The Role of Ashigh Art in the Life of the Karabakh Population

Abstract

This article explores the role of ashigh art-one of the leading branches of Azerbaijan's rich spiritual culture, shared by other Turkic peoples-in the life and culture of the Karabakh population. The article, which is examined from an ethnological perspective, highlights the various names that ashighs have borne throughout history (such as gam, shaman, varsag, ozan), emphasizing their common roots and shared traditions. The article, written concisely, provides information on important ashighs like Ashig Gurbani (15th-16th centuries), Abdalgulablı Samed (late 17th century), Abdalgulablı Valeh (18th century), Ashig Abbasgulu (19th century), Ashig Gurban (19th century), Ashig Shemshir (1893-1980), and Sari Ashig.
Additionally, the article mentions a number of influential ashughs who lived and worked in Karabakh, such as Ashig Islam, Ashig Ismail, Ashig Abulfaz, Ashig Firidun, Ashig Bahman, Ashig Sabir, Ashig Hidayat, Ashig Telman, Ashig Imran, Ashig Mashadi Novruz, Ashig Mirza (Agh Ashig), Ashig Eyvaz, Ashig Aziz, and Ashig Qardashkhan. It is also noteworthy that Karabakh’s  ashigh tradition was not limited to male performers; female ashighs, including Ashig Peri, Ashig Zahra, Ashig Gulzar, Ashig Shafige, and Ashig Selbi, also played and sang in the region.
The article further delves into the saz - its craftsmanship and manufacturing techniques - ashig melodies, and the distinctive clothing worn by ashighs.