Enver Nazim oglu Mammadov, better known in Russia and the West as Enver Nazimovich Mamedov or simply Enver Mamedov, was an eminent figure in the Soviet diplomatic and mass media spheres. He lived a full life from 15 August 1923 to 7 September 2023.
Early Life:
Born in Baku, Azerbaijan SSR, young Enver was an exemplary student, mastering multiple languages including Azerbaijani and German. During his school years, he exhibited an early sign of patriotism. When Hitler invaded the USSR in 1941, Mamedov was eager to join the front line. However, his linguistic skills took him on a different path. Initially trained as a military translator at a GRU school, he later served at the Caucasus Front in the military ranks. His proficiency in Italian, German, English, and French landed him the role of press secretary at the Soviet embassy in Italy.
In the post-war period, Mamedov was involved in the Nuremberg trials, aiding Soviet prosecutors in managing their main witness, Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus.
The Nation’s Publicist:
Broadcasting and Publishing:
From 1950 onwards, Mamedov contributed substantially to Soviet mass media. He took charge of Soviet radio broadcasts targeting the UK, US, and Latin America between 1950 and 1956. Additionally, he edited the USSR magazine, an English-language journal intended for American readers. This role often led him to undertake public relations missions to the US.
Media Management:
In 1962, Mamedov was appointed Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Radio and Television. Serving from the final stages of Nikita Khrushchev‘s term through Leonid Brezhnev‘s tenure, he played a pivotal role in Soviet broadcasting. His significant contributions include the establishment of Radio Mayak in 1964, a national news and music channel designed to counter Western radio influences in Russia. Between 1970 and 1985, he worked closely with Gosteleradio chief Sergey Lapin to oversee Soviet television.
Even in his advanced years, Mamedov remained active. As of his 85th birthday in 2008, he served as an adviser to the Director General of RIA Novosti.
Family:
The Mamedov legacy is evident in succeeding generations. Georgiy Mamedov, Enver’s son, continued in the diplomatic field, representing Russia as its ambassador to Canada from 2003 to 2014. His granddaughter, Tatiana Mamedova, has carved a niche for herself in the arts as a film costume and fashion designer based in Moscow.
Enver Mamedov’s multifaceted career illustrates a life dedicated to service, media, and cultural diplomacy.
