Azerbaijani folklore serves as a vibrant reflection of the nation’s core values—bravery, wisdom, kindness, respect for nature, and an unwavering sense of national pride. These values are woven into the rich tapestry of the country’s oral and written traditions, which have been passed down through generations. Some of the earliest legends of Azerbaijan were preserved through ritual performances, particularly those tied to significant events such as Navruz, the Persian New Year. Other pieces of folklore, however, have survived in the form of epic narratives and poetic verse, each offering a window into the collective consciousness of the Azerbaijani people.
At the heart of Azerbaijani folklore lies the epic—an enduring literary form that has shaped national identity for centuries. Works like Oguzname, the Epic of Koroghlu, and the Book of Dede Korkut remain central to the folklore tradition, telling stories that blend history, myth, and legend. These epics not only recount the heroic feats of legendary figures but also convey moral and cultural values that have been integral to Azerbaijani society. The legendary tales preserved in these texts reflect the spirit of the nation and offer insight into the beliefs, customs, and struggles of the past.
The preservation of these stories owes much to the contributions of Azerbaijani minstrels known as ashugs. These talented musicians and poets played a vital role in safeguarding the epics, performing them in public spaces and passing them down orally to future generations. The ashugs were not just entertainers but custodians of Azerbaijani thought and tradition, their performances helping to instill a shared moral framework and reinforcing societal norms.
Azerbaijani folklore also found expression in bayati, a distinctive form of short, oral poetry that typically consists of four lines, each containing seven syllables. Bayati is deeply emotional, often conveying personal feelings or folk wisdom. These poems were traditionally composed and performed by women, who used them to express the joys and sorrows of everyday life. In fact, some scholars argue that the bayati may represent a lost genre of female epics, a treasure trove of women’s experiences, aspirations, and wisdom that was passed on from mother to daughter.
