In Azerbaijan, music is a component of the culture of people. Ashighs are artists who have been raised among the people. The history of music of Azerbaijan is clear and today it has an unforgettable role in traditional ceremonies and rituals. Appropriate to the circumstances, they play songs with original art and pleasant sound in wedding ceremonies and in traditional cafés.
In the past, back to Parthian period, there were groups that sang the ups and downs of social history in form of song and story for people. They were called “Gossan” and “Minstrels” (singers).
Azerbaijan experienced and capable Asheqs do the same; when signing their folk songs, they playing deftly and at the same time, they execute the most sensational species of “Hava” and they narrates passionate epic poetry and native stories.
Azerbaijan contemporary Ashighs are the owner massive trove of art and historical literature of their ancestors.
Contemporary Ashighs of Azerbaijan promote their Elaborate and beautiful poems with a fine feeling and honesty of the art among the people.
In the most villages of Azerbaijan, parties and wedding ceremonies always are being held with Ashighs. Even in some areas that people don’t have access to Ashigh they pass miles to invite an Ashigh.
Ashigh plays Saz. Saz is an instrument like Tar. Its old name was Ghopoz (similar to Kamancheh). The ashigh is accompanied by mostly one or two Balabanchi (Balaban player) and a Ghavalchi (Ghaval player). And sometimes some of the Ashighs come together and perform their art.
Ashig is the artist of people and should have some skills. He is poet, composer, singer, musician, actor and also a narrator. He is so creative in this skills and is an artist who perform all these by his pleasant sound and skillful hands.
In the past this artist was also known as Oozan, Varsagh and Yanshagh. But the most skillfull and competent artist was called Dada, like Dada Yad-yad (tenth century) and Dada Torab (twelfth century) but the most famous one was Dada Gorgud.
Tourists of Azerbaijan and specially Tabriz city who are interested in music can become acquainted with music of Azerbaijan and instruments of this region during their visit in Amir-Nezam house (Qajar museum).
