An online conference was held by Üsküdar University within the scope of the 30th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan and September 15 Azerbaijani National Music Day. The event, moderated by Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı, Head of the Sociology Department at Üsküdar University's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, discussed Azerbaijani music in Turkey, with an artistic, historical, and sociological perspective, as well as the journey of Azerbaijani music over the last 50 years.
“We wish Allah's mercy upon all our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this sacred cause”
Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı began his words by discussing the meaning and importance of the song used at the opening of the program; “Today, we started our program with the song 'Çırpınırdı Karadeniz,' which emphasizes the unity and solidarity of the Turkic world, with lyrics written by Azerbaijan's national poet Ahmed Cevad and composed by Üzeyir Hacıbeyov, whom we describe as the ancestor of Azerbaijani music. I would like to remind our guests again that the reason for writing this song, performed by Nevcivan Özel, was the dispatch of the Turkish army under the command of Nuri Pasha to rescue Azerbaijan from genocide. This song expresses the nation's resurgence from thought to action, a kind of rebellion through the act of struggling, and the longing of Azerbaijani Turks. Today is September 15. It is also the anniversary of Baku's recognition as saved from genocide by the Caucasian Turkish army under Nuri Pasha's command. So, holidays are intertwined. On this occasion, we once again commemorate all our heroes who fought for the independence of Turkic lands with love and respect, and we wish Allah's mercy upon all our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this sacred cause.” he said.
“Music has ensured that our ties are strengthened and cemented”
Stating that music possesses a unique power of influence with the expressions it contains, Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı; “This language is also important from the perspective of Azerbaijan and Turkey relations, which we describe as two brotherly countries with a common past, culture, and civilization, and which have embraced each other every time. Indeed, during the periods of various ideologies when we yearned for each other for many years, music, virtually lifted that iron curtain between us. It has ensured that our ties are further strengthened and cemented. It has virtually become the interpreter of the longing felt for each other. Today, Azerbaijani music is among the most listened-to genres. The same can be said for the popularity of Turkish music in Azerbaijan.” he stated.
“Music is important in bringing humanity and civilization closer”
Zaur Allahverdizade, making evaluations regarding the meaning and importance of the day, stated: “This date is an important day for both Azerbaijan and Turkey. 103 years ago, as a result of a 30-hour war, the Turkish Caucasian Islamic army under the command of Nuri Pasha liberated Baku from the occupation of Armenian gangs. The Caucasian Islamic army lost one thousand one hundred thirty martyrs in its struggle for the liberation of Baku. Today, there is a cemetery in various regions of Azerbaijan where the Caucasian Islamic army rests. The Azerbaijani people protected that cemetery under all circumstances and ensured its survival to this day. This victory, achieved with Turkey's support, became an example of our brotherhood and friendship. Today, the glorious flag of Azerbaijan and the glorious flag of Turkey wave in Shusha, which is the cradle of our music, our civilization. Music is important in bringing humanity and civilization closer.” he said.
“Therefore, the Baku Conservatory in Azerbaijan should be taken as an example”
Nevcivan Özel, a tar artist at TRT Istanbul Radio, speaking about the journey of the tar, one of Azerbaijan's traditional instruments, from past to present, said: “Musicians make music, academics work academically, but for them to come together and speak in unison in such an environment is rare, and this has emerged thanks to your efforts. Both musical roots are common. In fact, if you go from Turkey to China, you will see that the musical root in Turkey is based on a common origin. From modal structure to the way songs are sung and composed, all are very similar to each other. The tar, Azerbaijan's traditional instrument, also has a history in Turkey. We need to go back to 1914 to look at its entry into Turkey and its effect on this music. Until 1966, there was no mention of tar, tarzen (tar player), or any performance of it. The story begins in 1966 when Şenel Önal, who later became my conservatory teacher, went to Baku for a concert, acquired a tar from there, and brought it to Turkey. First, he played it himself and played it well. Those around him said, 'Its sound is very beautiful, we need to use it.' Its first sound was heard on TRT Istanbul Radio in 1966. Then, until 1975, the teacher continued broadcasting from this radio. Therefore, the Baku Conservatory in Azerbaijan should be taken as an example. Üzeyir Hacıbeyov founded this conservatory under very difficult circumstances. If a conservatory had not been established in this way, it would have been difficult to preserve this music and pass it on to future generations. For example, they had asked me why I chose the tar at the time. In our culture, the bağlama is more famous. Back then, as students, we went to the Beyazıt booksellers' market to look for methods on how to learn the saz. While looking at sheet music, we came across a book with a picture of a tar on it. We gave all our money and bought that book. That's how I talked to the professor and said, 'I want to play the tar.' Before I entered my final year, TRT Istanbul Radio opened its examination, and the sound of the tar began to be heard. I was appearing on television 3 or 4 days a week for the tar.” he stated.
“In the 21st Century, the 'Su Kasidesi' music became a synthesized structure”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tutu Aydınoğlu, a member of the Piano Major Art Branch at Istanbul University State Conservatory's Musicology Department, conveyed her evaluations regarding the place of 21st Century Azerbaijani music on the Turkish stage; “I have been in Turkey for 13 years, and one of the small works I have been able to do within these 13 years is the 'One Nation, Two States' project. We do not all change our homeland. We actually feel like we have come to another part of our homeland, but we can also be considered expatriates. Being able to represent our own music abroad and present it proudly to people is an honor and pride for all of us. In the 21st Century, the 'Su Kasidesi' music became a synthesized structure. Fuzuli is considered an important poet for both Azerbaijani and Turkish literature. This will never change.” she stated.
“Maestro Niyazi is a genius artist who created a musical bridge”
Ecem Tuğçe Akbulut, speaking about Maestro Niyazi, one of Azerbaijan's first contemporary orchestra conductors, said: “Maestro Niyazi holds an important place in contemporary Azerbaijani music with his works in the music world and his contributions to culture and art. This artist, capable of delivering the music he presented, was directed to many parts of the world as an orchestra conductor. His works in Turkey, during a period when Turkey was undergoing sociological and political transformations, ensured the positive progression of previously negative interactions between Soviet Turkey, i.e., Azerbaijan and Turkey. Maestro Niyazi is a genius artist who created a musical bridge. He also had collaborations with Nazım Hikmet in 1961.” she said.