Azerbaijan culture

Culture of our people is ancient and rich, and most importantly, very interesting. We need to love and develop our culture.

Located at the junction of East and West, Azerbaijan has played a huge role in the formation of the universal culture. The people of Azerbaijan have the right to feel proud for their historical monuments, rich literature, art and music culture. The first secular theatre, first opera, first ballet and the first Academy of Sciences in the Muslim East were founded in Azerbaijan.

Wonderful nature, climate, natural resources of the country produced a significant impact on the artistic thinking and creative skills of the Azerbaijani people. The folk art is connected with everyday life of people, which occupies quite special place in the fine arts as well. Carpet-weaving schools of Azerbaijan (Guba, Baku, Shirvan, Ganca, Gazakh, Garabagh, Tabriz) have made amazing carpets in different periods. Some of them are kept in well-known museums such as Victoria and Albert of London, Louvre of Paris, Metropolitan of New York, also at museums in Vienna, Rome, Berlin, Istanbul, Tehran and Cairo.

Azerbaijan was rich in architectural works since ancient times. Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah Palace in Baku, Momina Khatun and Yusif ibn Kuseyr mausoleums created by architect Ajami in Nakhchyvan, Panah Ali Khan’s Palace and poetess Natavan's house in Shusha, paintings on the walls of Palace of Shaki Khan are unique patterns of architecture.

Enjoying a rich cultural heritage, Azerbaijan is also known as the motherland of a majestic music. Folk songs, dances, art of ashyg have specific place in Azerbaijan’s national music. Mugham is the basis of national music of Azerbaijan. In 2003, UNESCO included the Azerbaijani mugham in the World Heritage List. Mugham lyrics are sourced from poems by prominent poets as Vahid, Nizami, Khagani, Fuzuli, Nasimi.

Works of literature by our classics and contemporaries such as M.F.Akhundov, N.Vazirov, H.Zardabi, M.S.Ordubadi, G.Zakir, M.A.Sabir, J.Mammadguluzade, M.P.Vagif take an honorable place in the world cultural heritage.

Another kind of art closely related with Azerbaijani literature is theatre. The Azerbaijani theatre is sourced from the Azerbaijani people's daily life, celebrations and point of view. Theatre in Azerbaijan has always been realistic and close to working people.  The history of theater started by plays "Vizier of Lankaran Khanate" and "Haji Gara" by M.F.Akhundov.

Cinematography, one of the most interesting and popular kind of art, has become an integral part of people’s life. National cinematography has gained a rich experience year by year. Children’s films also play great role in the Azerbaijani cinematography. "Secret Of A Tower", "Magic Dressing Gown", "Garib In The Land Of Genies", "Lion Left Home", "I Compose", "Painful Roads", "Music Teacher", "Secret Of Ship Clock", "Casket Of Ismayil Bey" are children’s favorites.