Wednesday, 06 August 2014
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| Dr. Javad Heyat |
We are saddened to have lost a legend and an extraordinary individual, Dr. Javad Heyat. Dr. Heyat was a prominent researcher, writer, and the father of heart-transplant surgery in Iran who has left a forever-lasting mark on Azerbaijan’s identity and literature.
Born on May 24, 1925, in Tabriz into a family of intellectuals, Dr. Heyat continued his family’s scholarly path. He graduated from Istanbul University with a degree in Medical Sciences in 1946 and went on to the Sorbonne, University of Paris, to specialize in cardiac surgery. In 1969, he successfully carried out the first heart transplant in Iran. He was named the father of transplant surgery and was a prominent scholar and pioneer in his field, bringing advanced and modern technologies and methods to Iran’s cardiology. Professor Heyat was a member of the Board of Directors of the International Society of Surgery and the Paris International Academy of Surgery, and he held honorary doctorate degrees from numerous universities.
A scholar at heart and a surgeon by profession, he dedicated his life to his roots. His publications, literary writings, and research have been integral to the development of his mother tongue, the Turkish language, and the history of its people. As a philosopher and enlightened thinker, even until the last days of his life, he worked to bring light to Turkish culture, literature, and history.
The world has lost one of its greatest visionaries, and the scientific and literary community will never be able to make up for this magnificent loss. Azerbaijanis today mourn the loss of a great and selfless man whose focus was always the greater good. His intellect, courage, and dedication will forever remain unmatched. Azerbaijan has lost a great man, but the memory and impact of his legendary work will stay with us for generations to come.
Rest in peace, Dr. Javad Heyat.