Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev - Azerbaijani millionaire and philanthropist, real state councilor: biography, family, interesting facts from life

Not many people can be called great, but they are. For example, such a person is Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev. His biography is full of interesting facts. About it, we will tell in this article.

A good start

It is interesting that the future Azerbaijani millionaire was born in a poor shoemaker's family. His parents were illiterate people, this explains the fact that the exact date of birth of Tagiyev is unknown. But it is believed that it was in 1823. Since childhood, Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev was calm and hardworking. After the death of his mother, when he was only 10 years old, his father sent him to work. The boy becomes an apprentice mason. He is instructed to carry a tub of mortar. Two years later he was taught to cut stones, and after another three he mastered the craft and himself became a mason.

That's so luck

This experience was useful to him in the future. He was able to control the buildings of his buildings, not relying on someone else's opinion. Soon, Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev becomes a contractor builder. He manages to earn money. Although there is a legend that he received his first capital by discovering a treasure in a safe of an abandoned house, which he once made himself, and therefore he was able to open. After a while he buys a kerosene plant and, having set up his company, starts his own production.

Three years later, together with his friends, he leases the land. Companions began drilling wells. The place for oil extraction was chosen by Bibi-Heybat. This land was not favorable to them, and nothing could be extracted from wells. The comrades decided to sell their shares, but Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev was patient. Finally, oil appeared from one of the wells. Patience was rewarded. Many Baku oil made rich, and Tagiyev also was lucky.

Skilled approach

He began to develop his craft and first paved the way for him. At the same time, Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev was engaged in other branches of business. He invested money received from oil production in other production. Seven years later, his firm already owned thirty dessiatines of land, which also produced oil. They were in Balakhna and Bibi-Heybat. To transport oil, Tagiev bought two schooners. For storing oil products, he rented several warehouses, one of which was in Moscow.

Good links

By the way, oil products were produced at its factories. Did kerosene and lubricating oils. At that time the company "Mazut" was established. She was engaged in trade in the Caspian-Black Sea direction and belonged to the Rothschilds. Tagiyev put forward an idea according to which the Baku-Batumi oil pipeline was to be built. It was built for 10 years and stretched for 800 kilometers. He passed through the Kura and Rion lowlands, the slopes of the Lesser Caucasus, the foot of the Suram Fortress. Thus, this oil pipeline connected the shores of the Caspian and Black Seas. This was not the only project that Tagiyev carried out jointly with other capitalists. They also created a society of equestrian railways and launched the first competition.

Cotton factory Haji Zenabladina Tagiyeva

The Azerbaijani millionaire was not just a rich, but also a respected person. People treated him kindly, because he cared for them. For example, he did not just build a factory, but he thought that those who work on it would be comfortable. He built a mosque, a school for the children of workers. And the salary paid to teachers from their own pocket. A medical center and a pharmacy were opened for the workers. Also, Tagiyev took care of the fact that the workers were engaged in self-education, attended evening courses.

Unexpected obstacle

Haji did not become bitter in the competition. He still thought about ordinary people, such as his father was. But it was not so easy to open a factory. At that time in Russia there were several textile productions. Their owners did not need competitors, especially those living in the edge of cotton. After all, proximity to raw materials made it possible to reduce the price of products, which means that the textiles produced at the Tagiyev factory would be better sold. Bukhara Emir, fearing for the loss of markets, offered Tagiyev to build a factory in Bukhara. But Haji rejected his offer.

Good product

He wanted to open production in his homeland and even acquired a large plot of land in the Javanshir district, where he began to grow cotton in order to provide his factory with raw materials. As a result, production was started. However, only coarse calico was manufactured, making concessions to competitors who were against the fact that other fabrics were produced in the factory.

But calico was in great demand, especially among Muslims. After all, it was made in a factory of a Muslim by workers belonging to the same faith. So, it was perfect for making traditional funerary apparel and clothes for repentance of people going to worship to holy places. The factory was equipped with the latest technology of that time. Although once the competitors fired a factory fire. Yes, not all was burnt, but the damage was considerable. Equipment went out of order, warehouses of finished products were lost. Over time, it was possible to re-establish production, and after a while Haji Zeynalabdin opened his second factory in Tiflis.

Fisheries Tagiyev

Haji Zeynalabdin's company had extensive interests. She owned fisheries in Dagestan. For 300 kilometers from Makhachkala to the Caspian Sea they caught fish to increase the income of Tagiyev. He also rented state fisheries in the river Kure. In it, sevriuga, beluga, sturgeon, salmon and other fish were caught. Dagestan gave a big catch of herring. Recycled products at the factory Haji. It produced caviar, which was supplied to Russia and Europe.

The family of a millionaire

What was the family of Tagiyev? He was married twice, and he had eight children. With his first wife Zeynab, who, by the way, was his cousin, he had two sons and a daughter. (Ismail, Sadig and Khanum). When his son Sadig married, Tagiev liked the younger sister of his wife Sona Arablinskaya. She was the daughter of a lieutenant general of the Russian army. He was in good standing with the king and even was awarded a gold weapon. This fact helped his younger daughters to study at the Smolny Institute in St. Petersburg, where they received only daughters of khans and beks. With the second wife, in addition to three daughters - Suray, Sarah and Leila, Tagiyev had two sons - Ilyas and Mamed.

Peripetias of fate

A very long life was lived by Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev. His wife and children were forced to live in poverty after his death. In our country was just the period of Sovietization. After the death of a millionaire, his family was deprived of all means of subsistence and thrown out into the street. His wife Sona died in terrible poverty in 1932. The close refused her, but she did not blame anyone for this in her kindness. She knew what her support might turn out for them.

Leila, Haji's eldest daughter, was able to emigrate to Istanbul with her husband, which saved them from death. Although his father was very upset by this news. The average daughter of Sarah was suspected of preparing the murder of Kirov, was arrested and spent two years in prison in St. Petersburg. In 1941, her daughter Safia was exiled to Sterlitamak, where she left with her husband and children. The youngest daughter lived all her life in Baku together with her husband, who worked as a dentist. The sons of Ilyas and Mamed died. Ilyas died in prison.

Ability to forgive

Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev was known for his patronage. His wife was also engaged in charity. She was a guardian of educational institutions, organized charitable gatherings, helped the needy. Interestingly, her daughter Sarah did not become bitter. In Baku, she returned after Stalin's death and began to try to restore his father's good name. However, nothing could be done. Officials were deaf to her requests. In turn, her daughter Safia was able to establish a charity fund named after her mother. She began to collect money and send them to needy patients, children and the elderly. Her daughter Camilla also continues this tradition, although it is very difficult to engage in charity nowadays.

Only here

Why did Tagiyev not leave the country and did not save his family, as many rich people did? The fact is that he was very fond of his homeland, Azerbaijan. And although there were rumors that he wants to go to Turkey, he denied them. Tagiyev was deprived of all his wealth. They did not even let him live in his town house, and he was already on the verge of old age. Nevertheless, his services to the Azerbaijani people were taken into account and allowed to spend the last days at the dacha in Mardakan. His family also moved there.

As I wanted

During his lifetime, he read the mall Abuturab, who spoke to Taghiyev about the need to be prepared for the vicissitudes of fate and the loss of wealth, and asked to think more about the eternal. These words to some extent come true. Therefore, Tagiyev bequeathed to bury him near Abuturab. This request was fulfilled, and he found rest in the cemetery in Mardakan. Over his grave was built a mausoleum, which eventually collapsed. But Haji Zeynalabdin lives in the memory of the people of Azerbaijan.

So it was before

Not everyone will endure the loss of their wealth. Especially if what he owned was as great as that of Tagiyev. In addition to money, he owned several buildings. In the center of Baku he had his own palace. The roof was decorated with giant domes. Now it houses the Museum of Azerbaijan. Arriving in Moscow, Tagiev stayed in his house, built near the Lenin Library. The building had 4 floors and was decorated with four brightly glowing gas lamps. Tagiyev had factories, factories, cars, fishing, commercial and passenger ships, mills. In addition, he owned a country estate in Mardakan, he had offices in other countries.

Good deeds

Haji Zeynalabdin did not boast of his wealth. In his house he kept an old ax that had remained with him since that time when he was a simple mason. He reminded him of the vicissitudes of fate and the fact that well-being can be lost at any time. Tagiev always helped people and did not forget that he himself came from a poor, simple family.

Haji regularly made donations for good purposes. There are records of what kind of money he sacrificed. For example, he transferred 50,000 rubles to a commercial school in which Muslim children studied. He helped orphans, widows, sick people. On his money was built the building of the Muslim Charitable Society in St. Petersburg. He donated for the repair of mosques, the improvement of the cemetery. 55,000 rubles was donated to the construction of a madrasah in Tehran. Russian women's school "Saint Nina" received from him 5000 rubles.

For the sake of people

Tagiyev was the honorary chairman of the charitable societies. He built schools and placed great emphasis on the education of young people. He paid especially talented studies at universities in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan. In this article we touch on interesting facts from the life of Tagiyev. One of them is that he gave the building of his five-story mill to prison. The fact is that previously prisoners were kept on the island, and it was very difficult for relatives to get there. Here Tagiev also found such an interesting solution to this problem. In addition, Haji Zeynalabdin contributed to the translation of the Qur'an into the Azerbaijani language. On his own funds were printed these books.

So too it is possible

The first women's school in Baku is also Tagiyev's merit. Although on his way he met a lot of obstacles. The clergy were against this idea. Therefore, Haji was forced to send a mole to Mirza Muhammad for permission to open a Muslim women's school to the respected husbands. It was received, and a school was built for Tagiyev's money. Previously, Muslims had no female schools. Therefore it was an innovation of that time. The school building was very beautiful. About 100 girls attended the training. And children from low-income families were exempt from payment for tuition. The expenses were compensated by Tagiyev. The director was Ganifa Melikova.

Honorable award

The girls did not just study, they lived in school and met with relatives only once a week. Tagiyev was proud of his brainchild. At the graduation he always prepared gifts for the girls, among them books, souvenirs, dresses. Tagiev was very fond of books. He helped to build an excellent school library. And in it there were not only books, but also newspapers and magazines.

Several years later, there were several women's schools in Baku. Few people know that for services to Russia Tagiyev was awarded the title of "actual state counselor." He received it quite deservedly. After all, for his life he made a significant contribution to the development of the country's education and culture. The title of "State Councilor" gave the owner many advantages. The person who possessed them was supposed to address "Your Excellency", he could hold high positions in the civil service.

To live well

Haji Zeynalabdin always cared about his native city. He knew his problems and tried to solve them. In an attempt to green the Baku, he thought that for this it is necessary to first learn the specialists, so he opened a school of flower growers and gardeners. In the sandstone, he laid an experimental grove. Also in the city there was a water supply problem. Therefore, Tagiyev decided to build a water pipeline. To do this, he entered into a contract with a foreign firm. Famous specialist William Lindley begins to search for water in the vicinity of Baku. He finds it 190 kilometers from the city. The city government opposed the water supply. But Tagiyev insisted on his own, especially since he invested his own money in this business. As a result, the water pipe was built, and Haji received gratitude from the people.

Share with others

Tagiev is known not only for his kindness, but also for his wisdom. In the time of terrible famine, when those who had grain got used to the misfortune of other people, selling it at exorbitant prices, Tagiyev built four barns filled to the top with rice, flour, wheat and barley. All this grain he gave to the needy for free. About the wisdom of Haji says one legend. Once he learned that there is no demand for fish in the city. Because of this, the fishermen refused to go to work. Then Tagiev went to the place of fishing, took the fisherman live fish and put a diamond ring in her mouth. After that he released the fish back into the water and promised to give this ring to the one who finds it. The rumor quickly spread through the city, so people started buying fish, hoping to become owners of expensive jewelry.

Versatile interests

With his money, Tagiyev built a drama theater in Baku. On his stage, for the first time, women began to perform. After 30 years in the theater celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the first theatrical production. A solemn march to this event was written by Uzeir Hajibeyov. During the performance of this work a famous philanthropist rose to the stage. Artists parted for him in respect. The audience applauded standing up.

Tagiyev was engaged in enlightening the people, he was very fond of communicating with intelligent, educated people. Therefore, the arrival of D.I. Mendeleev he took as a holiday. The scientist was interested in Baku oil. Haji Zeynalabdin received him warmly. Tagiyev's house became the venue for a grand dinner. The host photographed with the guest and took his autograph. This photo was on his desk in the office. A Mendeleev mentioned Tagiyev in the article "Oil" in the dictionary of Brockhaus and Nephron.

Was there a conflict?

Interesting relationship Haji with the Emperor Alexander III. As a worthy believer, Tagiyev was chosen as a representative of Muslims from the Caucasus on the coronation of the king. During the ceremony, he was dressed in a national Muslim robe. He was wearing a hat, arhalug, chuh, charms. In his hands he held a towel, on which were bread and salt. The Prime Minister introduced him as a representative of the wild people. In response, Tagiyev said that his people have a rich history and not wild at all. The second unpleasant incident occurred when Alexander III came to Baku. The station and the city were decorated before the arrival of the king. A crowd of people waited for their emperor. Tagiyev did not take his cap off his head when he saw Alexander III, as the rest of the people did. The Emperor was unhappy with this. So he went to Haji to find out whose subject he was. And although Tagiyev was told to answer that he was served by His Majesty, he answered in his own way that he was a subject of the Russian Empire.

Free Lunches

From this article you learned who Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev is. Charity was in his blood. He could not help doing good deeds. Also to this day, rumors of his unprecedented generosity. One of the stories tells of what happened one day in Germany, when Tagiyev arrived there. In one of the restaurants where he went to lunch, he was not in a hurry to serve. A man of oriental appearance and wearing ordinary clothes did not cause respect for those waiters.

But Tagiyev was not so simple. He was accompanied by an interpreter, who helped Gadzhi to communicate with the owner of the restaurant. First he found out the cost of lunch at the institution, then asked to count how much the dinner costs for 20 people. Then he asked how much the dinner would cost for a hundred people for a hundred years. The figure was stunning. But Tagiyev did not embarrass, and he paid a dinner for every Azerbaijani who will go to this restaurant for a hundred years. This contract was signed in 1911. His action ended in 2011, about which a letter from the German Embassy came to Azerbaijan .

This is an interesting and difficult fate was a man who could become a millionaire and again lose everything. For sure Tagiyev's house was hospitable and hospitable, since the owner so loved people and helped them. Haji Zeynalabdin often said that he reveres his religion and honors her laws, so his right hand holds on the Qur'an. But at the same time, his left hand lies on the newspaper, which means moving forward, towards progress.