The Problem of the Importance of Science in Azerbaijani Democratic Thought at the Beginning of the 20th Century (1900-1920)

At the beginning of the 20th century, the confrontation between science and religion became increasingly acute. In this regard, a discussion on the topic of “What sciences do we need?” unfolded on the pages of the newspaper “Hayat” (“Life”). The main topic was formed as follows: which sciences, religious or secular, should be considered the most important. This question was raised back in the 70s of the 18th century in the newspaper “Ekinci” (“Plowman”). But in those difficult times, “Ekinci” failed to develop a discussion on this burning issue, and the life of the newspaper itself was short-lived. At the beginning of the 20th century, discussions around the issue revived again, official discussions began after the publication of A. Akhundoglu’s article in the 106th issue of the newspaper “Hayat” on May 17, 1906. A. Huseynzade, J. Mamedguluzade, O.F. Nemanzade and others took part in the polemics, and the materials were reflected in the article “What sciences do we need?”, published in the Tiflis printing house “Geyrat” (“Honor”) in 1907.