ISLAMABAD: Azerbaijani traditional Mugham singers on Tuesday night opened the eyes and ears of their audiences to the emotionally rich and graceful sounds of their land.

The live concert was organised by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Islamabad, to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, the national leader of the Azerbaijani people.

According to organisers, the first frets of Mugham - one of the main genres of Azerbaijani folk music – sounded in ancient times. Its performance art dates back to the tradition of recitation of the Holy Quran or even earlier - to Avesta hymns.

The meaning of the word Mugham was interpreted as God-sent music and for its numerous admirers - it was not only a beautiful lyrical melody but also a state of mind, a way to merge with the world, and a kind of cosmic philosophy.

Mugham was performed by three musicians – a tar player, a kamancha player, and a singer – khanande. The lead singer led the main theme decorating it with improvisations and emotional shades. The audience was impressed with the energy and enthusiasm and with a concert of music that was hauntingly beautiful, playful, and dramatic.

“For the Azerbaijani people, Mugham is music, philosophy, and a kind of meditation, which helps to uncover spiritual bases in people, having a healing effect on the soul and mind and forming a cosmism of thinking and everything that laid the basis of multiculturalism - the modern progressive policy of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” the organisers said.

In 2003, the Azerbaijani Mugham was proclaimed as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. The Azerbaijani Mugham was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.

Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Islamabad, Khazar Farhadov, extended his gratitude to all his guests, diplomats and local dignitaries for joining him and his team in the celebration.

Introducing Heydar Aliyev, Ambassador Khazar Farhadov informed his guests that 2023, was declared the ‘Year of Heydar Aliyev’ in Azerbaijan and this important occasion was being celebrated solemnly in his country and abroad.

“Every nation had genius personalities who played the role of saviours in the history of national freedom and independence. The renaissance and awakening of national consciousness started with Heydar Aliyev’s coming to power, and the independence of Azerbaijan became eternal and irreversible,” said Khazar Farhadov.

Heydar Aliyev proved that he was a visionary and decisive politician when he first led the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic from 1969-1982.

As a result of the intense activities of Heydar Aliyev, great successes were achieved in the economy, industry, agriculture, education, and culture, the ambassador said.

The ambassador said that Heydar Aliyev was the architect of the development of Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations.

“He attached great importance to Pakistan. In April 1996, Heydar Aliyev paid an official visit to Pakistan. Several documents were signed between Azerbaijan and Pakistan during the visit. This visit played an irreplaceable role in the development of relations between the two countries,” he said.

“Pakistan and Azerbaijan have very good and friendly relations. These relations are based on our ancient historical traditions. It is no coincidence that Pakistan is one of the first states to recognise the independence of our country after Azerbaijan declared its independence,” the senior diplomat said.

“President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attaches great importance to Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations, which were constructed by Heydar Aliyev. The ties between the two brotherly countries are at a high level in all fields,” the ambassador said.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2023