Azerbaijani ashig art

Ashig art is one of the principal classic symbols of Azerbaijani culture, a traditional art form, combining poetry, storytelling, dance and vocal and instrumental music. The classic repertoire, accompanied by the stringed instrument saz, includes over 200 songs, nearly 150 literary-musical works known as “epics,” and about 2000 poems and numerous stories in various poetic forms. Depending on the region, other musical instruments may also be used, but all varieties share a common language and artistic history. The art of ashig has developed especially in Gazakh, Tovuz and Shamakhi, as well as the historic Goycha and Borchali regions of Azerbaijan.