The art of Azerbaijani Ashiqs is a traditional performance art that consists of a combination of poetry, storytelling, dance, vocal, and instrumental music that stands as a symbol of Azerbaijani culture.
As the word Ashiq is derived from Arabic and Persian, it can mean "one who is in love." Some encyclopedias describe Ashiq as a folk singer-poet from the Caucasus and neighboring nations. In addition to its own compositions and epic tales, Ashiq also included folk songs and epic tales.
It is thought that the earliest examples of Azerbaijani ashiq art originated from the 7th century Book of Dede Korkut, which contains the most well-known epic stories of the Oghuz Turks. From the sixteenth century, Azerbaijani ashiqs have been guardians of the language and music of their nation.
In addition to 200 songs, 150 literary-musical compositions, hundreds of stories, and nearly 2,000 poems in various traditional poetic forms, the classical repertoire is distinguished by the accompaniment of the saz - a string instrument. Other musical instruments may be present in regional variations, but they share a common language and art history. Throughout the Caucasus, the Ashiqs participate in weddings, friendly parties, and festive events and also perform on concert stages, on radio, and on television, sometimes blending classical melodies with contemporary compositions as they create new repertoires.
Their art is considered an exemplary expression of the national identity and the guardian of the Azerbaijani language, literature, and music. Additionally, Ashiqs act as a bridge between cultures: Kurds, Lezhins, Talishes, Tats, and others residing in the area often perform the Ashiqs' art, and their songs and poems have spread throughout the region.
Currently, there are two categories of Ashiq performers: Ashiq-poets and Ashiq-performers. Ashiq performers are professional storytellers but do not perform poetry. Because of their individual skills, and a keen understanding of the specifics of the native folklore, they make different kinds of variations and changes to their epics and legends, especially in the prose. Azerbaijan has many popular ashiqs, including ashiq Zulfiyya, ashiq Nemet Qasimli, ashiq Ahliman, ashiq Adalat, ashiq Kamandar, Ali Tovuzly, and ashiq Khanlar. Zalimkhan Yagub was a popular member of Parliament, serving until 2015, and Chair of the Union of Ashiqs.
After Azerbaijan gained independence from the Soviet Union, Azerbaijani ashiqs were asked to participate in a worldwide promotional campaign for the Culture of Azerbaijan. Up today The state still supported ashiqs with tours around the world.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/art-of-azerbaijani-ashiq-00253) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashiqs_of_Azerbaijan)