On May 2024, 23-24, an International Scientific Symposium on “Culture of Ozan-ashugh: Historical Roots, Modern Approaches and Perspectives” was held at Khazar University in partnership with TIKA Baku Program Coordination, Ankara Haji Bayram Veli University, Khazar University, Turkish National Commission for UNESCO, international Turkish-Kazakh University named after Ahmet Yesevi and Azerbaijan Ashugs Union.
Representatives of partner institutions, including management and employees of Khazar University, official guests, scientists and specialists of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Dagestan (Russian Federation), Gagauz Region (Moldova) and Pakistan participated in the symposium.
On May 23, the symposium was opened in the Marble Hall of the university. Assoc. Prof. Dilbar Zeynalov, head of the Department of Languages and Literatures of Khazar University, co-chairman of the Symposium’s Organizing Committee, gave an introductory speech. The opening meeting continued with music (Khazar University Chamber Orchestra – artistic director, head of the university’s Music and Art Department, honored teacher, pianist Zulfiya Sadigova, “Baku-Tabriz” group (South Azerbaijan) – artistic director Elman Ibrahimi; soloist – Ashug Ramin Garayev).
Then Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli, the founder of Khazar University, chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees, Muhittin Majit, Culture and Promotion Advisor of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in the Republic of Azerbaijan, TIKA Baku Program Coordinator Hayrettin Ozchelik, former deputy of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, folklorist Prof. Dr. Metin Ergun, deputy chairman of the Azerbaijan Ashugs Union, Assoc. Prof. Altay Mammadov, Prof. Dr. Pervin Ergun from Ankara Haji Bayram Veli University and Prof. Askar Turganbaev from Ahmet Yesevi International Turkish -Kazakh University (Kazakhstan) delivered speeches. In the speeches, it was emphasized that the rich folklore works created by the Turkish people are beautiful examples of world literature. The closeness in people’s way of thinking first manifests itself in folklore, and the comparative study and research of these examples is of great importance, and the symposium is held for this purpose and will contribute to the development of mutual research.
On the same day, at the plenary session moderated by Prof. Dr. Bayram Durbilmez from Nevshehir Hacı Bektash Veli University, he presented “Common Traditions among Representatives of Dervish and Ashug Art: Common Examples from Azerbaijan and Türkiye.” Prof. Askar Turganbayev from Ahmet Yesevi International Turkish-Kazakh University spoke on “Kazakh Turkic Ozan in Culture: Past and Present,” and Assoc. Prof. Yar Jan Badini delivered a report on “Similar and Different Aspects of Gopuz and Saz.”
The symposium continued its work in” Gurbani“,” Yirchi Kazak“,” Dadaloglu“,” Manas “and” Ashug Alasgar ” panel meetings. Up to 30 reports were heard and discussed at panel meetings moderated by Prof. Dr. Pervin Ergun from Haji Bayram Veli University, Assoc. Prof. Nazir Ahmadli from Baku Ataturk Center, Agarahim Soltanov from Dagestan Academy of Sciences Folklore Center, Prof. Ramil Aliyev from ANAS Institute of Folklore, Assoc. Prof Elmira Mammadova-Kekech from Baku Eurasian University and Khazar University and Prof. Fuzuli Bayat from ANAS Institute of Folklore accordingly.
On May 24, the opening meeting of Khazar University Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Folklore (ICAF) was held as part of the symposium in the Marble hall. Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli said in his speech that the new institutes and scientific research centers that have recently been established at Khazar University serve the purpose of turning the university into a center of scientific research. ICAF coordinator, Khazar University faculty member Assoc. Prof. Aynur Gazanfargizi presented the institute’s official website. Director of ICAF from Türkiye Prof. Dr. Ali Duymaz (online) and its employee Prof. Dr. Bayram Durbilmez expressed their confidence in the institute’s successful future.
That same day, an ozan-ashug concert was held in honor of the symposium participants and guests. The concert featured performances by Ashug Ramin Garayev, Akin Murat Sugurbay (Kazakhstan), Bakhshi Imonjon Ashurovich (Uzbekistan), Shahan (Pakistan), Ashug Kamandar Latifoglu and Ashug Afgan Samilov (Georgia) accompanied by the chamber orchestra of the university and the “Baku-Tabriz” group . With this, the International Scientific Symposium on “Culture of Ozan-ashugh: Historical Roots, Modern Approaches and Perspectives” concluded its work.
