What Do I Know About Azerbaijan
My winning essay for the 'What do I know about Azerbaijan' Competition hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan!
Content
ESSAY COMPETITION
WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT AZERBAIJAN? History, Art and Culture of Azerbaijan
By: Samah Muhammad Khalid Diploma of Business Management Stage 4 Box Hill College, Kuwait
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, art and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Gravey AZERBAIJAN: FIRST DEMOCRATIC, SECULAR REPUBLIC OF MUSLIM WORLD Azerbaijan officially known as the Republic of Azerbaijan was established in 1918 but was incorporated in the Soviet Union in 1920. However, it regained independence in 1991 and currently occupies the largest strategic location of Eurasia between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The country’s capital is Baku and official currency Manat (AZM). Azerbaijan shelters various ethnicities, Azeris, Dagestanis, Russians, Armenians and others that contribute towards rich ethnic make-up. The official language is Azerbaijani or “Azeri” while Russian is spoken fluently by a few besides other 13 native languages. Islam the predominant religion has shaped Azerbaijan’s economic, political, social and cultural layout. HISTORICAL CHRONICLES “If you want to understand today, you have to research yesterday.” – Pearl Buck The historical archives of past generations are precious memoirs that shapes the country’s present and the future, since history defines a country and gives it an identity of its own that is distinctive from rest of the world. The history of Azerbaijan begins with its name, which has evolved with history; resources referring it to as ‘Andirpatian’, ‘Atropatena,’ ‘Adirbijan’ and ‘Azirbijan.’ Ancient Azerbaijan has been discovered by scholars and historians through the archaeological evidence of material culture, ethnographic information about traditions and customs along with anthropological and written documents which has given the world an opportunity to discover the mysteries of past. Prehistory
Samah Muhammad Khalid
1
WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT AZERBAIJAN?
The excavations of various sites like Azikh, Taglar, Damjili, Dashsalahli, Gazma revealed the presence of pre-Archeulean culture and Palaeolithic period dating back 2 million years. The uprising of great states; Manna, kingdom of Iskit, Atropatena and Albania with the dawn of 1st Millennium BC and AD played distinctive roles in shaping the ruling traditions, political, social and economical history of Azerbaijan. The new era also saw a series of invasions, first by Sasani-Iran and the Arabic Caliphate bringing in an influx of migrants from Iran and Arabia. The acceptance of Islam in the 7th century was a major turning point in the history of Azerbaijan as it led to the formation of unified front since monotheism was absent from the country in that era. Azerbaijani Renaissance Islam, the religion of peace and love, was the catalyst behind the unification of population against foreign invaders of Azerbaijan. Hence, the middle of the 9th century Azerbaijan saw the reestablishment of traditional state system with the emergence of new states; Sajis, Shirvanshakhs, Salaris, Ravvadis, Shaddadis and others that progressed between the 15th and 18th centuries. The great empires of the period Garagoyunlu, Aggoyunlu, Safavi, Afshar and Gajar were ruled by the Azerbaijani dynasties. 1 This fact bore positive reflection in relationship and prosperity in all spheres of the Azerbaijan Renaissance, thus, playing an important role in the historical and cultural revolution. Centralised Azerbaijan; Savafi Uzun Hasan (Hassan the High) is a prominent figure in the Azerbaijani history with a vision of a strong centralised Azerbaijan state. Therefore, he composed ‘Ganunname’ (About the law). However, his grandson Shah Ismail Khatai (1501-1524) untied all the territories of Azerbaijan under one banner – Safavi. Azerbaijan progressed under Safavi rulers as their internal and foreign policies turned the state into one of the greatest Empires of the Middle East. After the downfall of the Savafi Empire, Nadir Shah Afshar strengthened the borders but couldn’t establish a centralised state. Thus, the Empire fell into decay once again and gave birth to smaller states; Khanates and Sultanates in the 18th Century. Liberation Movement According to historical treaties, Gulustan (1813) and Turkmanchay (1828), Azerbaijan was divided into two; Russian dominion on the north and Iranian Kingdom of Gajars on the south. These agreements saw the origin of new political-geographic connotations; “The North/ Russian Azerbaijan” and the “South/Iranian Azerbaijan” The Russians resettled assembly of Armenians on the Azerbaijani territories to establish future Armenia. Furthermore, they created favourable conditions for the Albanians and Armenians in 1836 by liquidating the Church, giving them the power to claim Azerbaijani lands and armed the Armenians for the mass genocide against the Turkic Muslim Azerbaijanis population.
The History of Azerbaijan, General Information, Heyder Aliyev Foundation, retrieved 10th May 2011, <http://www.azerbaijan.az/_History/_GeneralInfo/_generalInfo_e.html>
1
Samah Muhammad Khalid
2
ESSAY COMPETITION
However, in March 1918 the Dashnak-Bolshevik government with S.Shaumyan demolished the genocide against the natives, thus, ending the liberation movement. It was on 28 th May 1918 the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was established, the first Parliamentary Republic in the Azerbaijani history and the first democratic, legal and secular state in the whole East and Islamic world. Democratic Era The Democratic period of Azerbaijan is divided into two. During the first period, May 27th - 19th November 1918, the government declared independence and governed the country through a parliament comprising of 44 Turkic Muslim members functioning under the National Board of Azerbaijan after adopting the historical Declaration of Independence. The Second period or the Baku period, 7th December 1918 - 27th April 1920, saw the establishment of the Baku State University on 1st September 1919, which helped to preserve the ideas of the Republic and played a great role in re-gaining independence. During its reign, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan proved that no colonial or repression regime, was in power to crush liberty ideals and state traditions of Azerbaijan people. 2 Yet, the life of this democracy was short-lived as on 28th April 1920 the Azerbaijani territory was invaded by Soviet Russia and saw the emergence of Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan (SSRA) Red Terror and Soviet Dominion Azerbaijanis had to witness another genocide directed to the prominent personalities of Azerbaijani people to cripple the society without leaders. Everyone who struggled against Bolshevik regime was the victim of the 'red terror' under the names of the 'national enemy', the 'anti-revolutionary' or the 'saboteur'. 3 The Northern part of the territory fell into the Soviet dominion after the call of the first Soviet Conference on SSRA on 6th May 1921 and the first SSRA constitution was adopted in May 19th . The era 1948-1953 was a period of deprivation and repression as the Azerbaijani riches; land, national resources, oil reserves, intellectual potentiality and honourable men were taken from the people that caused major drawbacks in many spheres of economy, industry and agriculture. However, the situation changed in 1969 when Heydar Aliyev took over Azerbaijan’s governance on the path to independence. The great reform programs stirred up national pride, self-consciousness, feelings of freedom and independence, leading towards the national liberty movement. Thus, the Constitution act about the State Independence of Azerbaijan Republic was adopted on 18th October 1991 and is successfully going on. 4 Armenian Invasion
2 3
Ibid. Ibid. 4 Ibid.
Samah Muhammad Khalid
3
WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT AZERBAIJAN?
The history is proof of internal breaking and many invasions of Azerbaijani states but the state maintained peaceful relations with bordering countries save for Armenians in the West who always had an eye on the land. Armenian military forces along with separatist-terrorist groupings and USSR forces invaded cities of Azerbaijan in 1988. The genocide continued up until March 1992 when head of Republic A. Mutallibov resigned. Heydar Aliyev was once again the answer to the people’s prayer as he salvaged the people from national-moral degradation, insolvency and avoided the risk of Civil War. Consequently, in today’s world the international fame and authority of Azerbaijan is growing continuously as Azerbaijan is recognised as the first democratic, legal and secular state in the Muslim world which is the result of Heydar Aliyev’s mind and perseverance in the line of enemies. CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC MANIFESTATIONS “The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions which have been hidden by the answers.” – James Baldwin Culture of Azerbaijan is an intangible legacy passed down generations and is a fusion of Persian, Islamic and Western influences. However, national customs and traditions are still well preserved. Azerbaijan, one of the world’s birthplaces of civilisations, is well known for its history, art and cultural monuments, seen in the literature, arts and musical heritage which captures world’s share of artistic beauty. Music Azerbaijani music has an enriching world musical culture with its rare pearl dating back to centuries old traditions 5 and thus gives the country recognition as ‘the Land of Flames.’ Mugham, the foundation of Azerbaijani national music is usually a suite with poetry and instrumental interludes in which the emotions transform into signing and music and thus, UNESCO entered listed Azerbaijan mugham as the Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on 7th November 2003. 6 Besides, meykhana is a traditional Azeri distinctive fold unaccompanied song, performed by people improvising on a particular subject. On the other hand, Ashik combines poetry, storytelling, dance and vocal and instrumental music into traditional performance, a symbol of Azerbaijani culture listed in the Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO on 30, September 2009. 7
Azerbaijan, Culture; Music, Wikimedia Foundation Inc., 20th May 2011, retrieved 20th May 2011, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azerbaijan#Culture> 6 Ibid. 7 Ibid.
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Samah Muhammad Khalid
4
ESSAY COMPETITION
Azerbaijan made its debut appearance in Eurovision Song Contest 2008. The country placed 3rd in 2009, 5th in 2010 but in 2011 the song ‘Running Scared’ won the top recognition and therefore, the country will host the next Eurovision 2012. Folk Dances Azeris have numerous folk dances that are old and melodious depicting the characteristics of the Azerbaijani nation and are performed at formal celebrations. The dancers wear and preserve national festival clothes called Chokha cloaks with the national dances. These dances differ on the basis of their temp and optimism. Architecture The artistic sense of Azerbaijan is a fusion of the East and West that are noted for their aesthetics, lavish decor and beauty. Some of these architectural treasures include: the Maiden Tower, Palace of Shirvanshahs, Quadrangular Castle in Mardakan, Parigala in Yukhary Chardaglar the Ateshgah of Baku, Momine Khatun Mausoleum, , Lok-Batan Mud Volcano, Baku Stage Mountain, Susha National Reserve, Ordubad National Reserve and the Palace of Shaki Khans. Many of these rich preserves have made the UNESCO World Heritage list. Cinematography One of the most interesting and penetrating art of our time is Cinema and theatre which gives flight to new thinking and opens up new horizons for exploration. The history of this art in Azerbaijan dates back to 1898, first country involved in cinematography. 8 However, it gained momentum in 1973 with spectacles "Vizier of Lankaran khanate" and "Hadji Gara" by M.F.Akhundov. 9 Today 2nd August every year is celebrated as the professional holiday of Azerbaijani filmmakers and the Academic National Dramatic Theatre, Municipal Theatre, Pantomime Theatre, Theatre of Young Spectators are the platforms for promoting talent. Local Azerbaijani television channels include: AzTV, Idman TV and Medeniyyet TV, Ictimai TV, ANS TV, Space TV, Lider TV, Azad Azerbaijan TV, Xazar TV, Azerbaijan International and MTV Azerbaijan. 10
8 th
General Information on Azeri Culture, Heydar Aliyev Foundation, retrieved 10 May 2011, < http://www.azerbaijan.az/_Culture/_GeneralInfo/_generalInfo_e.html> 9 ibid 10 Azerbaijan, Culture; Cinematography, Wikimedia Foundation Inc., 20th May 2011, retrieved 20th May 2011, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azerbaijan#Culture>
Samah Muhammad Khalid
5
WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT AZERBAIJAN?
Folk Arts Azerbaijani folk arts, the defining links of culture, portray span of time from antiquity to present ages and the process is still living. This is represented in the wide range of handicrafts; chasing, jewellery, metal engraving, wood, stone and bone carving, carpet-making, lasing, pattern weaving and printing, knitting and embroidery discovered in archaeological digs. These arts breathe the skills of the master and often portray traditions and religious ideas of the era created in. Carpet-Weaving Azerbaijan is known as the centre of large crafts since ancient times, one such art being carpet weaving. The traditional Azerbaijani carpet is handmade textile of various sizes with dense texture and a pile or pile-less surface. The Azerbaijani carpets were proclaimed a Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage by UNESCO in November 2010 and can be categorized under, Guba-Shirvan, Ganja-Kazakh, Karabakh and Tabriz. 11 These folk arts depict images of national vision in world’s largest museums; Victoria and Albert of London, Louvers of Paris, Metropolitan of Washington and Vienna, Rome, Berlin, Istanbul, Tehran along with the Cairo museums. 12 Cuisine Good food shapes a country’s taste that is found in abundance in the dishes of the Azerbaijani cuisine. The national dishes of the country reflect the climatic diversity and fertility of the land, which are based on fish from Caspian Sea, local meat (mainly mutton and beef) and seasonal vegetables and green. Saffron rice plov is the flagship food in Azerbaijan while black tea is the national beverage. 13 Literature Azerbaijani literature begins with the classical era in the 14th century, based on various dialects of Early Middle Ages; Tabriz and Shirvan. The end of 16th and early 15th century was the age of Turkic Hurufi mystical Persian and Arabic, the Divan and Ghazal styles of Azeri poetry. In 16th century, Ashik poetic genre of bards flourished the literature. A unique literary style known as qoshma was also introduced in this period. Modern literature in Azerbaijan is based on the Shirvani dialect mainly. The first newspaper in Azerbaijani, Akinchi was published in 1875, which is widely taught to the population.
General Information on Azeri Culture, Heydar Aliyev Foundation, retrieved 10 May 2011, < http://www.azerbaijan.az/_Culture/_GeneralInfo/_generalInfo_e.html> 12 Ibid. 13 Azerbaijan, Culture; Cuisine, Wikimedia Foundation Inc., 20th May 2011, retrieved 20th May 2011, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azerbaijan#Culture>
11
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Samah Muhammad Khalid
6
ESSAY COMPETITION
Society 14 The basis of social structure in Azerbaijan is still formed by family which dates back to Azeri’s history where ‘hoj’ (clan), built close knit relationships. However, in today’s Azeri society the families are lot smaller consisting usually of married couple, children and often grandparents. Nevertheless, they are still interdependent unit expecting both support from relatives. The society is hierarchical where culture, traditions, family and religious affiliations takes precedence over laws. The President of the State often appeals to the “agh sakkal,” prominent and respected people, to help resolve the issue where that government fails. However, westernisation has not influenced the gender roles, which are dominantly traditional with man being the bread-winner and woman taking care of the domestic end. Folklore and Superstitions 15 The origin of Azeri folklore and superstitions, can be traced back to the culture’s rural roots and rich tapestry. Some of the unique superstitious beliefs of Azerbaijani society are: A cat crossing the path of a person will bring bad luck in business. Spilling salt accidentally is an omen of quarrel. However, sprinkling sugar on the salt counters the effect. Leaving a scissor with open blades brings misfortune and even death to the seer. The observer will be the receiver of misfortune if he meets a person with empty buckets. However, if someone meets a person with bread and full bags it is harbinger good luck. Azerbaijanis never hurry to funeral ceremonies and never cross the way the funeral train goes. Good luck is on its way for a person who meets a male on the way to work. Lending money or bread at night is prohibited. A bowl of water thrown in the wake of a person who is setting off on a business trip or long journey will bring the person luck and return them home safe and sound. Sports Sport in Azerbaijan has ancient roots, and even now, both traditional and modern sports are still practiced. Fre estyle wrestling is regarded as Azerbaijan’s national sport. Besides other popular sports include football, chess, futsal, backgammon, judo, volleyball and K-1 producing well known Azerbaijani athletes in every field. To sum it up in a nutshell, The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic being the first democratic and unitary secular republic in the Muslim world has a rich historic, cultural and art heritage that dates
Azerbaijan – Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette, Kwintessential.com, 2011, retrieved 24th May 2011, <http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/azerbaijan.html> 15 Ibid.
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Samah Muhammad Khalid
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WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT AZERBAIJAN?
back to prehistoric ages and gives the country the exclusive characteristic of being the birthplace of some major civilisations.
Total Word count: 2,637 Essay word Count : 2, 500 Footnotes word count: 137
Samah Muhammad Khalid
8
WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT AZERBAIJAN? History, Art and Culture of Azerbaijan
By: Samah Muhammad Khalid Diploma of Business Management Stage 4 Box Hill College, Kuwait
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, art and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Gravey AZERBAIJAN: FIRST DEMOCRATIC, SECULAR REPUBLIC OF MUSLIM WORLD Azerbaijan officially known as the Republic of Azerbaijan was established in 1918 but was incorporated in the Soviet Union in 1920. However, it regained independence in 1991 and currently occupies the largest strategic location of Eurasia between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The country’s capital is Baku and official currency Manat (AZM). Azerbaijan shelters various ethnicities, Azeris, Dagestanis, Russians, Armenians and others that contribute towards rich ethnic make-up. The official language is Azerbaijani or “Azeri” while Russian is spoken fluently by a few besides other 13 native languages. Islam the predominant religion has shaped Azerbaijan’s economic, political, social and cultural layout. HISTORICAL CHRONICLES “If you want to understand today, you have to research yesterday.” – Pearl Buck The historical archives of past generations are precious memoirs that shapes the country’s present and the future, since history defines a country and gives it an identity of its own that is distinctive from rest of the world. The history of Azerbaijan begins with its name, which has evolved with history; resources referring it to as ‘Andirpatian’, ‘Atropatena,’ ‘Adirbijan’ and ‘Azirbijan.’ Ancient Azerbaijan has been discovered by scholars and historians through the archaeological evidence of material culture, ethnographic information about traditions and customs along with anthropological and written documents which has given the world an opportunity to discover the mysteries of past. Prehistory
Samah Muhammad Khalid
1
WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT AZERBAIJAN?
The excavations of various sites like Azikh, Taglar, Damjili, Dashsalahli, Gazma revealed the presence of pre-Archeulean culture and Palaeolithic period dating back 2 million years. The uprising of great states; Manna, kingdom of Iskit, Atropatena and Albania with the dawn of 1st Millennium BC and AD played distinctive roles in shaping the ruling traditions, political, social and economical history of Azerbaijan. The new era also saw a series of invasions, first by Sasani-Iran and the Arabic Caliphate bringing in an influx of migrants from Iran and Arabia. The acceptance of Islam in the 7th century was a major turning point in the history of Azerbaijan as it led to the formation of unified front since monotheism was absent from the country in that era. Azerbaijani Renaissance Islam, the religion of peace and love, was the catalyst behind the unification of population against foreign invaders of Azerbaijan. Hence, the middle of the 9th century Azerbaijan saw the reestablishment of traditional state system with the emergence of new states; Sajis, Shirvanshakhs, Salaris, Ravvadis, Shaddadis and others that progressed between the 15th and 18th centuries. The great empires of the period Garagoyunlu, Aggoyunlu, Safavi, Afshar and Gajar were ruled by the Azerbaijani dynasties. 1 This fact bore positive reflection in relationship and prosperity in all spheres of the Azerbaijan Renaissance, thus, playing an important role in the historical and cultural revolution. Centralised Azerbaijan; Savafi Uzun Hasan (Hassan the High) is a prominent figure in the Azerbaijani history with a vision of a strong centralised Azerbaijan state. Therefore, he composed ‘Ganunname’ (About the law). However, his grandson Shah Ismail Khatai (1501-1524) untied all the territories of Azerbaijan under one banner – Safavi. Azerbaijan progressed under Safavi rulers as their internal and foreign policies turned the state into one of the greatest Empires of the Middle East. After the downfall of the Savafi Empire, Nadir Shah Afshar strengthened the borders but couldn’t establish a centralised state. Thus, the Empire fell into decay once again and gave birth to smaller states; Khanates and Sultanates in the 18th Century. Liberation Movement According to historical treaties, Gulustan (1813) and Turkmanchay (1828), Azerbaijan was divided into two; Russian dominion on the north and Iranian Kingdom of Gajars on the south. These agreements saw the origin of new political-geographic connotations; “The North/ Russian Azerbaijan” and the “South/Iranian Azerbaijan” The Russians resettled assembly of Armenians on the Azerbaijani territories to establish future Armenia. Furthermore, they created favourable conditions for the Albanians and Armenians in 1836 by liquidating the Church, giving them the power to claim Azerbaijani lands and armed the Armenians for the mass genocide against the Turkic Muslim Azerbaijanis population.
The History of Azerbaijan, General Information, Heyder Aliyev Foundation, retrieved 10th May 2011, <http://www.azerbaijan.az/_History/_GeneralInfo/_generalInfo_e.html>
1
Samah Muhammad Khalid
2
ESSAY COMPETITION
However, in March 1918 the Dashnak-Bolshevik government with S.Shaumyan demolished the genocide against the natives, thus, ending the liberation movement. It was on 28 th May 1918 the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was established, the first Parliamentary Republic in the Azerbaijani history and the first democratic, legal and secular state in the whole East and Islamic world. Democratic Era The Democratic period of Azerbaijan is divided into two. During the first period, May 27th - 19th November 1918, the government declared independence and governed the country through a parliament comprising of 44 Turkic Muslim members functioning under the National Board of Azerbaijan after adopting the historical Declaration of Independence. The Second period or the Baku period, 7th December 1918 - 27th April 1920, saw the establishment of the Baku State University on 1st September 1919, which helped to preserve the ideas of the Republic and played a great role in re-gaining independence. During its reign, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan proved that no colonial or repression regime, was in power to crush liberty ideals and state traditions of Azerbaijan people. 2 Yet, the life of this democracy was short-lived as on 28th April 1920 the Azerbaijani territory was invaded by Soviet Russia and saw the emergence of Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan (SSRA) Red Terror and Soviet Dominion Azerbaijanis had to witness another genocide directed to the prominent personalities of Azerbaijani people to cripple the society without leaders. Everyone who struggled against Bolshevik regime was the victim of the 'red terror' under the names of the 'national enemy', the 'anti-revolutionary' or the 'saboteur'. 3 The Northern part of the territory fell into the Soviet dominion after the call of the first Soviet Conference on SSRA on 6th May 1921 and the first SSRA constitution was adopted in May 19th . The era 1948-1953 was a period of deprivation and repression as the Azerbaijani riches; land, national resources, oil reserves, intellectual potentiality and honourable men were taken from the people that caused major drawbacks in many spheres of economy, industry and agriculture. However, the situation changed in 1969 when Heydar Aliyev took over Azerbaijan’s governance on the path to independence. The great reform programs stirred up national pride, self-consciousness, feelings of freedom and independence, leading towards the national liberty movement. Thus, the Constitution act about the State Independence of Azerbaijan Republic was adopted on 18th October 1991 and is successfully going on. 4 Armenian Invasion
2 3
Ibid. Ibid. 4 Ibid.
Samah Muhammad Khalid
3
WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT AZERBAIJAN?
The history is proof of internal breaking and many invasions of Azerbaijani states but the state maintained peaceful relations with bordering countries save for Armenians in the West who always had an eye on the land. Armenian military forces along with separatist-terrorist groupings and USSR forces invaded cities of Azerbaijan in 1988. The genocide continued up until March 1992 when head of Republic A. Mutallibov resigned. Heydar Aliyev was once again the answer to the people’s prayer as he salvaged the people from national-moral degradation, insolvency and avoided the risk of Civil War. Consequently, in today’s world the international fame and authority of Azerbaijan is growing continuously as Azerbaijan is recognised as the first democratic, legal and secular state in the Muslim world which is the result of Heydar Aliyev’s mind and perseverance in the line of enemies. CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC MANIFESTATIONS “The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions which have been hidden by the answers.” – James Baldwin Culture of Azerbaijan is an intangible legacy passed down generations and is a fusion of Persian, Islamic and Western influences. However, national customs and traditions are still well preserved. Azerbaijan, one of the world’s birthplaces of civilisations, is well known for its history, art and cultural monuments, seen in the literature, arts and musical heritage which captures world’s share of artistic beauty. Music Azerbaijani music has an enriching world musical culture with its rare pearl dating back to centuries old traditions 5 and thus gives the country recognition as ‘the Land of Flames.’ Mugham, the foundation of Azerbaijani national music is usually a suite with poetry and instrumental interludes in which the emotions transform into signing and music and thus, UNESCO entered listed Azerbaijan mugham as the Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on 7th November 2003. 6 Besides, meykhana is a traditional Azeri distinctive fold unaccompanied song, performed by people improvising on a particular subject. On the other hand, Ashik combines poetry, storytelling, dance and vocal and instrumental music into traditional performance, a symbol of Azerbaijani culture listed in the Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO on 30, September 2009. 7
Azerbaijan, Culture; Music, Wikimedia Foundation Inc., 20th May 2011, retrieved 20th May 2011, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azerbaijan#Culture> 6 Ibid. 7 Ibid.
5
Samah Muhammad Khalid
4
ESSAY COMPETITION
Azerbaijan made its debut appearance in Eurovision Song Contest 2008. The country placed 3rd in 2009, 5th in 2010 but in 2011 the song ‘Running Scared’ won the top recognition and therefore, the country will host the next Eurovision 2012. Folk Dances Azeris have numerous folk dances that are old and melodious depicting the characteristics of the Azerbaijani nation and are performed at formal celebrations. The dancers wear and preserve national festival clothes called Chokha cloaks with the national dances. These dances differ on the basis of their temp and optimism. Architecture The artistic sense of Azerbaijan is a fusion of the East and West that are noted for their aesthetics, lavish decor and beauty. Some of these architectural treasures include: the Maiden Tower, Palace of Shirvanshahs, Quadrangular Castle in Mardakan, Parigala in Yukhary Chardaglar the Ateshgah of Baku, Momine Khatun Mausoleum, , Lok-Batan Mud Volcano, Baku Stage Mountain, Susha National Reserve, Ordubad National Reserve and the Palace of Shaki Khans. Many of these rich preserves have made the UNESCO World Heritage list. Cinematography One of the most interesting and penetrating art of our time is Cinema and theatre which gives flight to new thinking and opens up new horizons for exploration. The history of this art in Azerbaijan dates back to 1898, first country involved in cinematography. 8 However, it gained momentum in 1973 with spectacles "Vizier of Lankaran khanate" and "Hadji Gara" by M.F.Akhundov. 9 Today 2nd August every year is celebrated as the professional holiday of Azerbaijani filmmakers and the Academic National Dramatic Theatre, Municipal Theatre, Pantomime Theatre, Theatre of Young Spectators are the platforms for promoting talent. Local Azerbaijani television channels include: AzTV, Idman TV and Medeniyyet TV, Ictimai TV, ANS TV, Space TV, Lider TV, Azad Azerbaijan TV, Xazar TV, Azerbaijan International and MTV Azerbaijan. 10
8 th
General Information on Azeri Culture, Heydar Aliyev Foundation, retrieved 10 May 2011, < http://www.azerbaijan.az/_Culture/_GeneralInfo/_generalInfo_e.html> 9 ibid 10 Azerbaijan, Culture; Cinematography, Wikimedia Foundation Inc., 20th May 2011, retrieved 20th May 2011, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azerbaijan#Culture>
Samah Muhammad Khalid
5
WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT AZERBAIJAN?
Folk Arts Azerbaijani folk arts, the defining links of culture, portray span of time from antiquity to present ages and the process is still living. This is represented in the wide range of handicrafts; chasing, jewellery, metal engraving, wood, stone and bone carving, carpet-making, lasing, pattern weaving and printing, knitting and embroidery discovered in archaeological digs. These arts breathe the skills of the master and often portray traditions and religious ideas of the era created in. Carpet-Weaving Azerbaijan is known as the centre of large crafts since ancient times, one such art being carpet weaving. The traditional Azerbaijani carpet is handmade textile of various sizes with dense texture and a pile or pile-less surface. The Azerbaijani carpets were proclaimed a Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage by UNESCO in November 2010 and can be categorized under, Guba-Shirvan, Ganja-Kazakh, Karabakh and Tabriz. 11 These folk arts depict images of national vision in world’s largest museums; Victoria and Albert of London, Louvers of Paris, Metropolitan of Washington and Vienna, Rome, Berlin, Istanbul, Tehran along with the Cairo museums. 12 Cuisine Good food shapes a country’s taste that is found in abundance in the dishes of the Azerbaijani cuisine. The national dishes of the country reflect the climatic diversity and fertility of the land, which are based on fish from Caspian Sea, local meat (mainly mutton and beef) and seasonal vegetables and green. Saffron rice plov is the flagship food in Azerbaijan while black tea is the national beverage. 13 Literature Azerbaijani literature begins with the classical era in the 14th century, based on various dialects of Early Middle Ages; Tabriz and Shirvan. The end of 16th and early 15th century was the age of Turkic Hurufi mystical Persian and Arabic, the Divan and Ghazal styles of Azeri poetry. In 16th century, Ashik poetic genre of bards flourished the literature. A unique literary style known as qoshma was also introduced in this period. Modern literature in Azerbaijan is based on the Shirvani dialect mainly. The first newspaper in Azerbaijani, Akinchi was published in 1875, which is widely taught to the population.
General Information on Azeri Culture, Heydar Aliyev Foundation, retrieved 10 May 2011, < http://www.azerbaijan.az/_Culture/_GeneralInfo/_generalInfo_e.html> 12 Ibid. 13 Azerbaijan, Culture; Cuisine, Wikimedia Foundation Inc., 20th May 2011, retrieved 20th May 2011, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azerbaijan#Culture>
11
th
Samah Muhammad Khalid
6
ESSAY COMPETITION
Society 14 The basis of social structure in Azerbaijan is still formed by family which dates back to Azeri’s history where ‘hoj’ (clan), built close knit relationships. However, in today’s Azeri society the families are lot smaller consisting usually of married couple, children and often grandparents. Nevertheless, they are still interdependent unit expecting both support from relatives. The society is hierarchical where culture, traditions, family and religious affiliations takes precedence over laws. The President of the State often appeals to the “agh sakkal,” prominent and respected people, to help resolve the issue where that government fails. However, westernisation has not influenced the gender roles, which are dominantly traditional with man being the bread-winner and woman taking care of the domestic end. Folklore and Superstitions 15 The origin of Azeri folklore and superstitions, can be traced back to the culture’s rural roots and rich tapestry. Some of the unique superstitious beliefs of Azerbaijani society are: A cat crossing the path of a person will bring bad luck in business. Spilling salt accidentally is an omen of quarrel. However, sprinkling sugar on the salt counters the effect. Leaving a scissor with open blades brings misfortune and even death to the seer. The observer will be the receiver of misfortune if he meets a person with empty buckets. However, if someone meets a person with bread and full bags it is harbinger good luck. Azerbaijanis never hurry to funeral ceremonies and never cross the way the funeral train goes. Good luck is on its way for a person who meets a male on the way to work. Lending money or bread at night is prohibited. A bowl of water thrown in the wake of a person who is setting off on a business trip or long journey will bring the person luck and return them home safe and sound. Sports Sport in Azerbaijan has ancient roots, and even now, both traditional and modern sports are still practiced. Fre estyle wrestling is regarded as Azerbaijan’s national sport. Besides other popular sports include football, chess, futsal, backgammon, judo, volleyball and K-1 producing well known Azerbaijani athletes in every field. To sum it up in a nutshell, The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic being the first democratic and unitary secular republic in the Muslim world has a rich historic, cultural and art heritage that dates
Azerbaijan – Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette, Kwintessential.com, 2011, retrieved 24th May 2011, <http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/azerbaijan.html> 15 Ibid.
14
Samah Muhammad Khalid
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WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT AZERBAIJAN?
back to prehistoric ages and gives the country the exclusive characteristic of being the birthplace of some major civilisations.
Total Word count: 2,637 Essay word Count : 2, 500 Footnotes word count: 137
Samah Muhammad Khalid
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