Juan David Latorre
The Azerbaijani Ambassador, Ramiz Hasanov, celebrated last Wednesday the State Flag Day in Azerbaijan, which is commemorated every 9th of November. The event was enlivened by an excellent and heartfelt concert of Mugam music.
“This Azerbaijani Mugam Night, noted the Azerbaijani Ambassador, is an event that reflects the ancient customs and traditions of my country. Mugam is characterised by a high form of expression, with overtones of national literature and mysticism. It is a musical genre that preserves the purity of the Azerbaijani language.”
Ramiz Hasanov highlighted the importance of this musical genre by noting that “on November 7, 2003, Azerbaijani Mugam was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and in 2008 it was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the same international organisation. The Azerbaijani Mugam was born in the city of Shushá, known as the ‘Conservatory of the East’. This town was founded in 1752 and plays a fundamental role in the social and cultural life of Azerbaijan. In fact, by various decrees of the President of the Republic, Shusha was declared the Cultural Capital of Azerbaijan. At present, large-scale construction and restoration projects are being carried out in the city.
Led by Azerbaijani folk artist Mansum Ibrahimov, the Garabagh mugham band, consisting of folk artist Elchin Hashimov (tarist), emeritus artists Elnur Ahmadov (kamancha 3-4-stringed bowed musical instrument) and Kamran Kerimov (naghara-common name of Azerbaijani double-sided drums), performed with an interesting show, singing mughams and folk songs of Azerbaijan.
