The question of nationalizing surnames in Azerbaijan — particularly removing Soviet-era suffixes like “-ov” and “-yev” — has resurfaced in public debate. While many support transitioning to more culturally authentic forms, the key question remains: could such changes become mandatory?
MP Fazil Mustafa clarified the legal position in a recent statement, noting that a law already exists that allows for the nationalization of surnames — but only on a voluntary basis.
“According to the law, citizens have the right to change their surnames. However, this process should never be mandatory. It must remain a personal choice,” he said, adding that people have official documents and legal ties linked to their current surnames, making forced changes impractical and unjustified.
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Mustafa emphasized that instead of coercion, the state should focus on public awareness and education, encouraging citizens to adopt more ethnically appropriate surnames through informed choice rather than legal obligation.
