Azerbaijani mughamsanctuary of music
Mugham has its roots in the depths of Eastern musical culture. This unique genre has been a treasure passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Inscribed by UNESCO in 2003 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, mugham’s significance is acknowledged globally, with Azerbaijan hailed as its cradle. This accolade not only honours the genre's historical importance but also its ongoing influence on today’s cultural landscape. The tradition of mugham in Azerbaijan was further enriched by music festivals at different periods of time in Karabakh, particularly in Shusha. These assemblies were crucibles of creativity, where poets, musicians, and intellectuals convened to delve into the intricacies of mugham.
There are seven main mugham in music of Azerbaijan: Rast, Shur, Segah, Shushtar, Chargah, Bayati-Shiraz, Humayun. Each of them creates different emotions in audiences. Mugham performance is highly dependent on those who sing and those who play instruments to accompany the enchanting voice of the singer. Contemporary custodians of the Mugham legacy, such as singers Alim Gasimov and Mansum Ibrahimov, and instrumentalists like Sahib Pashazade continue to propel the genre into the future. Their passionate contributions underscore the vibrant, evolving nature of mugham.
Featuring the sculptures of eminent mugham figures, the International Mugham Center serves as a performance venue dedicated to the preservation, promotion and celebration of the mugham genre. The exterior of this architectural marvel reminds the parts of the tar, a long-necked lute. Concerts, festivals, and mugham nights are periodically organized there for the enthusiasts of this mesmerizing music genre.
For more information:
- 30 Mikayil Useynov Avenue
- +99412 497 8972
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