Shirvani ^{[15] [16]} . As a palace doctor, Shirvani advised using natural minerals in treatment, for example, rubbing lemon peel with fatigue in the neck. This work also says that it is advisable for patients to rest in a place decorated with flowers in pale blue, green or white. This means that even color was important in the work of medieval healers.

In general, in the XVII - XVIII centuries. a number of works in the field of medicine and pharmacology were written by such Azerbaijani scholars as Murtuzagulu Shamlu ( sex therapist ), Abulgasan Maragai, pharmacists Hasan Rza oglu Shirvani, Haji Suleiman Irevani and others. Erivani was the author of the book “Fevaid ul-hikmet”, in which the alphabet names and properties of drugs used in medicine are given. The names of the drugs are given in Arabic, Persian, Azerbaijani, Greek, Syrian, Indian, French and other languages ^[17] .

Until 1828, there were no European-style pharmacies in Azerbaijan. During the reign of the Russian Empire , such hospitals and pharmacies were founded in Azerbaijan, as well as throughout the Transcaucasus , Russian doctors came and brought in new knowledge. ^[four]

19th-century Azerbaijani doctor Mirza Mammadgulu Gaibov worked as a doctor in the palace of the Karabakh khan, was the head doctor of the famous Azerbaijani poetess Khurshidbanu Natavan ^[18] . Gaibov laid the foundations of surgical science in Azerbaijan ^[19] .

In Azerbaijan, the foundations of a scientific study of the history of medicine were laid in 1892 by Azerbaijani scientist Abdulkhalig Akhundov . Abdul-Khalig, under the direction of Professor of the University of Dorpat G. Dragendorf, as a dissertation for the degree of Master of Pharmacy (1892), studied and translated the famous pharmaceutical pharmacy encyclopedia of the 10th century Persian author Abu Mansour Hirovi from New Persian to Azerbaijani . He performed a botanical definition of the names of medicinal raw materials and made a comment on this book. This decoding of ancient plant names made it possible for their further scientific study ^[20] .

Hasanbek Zardabi and Mirza Fatali Akhundov used knowledge in medicine in their writings to express philosophical ideas. ^[4] Akhundov was one of the first to oppose traditional healers. He is the author of several works on hygiene and sanitation . Zardabi also played a significant role in the development of medicine. He was the first Azerbaijani naturalist and Darwinist .

As the author of Ekinchi , the first Azerbaijani newspaper in the Russian Empire, Zardabi, together with Akhundov, worked on works on malaria emptying the country at that time. His book Hygiene is Azerbaijan’s first scientific research work on medicine in the field of hygiene. It was published in Azerbaijani in 1914 . ^[four]

Along with this, pharmacies also continued to function, where medicinal herbs imported from Iran and India were sold. Such pharmacies existed in all cities of Azerbaijan - Baku , Shemakha , Shusha , Agdam , Nakhichevan, Lahic , Ordubad , Salyan , Lenkoran and others. The father of the famous Azerbaijani writer Yusif Vezira Chemenseminli , Mir-Baba Mir-Abdullah oglu owned a pharmacy in the city of Agdam. His pharmacy sold 142 types of drugs, more than 100 of which were of plant origin. And Chemenzeminli himself, being the son of a pharmacist, in his story “The Doctor” described the life and practice of 19th century Azerbaijani healers .

Such pharmacies made up the majority in Iranian (Southern) Azerbaijan . ^[4] And at the beginning of the 20th century, healing herbs were still a fairly common type of treatment in Azerbaijan. And the appearance of new, modern medicines was perceived by the healers as something alien.

The then popular Azerbaijani satirical magazine Molla Nasreddin , which played a significant role in medical education, criticized similar remnants of the past, ridiculed the backwardness of quack healers of that time, their ignorant attitude to the latest knowledge in medicine. ^[4] For example, in the 20th issue of the magazine ( 1911 ), a caricature entitled “Sacred Bukhara” (artist Azim Azimzadeh ) is given. ^[21] An image of the Bukhara emir was created here, with doubts regarding the new medicine recommended by the doctor. The text to the caricature says:

In 1918, already in the independent Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), the Ministry of Health was established, headed by Dr. Hudadat bey Rafibeyov . During these years, dozens of new pharmacies and hospitals were opened in the country, in cities such as Baku , Ganja .

Many ADR students sent to study abroad studied medicine there, mainly in Germany , St. Petersburg , Moscow , Kiev and other cities. ^[four]

In 1919, Baku State University was founded with a medical faculty, the first head of the department of operative surgery of which was a prominent surgeon, professor V. I. Razumovsky ^[22] (until 1920 ). The history of medicine was also taught here. In a short time, under the leadership of Razumovsky, a Special Preparatory Commission was organized. In August of the same year, entrance exams were held and so the first class of students - future doctors was recruited. ^[23]

On August 2, 1922, among the first 29 graduates of the medical faculty, there were only three Azerbaijanis - A. Alekperov, Dzheyran Sultanova and Adil Shakhtakhtinsky-Babaev ^[4] , who later became doctors of science and professor.

After the establishment of Soviet power , throughout the 20s, pharmacies where medicinal herbs were sold were closed, and manuscripts written in Arabic graphics were burned. This was part of the policy pursued by the Soviet government (mainly in Azerbaijan and Central Asia ) against Islam . ^[four]

The new government was headed by Nariman Narimanov , who himself was a doctor by profession. From 1920 to 1921, the People's Commissar of Health of the Azerbaijan SSR was the doctor Agaguseyn Kyazimov , and after 1935, Mir Movsum Kadirli ^[24] .

In 1930, the Azerbaijan Medical Institute was founded, the first rector of which was M.N. Kadyrli. The leading role in the development of the institute was played by such famous scientists-professors as I. Shirokogorov, S. Davidenkov , F. Ilyin , Lev Levin , N. Ushinsky, K. Malinovsky, and others. The first national scientific and pedagogical staff come out of the institute: M Mir-Kasimov , M. A. Topchibashev , A. M. Aliyev, I. M. Ismail-zade and many others, who later glorified the Azerbaijan medical science. ^[23]

In general, from 1920 to 1940, hundreds of new clinics, hospitals and pharmacies were founded in Azerbaijan. Among the Azerbaijani medical scientists, such prominent figures in medical science as academicians Mirasadulla Mirkasimov and Mustafa Topchibashev, professors Alibek Alibekov and Kamil Balakishiev, E. M. Efendiev gained fame. F. A. Efendiev, M. M. Efendi-zade, B. A. Eyvazov, D. M. Abdullaev, D. Yu. Huseynov, T. G. Pashaev, W. S. Musabekova, A. F. Karaev , M. R. Nazirov, Sh. M. Hasanov and others who made a great contribution to the development of theoretical clinical medicine, to the training of national medical personnel of the republic ^[25] .

Abulfaz Karaev was one of the first pediatricians in Azerbaijan; he founded the first Children's Home in Baku ^[26] .

After Azerbaijan gained independence, a new stage in the development of medicine begins. ^[1] More than 10 laws have been enacted to regulate the health system. after which, in March 1998 , President Heydar Aliyev signed a decree “On the establishment of the State Commission on Health Care Reforms”. A unified state policy was formed in the country, and the quality of medical care for the population was also improved. Today, medical centers and the modern pharmaceutical industry are created at the level of international standards. To combat diseases such as AIDS , tuberculosis , a national plan has been developed in the country. And in 2001, a decree was signed on the establishment of June 17 day health workers. In 2004, the Azerbaijan Association of Historians of Medicine was founded, which was accepted into the International Society for the History of Medicine, headquartered in Paris in 2005 . In the same year, from February 1 to 2, the First National Association Conference was held in Baku . Starting from February 1, 2008, by order of the Minister of Health Oktay Shiraliyev , state-funded medical institutions provide the population with free medical care. In November 2009, local doctors performed the first heart surgery in Azerbaijan to eliminate arrhythmias in Azerbaijan. ^[27]

Over the past few years, 43 new hospitals and medical diagnostic centers, 46 outpatient clinics, 4 rehabilitation centers for the disabled and 12 diagnostic and health centers equipped with advanced medical equipment have been commissioned. Also, until 2013, it is planned to build another 30 medical institutions and 5 clinics. ^[1] In connection with the development of medicine in the country, the indicators of longevity and fertility have also improved.

The volume of funds allocated to the health care system from the state budget in Azerbaijan increased 11 times compared to 2003. Based on this growth, up to 500 medical institutions were created and updated and provided to the public.

In addition, the provision of patients treated in stationary medical facilities with food and medicine was improved, the range of the most important medicines and medical supplies was increased from 60 to 166. The effectiveness of hospital beds has increased significantly, their employment rate has tripled over the past 10 years , and the number of visits to outpatient clinics increased by 65%. ^[28]

On May 14, 2010, the Ministry of Health approved an order of the Ministry of Health with a view to widespread use of information technologies in the field of health, the formation and application of a unified information environment in the field of health, a health information center was established. ^[29]

In December 2012, under the slogan “For a healthy life”, a number of events were held by the Ministry of Health. This large-scale event was attended by teams of research institutes and leading medical institutions. The medical institutions that conduct preventive examinations were provided with the necessary equipment and reagents. This research covers all cities and regions of the republic. During the “month of health”, about 3 million people were examined.

After major repairs and reconstruction in the center of scientific surgery named after M. Topchubashova began open heart surgery. The Center for Adults and Children performed about 700 operations. In the Republican Clinical Urological Hospital named after M. Javadzadeh began a kidney transplant. To treat patients with chronic renal failure, new dialysis centers are opened annually in the regions of the country.

According to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Education”, the training of doctors in the country is carried out according to the residency program adopted in the medical education system in most countries of the world. Within the framework of the state program “Electronic Azerbaijan”, the “Electronic health card of a citizen” was launched. Currently, there are about 10 registrars of various diseases, a unified personnel register, an electronic system for the surveillance of infectious diseases, drug trafficking, the dispatching service of an emergency medical station and other applications using electronic applications. It is planned to provide 38 electronic services by the Ministry of Health. Currently, there is a section “Electronic Services” on the official website of the Ministry, and 11 electronic services are already being provided. In 2013, a 14-story medical center of the Azerbaijan Medical University was commissioned in Baku. In addition to training in a clinic with 500 beds, the population is provided with a high level of diagnostic and surgical care. The clinic is equipped with modern medical supplies that meet the requirements of international medicine ^[30] .

Naftalan

Naftalan is a field of medicinal naphthalan oil, the healing power of which has been known since ancient times. The resort is located 50 km from the city of Ganja, the second largest city in Azerbaijan. It has been operating since 1926. Naftalan Resort provides treatment for over 70 diseases with the help of therapeutic naphthalan baths using advanced techniques. ^[32]

Manuscripts of Persian and Arabian medicine were found on the territory of the modern Republic of Azerbaijan. Among them is a copy of the work “ Canon of Medicine ”, written in Arabic in 1030 by the famous physician Ibn Sina , known in Europe as “Avicenna” ^[33] . This copy of the "Canon" was made in Baghdad in 1143 , and is one of the oldest manuscripts in the field of pharmacology and medicine in the world and the oldest in Azerbaijan ^[33] . The manuscript was purchased in the 19th century by Mirza Muhammed Gaibov in Isfahan (Iran).

• Arabic and Persian medical manuscripts from the collection of the Institute of Manuscripts of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan in Baku
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  A copy of the manuscript “ Canon of Medicine ” (Al-Ganun Fi at-Tibb) of the Persian scholar Ibn Sina in 1030 , made in 1143 in Baghdad .

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  XIII century copy of the manuscript “Al-Makala al-Salasun” (“Thirteenth Treatise”) of the Arab- Andalusian doctor Abul-Qasim al-Zahravi of the XI century .

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  Copy of the 16th century manuscript “Zahirai-Nizamshahi” of the Persian scholar Rustam Giurjani of the 13th century .

Azerbaijan also partially explored the work of Rustam Dzhurjani "Zahirai-Nizamshahi", of the 13th century . The manuscript copied in the 16th century is also stored at the Baku Institute of Manuscripts. It contains descriptions of the pharmaceutical characteristics of medicinal herbs, animal substances, minerals, and some complex drugs. The manuscript was not found in any other repository of manuscripts of the world and exists in a single copy ^[33] .

The Institute of Manuscripts of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan named after Muhammad Fizuli in Baku has 363 manuscripts on medicine in Arabic , Persian and Turkic , both compiled on the territory of modern Azerbaijan and brought there from other areas in different historical periods ^[33] . Of these, 222 are written in Persian, 71 in Turkic (Old Azerbaijan and Old Turkish) ^[34] and 70 in Arabic ^[35] . The Baku Institute of Manuscripts also has many copies of some Arabic, Persian, Azerbaijani and Turkish medicine manuscripts. For example, “Tuhfat al-Muminin” (written in 1669 ) by Muhammad Mu'min - 33 complete and incomplete copies; "Zad al-Musafirin" (written in 1728 ) by the Persian scholar Muhammad Mahdi - 13 copies; "Garabadin" by Muzaffar bin Muhammad Shafa'i (1586 / 7-1628 / 9 years) - 9 copies; "Ihtiyrat-i Badii" of the Persian scientist Haji Zeynalabdin Attara (written in 1638 ) - 5 copies ^[35] , “Tibbname” by Muhammad Yusif Shirvani ^[16] . According to UNESCO Director- General Koichiro Matsuura, this collection “shows the role of Azerbaijan in the development of world medicine” ^[36] .

• Medicine in Azerbaijan. A Brief Historical Overview. By Dr. Nigar Efendiyeva (англ.)
• The Medical Manuscripts of Azerbaijan. By Betty Blair (англ.)
• Средневековые рукописи по медицине и аптечному делу
• Medieval manuscripts on medicine and pharmacy (англ.)

• Efendiev I.K. History of medicine in Azerbaijan from ancient times to the present day / Ed. prof. E. M. Efendiev and M. S. Sultanov. - B .: Publishing House of the Academy of Sciences of the Azerbaijan SSR, 1964. - 280 p.