Chingiz Abdullayev

Education

Unlike many other Azerbaijani writers, who studied philology, Abdullayev has a Doctorate in Law from Baku State University (1991).

Soviet spy

Abdullayev graduated from the faculty of law of Baku State University and began working for the Ministry of Defense of the USSR in 1981. He was wounded twice in the line of duty. Abdullayev was decorated by the Soviet government with the Order of the Red Banner, Order of the Red Star and medals. His decision to make writing a full-time career became clear to him after his friend, a fellow Soviet spy was double-crossed and killed by a shotgun blast to the back on an Angolan street in 1983.

Early career

Abdullayev wrote his first novel in 1985. It was barred from publication because of the secrets it revealed, but by 1988 the Soviet censorship was relaxed, and his book was published. His writing became an almost overnight success and he quit the intelligence service a year later.

Popularity

He is known mostly for his detective novels, which became extremely popular throughout the former Soviet Union and continue to attract readers not only in the CIS but also throughout the world.

Abdullayev has been published more than any other Azerbaijani writer. His books sold more than 20 million copies – mostly in the genre of detective novels and short stories in the Russian language.

He has authored more than 86 works, including novels and short stories, which have been published in 17 languages in 23 countries throughout the world. including the countries of the Former Soviet Union, France, Israel, Sweden, Norway, Turkey and Bulgaria. His detective novels that are listed in The Golden Fund of World Detective Literature include: Blue Angels, The Law of Scoundrels, Better to Be Holy, The Shadow of Herod, and Three Colors of Blood.

Drongo

Some of his characters, such as Drongo, have become so well known and beloved by the general public that they have become woven into legends and parodies. Most readers believe that the author described his adventures under this character. The name comes from a small but brave Asian bird drongo that shows no fear to larger birds.

Coincidence about assassination attempt on Heidar Aliev

In "Three Colors of Blood," Abdullayev wrote of an assassination attempt on Azerbaijan's former President Heidar Aliev. Two weeks after the book was published, assassins tried and failed to kill the president, leading some to question just how much Abdullayev had known of the plot. Abdullayev says it was merely coincidence, and counts Mr. Aliev among his loyal readers.

Philanthropy

Chingiz Abdullayev refuses to earn any money from speeches or lectures in Azerbaijan, preferring instead to donate any money he could earn here to refugees who can't go home because of the Nagorno-Karabakh War. In 2012, he has campaigned to stop male violence against women.

Family

Married, has one son and daughter.