Format of national Azerbaijani surnames is under development

"The commission, which includes experts of different fields, is conducting a wide research into names and surnames. The state also oversees the work. The commission will examine the historical forms of existing names, traditions of naming in Azerbaijan and will propose the format of the national surname," Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliamentary Committee on Culture Nizami Jafarov said.

According to the Law on bringing the Azerbaijani citizens' names into conformity with the state language, adopted in 1993, the country's citizens can change the ending -ov, -ev in their surnames to -li (-lu), depending on the root of the word) -zadeh, -oglu, -qizi or completely remove the ending.

Under the law, citizens can use a new form of their surnames in the papers of legal significance. Submitting new legal documents in connection with changing the endings of surnames is free of charge.

Jafarov said it is expected that the commission's research will be completed in one or two months.

"Affix of the national surname to be determined by the commission will primarily relate to the surnames of newborn children," said the parliamentarian.

Jafarov said he support nationalization of surnames.

"Changing surnames is a difficult and long-term process. To change a name famous persons needs to change a large number of documents and obtaining permits from various institutions and organizations," Jafarov said.

The parliamentarian said when the national affix of surnames is determined, people of all ages will be able to change the ending of their surnames.

"The current laws allows to do so. There will not be any obstacles to adopt the format of the national surname. We know that today there are certain obstacles to nationalize surnames. Once the government makes a decision in this regard, there will be no problems," Jafarov said.

/Trend News/