Statue of Shah Ismail Khatai Shah Ismail Safavi, son of Sheikh Heydar (1494 - 1524) was the founder of Safavid dynasty and classic Azerbaijani poet. He wrote his works under the pen-name of “Khatai” or “Khatayi”. That is why he is also known as Shah Ismail Khatai. The Azerbaijani language was used on state level for the first time in history during the rule of Shah Ismail. During his time in power Shah Ismail unified Azerbaijan, Iran, Eastern Anatolia, Eraq-e Ajam. In order to perpetuate the memory of powerful ruler, talented poet Shah Ismail Khatai, in 1993 his statue erected in Baku. The author of the statue was Ibrahim Zeynalov. The statue is notable for its high artistic-aesthetic value, variety of plastic forms and national color. In 2007, the pedestal of the statue of Shah Ismail Khatai was reconstructed and the monument itself was restored.