Today marks the 70th anniversary of the birth of Rafael Borisovich Nektalov, a respected intellectual, musicologist, publicist, journalist, public figure, and a true friend of the Azerbaijani people.
There are people in our lives whose acquaintance, over time, grows beyond professional cooperation and develops into a sincere and lasting friendship. My relationship with Rafael Nektalov began in exactly this way. We first met as colleagues and our relationship grew within the framework of professional cooperation. Over time, however, it developed into mutual respect, trust, and, most importantly, genuine friendship. Looking back today, I realize that some people enter our lives not by chance – their arrival marks the beginning of meaningful bonds, friendship, and shared values.
Rafael Nektalov is a true friend of the Azerbaijani people. He has demonstrated this friendship time and again, not merely through words, but through his work, his position, and his writings about Azerbaijan. His sincere attitude toward our country’s history, culture, music, national values, and the just cause of our people occupies a special place in his creative and public activities.
The joy of the Azerbaijani people is his joy, and our pain is his pain
Rafael Nektalov can always be seen at important events related to Azerbaijan held in the United States. He is one of those people who loves Azerbaijan from afar but demonstrates this love not only through words, but also through concrete actions. The joy of the Azerbaijani people is his joy, and our pain is his pain.
On the first anniversary of the historic Victory we achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War, Rafael came to Azerbaijan especially for the occasion. He wanted to celebrate this important day together with our people and share in our joy of victory. For me, this was one of the most sincere expressions of his feelings toward Azerbaijan and our people. After all, a true friend is someone who stands by you both in good times and in difficult times.
One of Rafael Nektalov’s greatest dreams was to visit Shusha, pay tribute at the busts of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli and the renowned artist Bulbul, and take part in the Kharybulbul Festival held in the cultural cradle of Karabakh. At last, this dream came true. The moment he set foot in Shusha and paid tribute to the memory of two great figures of Azerbaijani music on that sacred land became an unforgettable experience for him.
After that journey, it was possible to feel that a profound sense of peace had filled Rafael’s heart. His joy knew no bounds. For him, Shusha was not merely a city; it was a symbol of Azerbaijan’s culture, music, history, and national spirit. The fulfillment of this dream became a deeply meaningful event in his life.
A man who builds spiritual bridges between different peoples and cultures
One of the aspects of Rafael Nektalov’s work that I value most is his ability to build spiritual bridges between different peoples and cultures. He is one of those individuals who have contributed to strengthening the spiritual and cultural ties among Uzbekistan, the United States, Israel, and Azerbaijan. Alongside preserving the rich heritage of Bukharian Jews, he strives to bring closer the cultures of the countries and peoples among whom they live. His work demonstrates that music, culture, history, and human friendship know no borders.
A significant part of Rafael Nektalov’s life has been devoted to music, culture, journalism, and public service. Born on August 14, 1956, in Samarkand, Rafael graduated from the Tashkent Conservatory in 1980. For many years, he taught at the Department of Music History at Samarkand State Pedagogical Institute. Later, after moving to the United States, he began an extensive career in journalism and public affairs.
Over the years, he headed such publications as Most, The Bukharian Jewish World, Voskhod, and Beth Arachon. Since 2002, he has been the founder and editor-in-chief of The Bukharian Times, one of the most influential publications of the Bukharian Jewish community in the world.
Rafael Nektalov is also the author of a rich body of creative and scholarly work. His books about Gavriel and Avner Mullokandov, as well as his studies devoted to the religious music, cultural heritage, and place of Bukharian Jews in Russian culture, represent valuable scholarly and cultural contributions.
He has also done extensive work to preserve the musical and cultural heritage of Bukharian Jews. Since 1995, he has served as Executive Director of the Yitzhak Mavashev Foundation – the Institute for the Study of the Heritage of Bukharian Jews in the Diaspora. Since 2011, he has been the founder and president of the Shashmaqam Forever International Festival, dedicated to promoting and studying Shashmaqam in the United States.
This work extends far beyond musical performances. The academic and practical musicological conferences held within the framework of the festival have brought together musicologists, Orientalists, and researchers from different countries. In this way, Rafael has not only contributed to the preservation of cultural heritage but has also promoted scholarly and spiritual dialogue among peoples.
The geographical scope of his public activities is also remarkably broad. He has served for many years as the coordinator of the Congress of Bukharian Jews of the United States and Canada, as well as chairman of the Union of Bukharian Jewish Writers, Poets, and Journalists. For his public service, he has received certificates of honor from the New York City Council, the U.S. Congress, the governments of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and various public organizations. His recognition as “Person of the Year” by the World Congress of Bukharian Jews in 2016 was another testament to the high regard for his many years of dedicated work.
Yet behind all these titles, positions, and awards, there is another Rafael whom I value even more – a sincere, kind-hearted, loyal friend who treats people with warmth and genuine affection.
When you speak with him, you realize that you are not simply conversing with a musicologist and journalist, but with an intellectual who deeply understands and cherishes the spiritual values that connect Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Israel, and the United States.
Dear Rafael Nektalov!
On the occasion of your 70th birthday, I sincerely congratulate you from the bottom of my heart. I wish you good health, a long and fulfilling life, family happiness, new creative achievements, and the realization of all the dreams you still wish to fulfill.
I hope that we will continue to witness together many beautiful projects related to Azerbaijan, new meetings, new friendships, and wonderful journeys. Just as we shared unforgettable moments in Shusha, may there be many more beautiful memories ahead of us.
I deeply value your love and friendship toward the Azerbaijani people. One of life’s greatest blessings is the friends we gain along the way. I consider myself fortunate that what began between us as a professional relationship has grown into a true and lasting friendship.
Happy 70th birthday, my dear friend!
May the years ahead of you be as harmonious as music, as beautiful as the springtime of Shusha, as precious as the Kharybulbul, and as enduring as our friendship!
With deep respect and sincere friendship.
Chairman of the Public Union “Support of Journalists for Diaspora Activities Fuad Huseynzade
