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Republic of Azerbaijan is a state in the eastern part of the South Caucasus on the coast of the Caspian Sea with its capital in Baku.Azerbaijani culture is closely intertwined with the country’s history, religious beliefs, folk traditions and values. It countdown begins in primitive times, passes through pagan temples, monumental architectural constructions of the early Middle Ages, is intertwined with Islamic culture, reflects the influence of Russian traditions and carries this heritage to the modern world.
Cave paintings in Gobustan are an ancient chronicle of Azerbaijani culture that reached us over the millennia. Stone and ceramic figures of human and animals dating from the Neolithic era are preserved.
The culture of Azerbaijan was also shaped by Islamic traditions. During the Arab conquest there were many architectural structures: mosques, mausoleums, minarets.
The geometrically regular shapes of the buildings were decorated with elaborate ornaments and arches. Later, regional schools emerged, characterized by their unique style.
Azerbaijani culture and its traditions were reflected in the decor of the interior: in the houses of rich people, walls were decorated with exquisite murals with elements of plant motifs. In the pattern of carpets there are whole stories, their ornaments contain symbols of protection and well-being. Due to the popularity of this applied art in Azerbaijan, there are several schools known outside the country.
The elements of the wardrobe, like the colour scheme, varied from place to place. But in general, the costume emphasized the modest charm of women and the natural strength of men, as well as Azerbaijani customs.
Azerbaijani folk dances have a very ancient history. The first dances were ritual. In the early medieval period various kinds of dances began to take shape. As a rule, the Azeri dance is three-way: the first part is a turn in a circle, the dancer holds the body high and proud, the second is a lyrical stagnation on the spot and the third is a turn in a circle again - confident, rapid and solemn. Many dances, especially the old ones, bear the name of the most beloved animals or plants: «jayrani» - gazelle, «lale» - field mack, «benevshe» - violet, «innabi» - fruit of fruit tree.
The musical culture of Azerbaijan is so significant that UNESCO has honoured it with its attention. Traditional mughams are on the UNESCO list of cultural heritage objects, and the compositions of Azerbaijani authors are played in concert halls all over the world. Also among the objects of UNESCO cultural heritage are the monuments of the historical architecture of Azerbaijan: Walled City of Baku with Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower, Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace.
The Azerbaijani ballet originated in 1940, with the creation of the Maiden Tower ballet by Afrasiyab Badalbeyli.Azerbaijani ballet became known outside of Azerbaijan thanks to two ballets by Gara Garayev: Seven Beauties and The Path of Thunder.
Among the prominent cultural figures of Azerbaijan, such names as Asim Asimadze, Fikret Amirov, Anar, Molla Panah Vagif, Sabir, Muslim Magomayev, Mirza Shafi Vaseh, Kara Karaev, Rustam Ibragimbekov and many others.
A scene from the ballet "Legends of Love"
Azerbaijani women's
folk costume
Azerbaijani antique tableware
Azerbaijani men's
folk costume