Khumar Zulfugarova

In 1958, Zulfugarova starred in the Georgian film "Mamluk," where she performed an Arabic dance surrounded by six soloists of the Georgian Opera and Ballet Theater.^[7] In 1959, she was invited to stage and dance a solo in the new production by Uzeyir Hajibeyov for the "Days of Azerbaijani Culture" in Moscow and had great success there.^[7] Upon her arrival from Moscow in Baku, Zulfugarova was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Azerbaijan.^[8]

From 1966 to 1978, Zulfugarova was a soloist and artistic director of the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic.^[9] She was the creator of the State Dance Ensemble (1969–1978).^[8] Zulfugarova developed a dance program, with which the ensemble toured in Ukraine, Denmark, France, etc.^[7]

Zulfugarova was the first chief choreographer of the State Association of Tours and Concerts (1978-1988).^[4] Zulfugarova danced in Uzeyir Hajibeyli's opera "Koroglu", performed in Gara Garayev's ballet "Seven beauties" and acted in movies. She performed as a dancer in the operas "Shah Ismail", "Ashig Garib", "Asli and Karam", "Leyli and Majnun".^[9] She toured in various cities in Russia, Iraq, the United States, and Canada and has demonstrated and promoted professional Azerbaijani dance.^[4]

In 1979, Zulfugarova was awarded the title of People's Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR.^[2]

Since 1992, Zulfugarova was an artistic director of the Dzhangi ensemble.^[8] The ensemble took part in Fuzuli's anniversary in Baghdad in 1994 toured the United States (New York, Chicago, Washington) and Canada (Toronto and Montreal) in 1995.^[7]

In 2009, Zulfugarova was awarded the Shohrat Order (Order of Glory).^[2] Having worked over 60 years, she retired in 2011.^[3]

Khumar Zulfugarova died on 2 July 2017 in Baku at the age of 89.^[8]

In November 2017, Zulfugarova's 90th anniversary was celebrated at the Azerbaijan State Theatre Museum.^[5]

• Fatali khan (film, 1947)
• Mamluk (film, 1958)
• Arshin mal alan (film, 1965)