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Qambar Alisoglu Behbudov – 90
Architect from Susa
Today is the birthday of the Azerbaijan's oldest architect-engineer, Qambar Alisoglu Behbudov. This interesting person, who devoted 67 years of his life to construction, was born in the capital city of the ancient Qarabag region, Susa.
Numerous outstanding figures in the arts, sciences, engineering, and the military  have originated from Susa, which has represented a cultural hub of Azerbaijan during the last centuries. Though music and arts were fashionable professions among Susa dwellers, teenager Qanbar decided to become a civil engineer. Much later, he was said in this regard:
"While a 5-7-year-old, I saw splendid houses being destroyed and burnt in Susa. These actions were mainly  perpetrated by Hays (Armenians), who had migrated from Iran to Qarabag and wanted to establish "greater hayastan". These bigots, who had chosen terror as a method of struggle, also involved the local Christian community that was forced to accept the Gregorian belief following the collapse of the Alban church. Thus, destroyed buildings triggered in me a wish to restore them. So, I started my career as a construction technician in 1931 in Fizuli District currently under the Armenian occupation."
Since he graduated from the civil engineering department of what is now the Oil Academy, Qanbar Alisoglu filled leading positions as engineer in a number of Azerbaijani districts and the capital as well as ex-USSR cities until 1954.  Then, he served as a deputy construction minister of Azerbaijan for 26 years. During a 67 year-career, he was engaged solely in building and construction. In this period, Qanbar Alisoglu took part or worked in one way or another, in the construction of all industrial, agricultural, cultural or social facilities, and the establishment of new settlements in the whole country, including Baku, Ganca, Sumqayit, Mingacevir, Naxcivan, Lankaran. Architects and builders love and respect him as a highly qualified and skilled engineer, caring leader and intellectual. Many consider him to be their teacher.
Qambar Alisoglu has been awarded some ten orders and medals. He has a daughter, two sons, and grandchildren. He retired in 1998 and is a pensioner at present.  Though he is almost 90 years old, Qanbar Alisoglu is very healthy and active, often visiting construction sites. Now he only wishes his Armenian-occupied motherland be liberated.