The Ideological and Artistic Features of Bayati in Western Azerbaijan

Abstract

Western Azerbaijan possesses an ancient and rich literary heritage. The culture of this region, distinguished by its rich cultural monuments, traditions, folklore, and music, is an integral branch of Azerbaijan’s overall cultural identity. Our compatriots living in the lands of Western Azerbaijan were subjected to deportations and forced to leave their native homes at various times, due to political events throughout history. However, it was not only our people who were displaced, but also our traditions, culture, and literary heritage. Despite being forcibly removed from their homeland, the deported people of Western Azerbaijan endeavored to preserve and sustain their customs, folklore, and cultural identity. Among the various genres of Western Azerbaijani folklore, tales, legends, myths, beliefs, folk rituals, and bayati (a form of Azerbaijani folk poetry) hold a prominent place. The bayati of Western Azerbaijan predominantly revolve around themes of longing for the homeland, nostalgia for one’s native land, and feelings of exile. The central motifs of these bayati often express cries for the homeland, separation, and yearning for one’s birthplace.

Western Azerbaijani folklore incorporates elements and motifs not only from Azerbaijani folklore but also from the broader Turkic traditions. The folklore of Western Azerbaijan is an inseparable part of Azerbaijani folklore, and despite emerging in a different geographical region, it remains closely connected to the overall Turkic folklore.