Azerbaijani dances () are traditional dances developed and performed in the Republic of

Azerbaijan Azerbaijan, officially the Republic of Azerbaijan, is a Boundaries between the continents, transcontinental and landlocked country at the boundary of West Asia and Eastern Europe. It is a part of the South Caucasus region and is bounded by ...

. These dances are known for their quick tempo and the dancers' traditional clothing.

Examples of dances in Azerbaijan

* Abayi ( Azerbaijani: ''Abayı'') is an Azerbaijani dance with its origins in the Shaki and Zaqatala regions of Azerbaijan. The name of the dance refers to the middle-aged people who typically perform this dance with exaggerated movements for comedic effect. The dance's slow-tempo song was written by Shaki composers. This dance is traditionally performed as a group but has evolved into a solo dance. *

Agir Karadagi Agir Karadagi (, meaning 'heavy Karadakhi') is an Azerbaijani melody of a dance that is created in Karadakh. It is very popular in the cities Shaki and Zaqatala in northwestern Azerbaijan, and performed slowly. References Azerbaijani dance ...

( Azerbaijani: ''Ağır Qaradağı'', meaning "heavy Karadakhi") is a dance song that originated in Karadakh. This slow dance is popular in Shaki and Zaqatala. * Anzali ( Azerbaijani: ''Ənzəli'') is a traditional dance that was created approximately in 1880–1890 in

Baku Baku (, ; ) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities in Azerbaijan, largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the Caucasus region. Baku is below sea level, which makes it the List of capital ci ...

. This slow dance is typically performed by older people at the beginning of

wedding A wedding is a ceremony in which two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnicity, ethnicities, Race (human categorization), races, religions, Religious denomination, denominations, Cou ...

ceremonies. *

Asma Kasma Azerbaijani dances () are traditional dances developed and performed in the Republic of Azerbaijan. These dances are known for their quick tempo and the dancers' traditional clothing. Examples of dances in Azerbaijan * Abayi ( Azerbaij ...

( Azerbaijani: ''Asma Kəsmə,'' meaning "hanging cutting") is one of the oldest Azerbaijani wedding dances. The song "Asma-Kasma" accompanies the procession of the

bride A bride is a woman who is about to be married or who is a newlywed. When marrying, if the bride's future spouse is a man, he is usually referred to as the ''bridegroom'' or just ''groom''. In Western culture, a bride may be attended by a maid, ...

to the

bridegroom A bridegroom (often shortened to groom) is a man who is about to be married or who is newlywed. When marrying, the bridegroom's future spouse is usually referred to as the bride. A bridegroom is typically attended by a best man and grooms ...

's home as women dance alongside the bride. This slow, slightly exaggerated dance features several jumps. * Asta Karabagi ( Azerbaijani: ''Asta Qarabağı'', meaning "slow Karabakhi") is a dance from

Karabakh Karabakh ( ; ) is a geographic region in southwestern Azerbaijan and eastern Armenia, extending from the highlands of the Lesser Caucasus down to the lowlands between the rivers Kura and Aras. It is divided into three regions: Highland Kara ...

. This slow dance has fixed movements. * Avari ( Azerbaijani: ''Avarı'') originates from the Avari people who live in

. Throughout the dance's three parts, the dancers' movements gradually accelerate until they reach the quick rhythm of the

Lezginka The Lezginka () is a folk dance of the Lezgin people, common throughout the North Caucasus. It uses a fast rhythm, and can be either a solo male or a pair dance. According to ''Encyclopædia Britannica The is a general knowledge, g ...

music. * Banovsha ( Azerbaijani: ''Bənövşə'', meaning "

Viola The viola ( , () ) is a string instrument of the violin family, and is usually bowed when played. Violas are slightly larger than violins, and have a lower and deeper sound. Since the 18th century, it has been the middle or alto voice of the ...

flower") represents how a violet grows from the ground, blooms, and fades. This dance is performed at

Nowruz Nowruz (, , () , () , () , () , Kurdish language, Kurdish: () , () , () , () , , , , () , , ) is the Iranian or Persian New Year. Historically, it has been observed by Iranian peoples, but is now celebrated by many ...

spring festivals in

. * Bahar (''Bahar rəqsi'' or ''Gülbaxçalar'' or ''Bahar gəldi'' or ''Bahar olsun''): this dance is performed in

spring festivals in

by women. The dance consisted of 3 parts. This dance was composed by the Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer

Alibaba Abdullayev Alibaba Abdulla oglu Abdullayev (), also known as Ali Bala Abdullayev () in some sources, was an Azerbaijani-Soviet folk dancer and choreographer. He served as the artistic director of the collective of the Azerbaijan Philharmonic's music and dan ...

. The music of this dance was composed by great Azerbaijani composer

Jahangir Jahangirov Jahangir Shirgasht oglu Jahangirov (Azerbaijani: ; 20 July 1921 – 25 March 1992) was a Soviet and Azerbaijani composer, conductor and choirmaster; he was named People's Artiste of the Azerbaijan SSR in 1964. Biography Jahangir Jahangirov was bo ...

. * Ceyrani or ''Ceyran bala'' ( Azerbaijani: ''ceyran'', meaning "

Gazelle A gazelle is one of many antelope species in the genus ''Gazella'' . There are also seven species included in two further genera; '' Eudorcas'' and '' Nanger'', which were formerly considered subgenera of ''Gazella''. A third former subgenus, ' ...

", an Azeri given name for girls) is a dance, performed by both men and women, which symbolizes the gazelle's gracefulness and elegance. * Chichekler, meaning "flowers" in

Azeri Azeri or Azeri Turk may refer to: * Azeri people, an ethnic group also known as Azerbaijanis * Citizens of Azerbaijan * Azeri language, the modern-day Turkic language * Old Azeri, an extinct Iranian language * Azeri Turk (journal), Academic jour ...

, is an elegant dance that was created in 1910. This women's dance is typically performed in two different forms: slow and fast. The group of colorfully costumed dancers gathers together to collect flowers to display to the audience. The dancers form circles and triangles to the upbeat music. The dance also includes complex hand movements and spins. * Choban Regsi (from

Persian Persian may refer to: * People and things from Iran, historically called ''Persia'' in the English language ** Persians, the majority ethnic group in Iran, not to be conflated with the Iranic peoples ** Persian language, an Iranian language of the ...

: ''Choopan'', meaning "shepherd's dance") is a men's dance typical to rural areas. This energetic dance symbolizes the cheerful spirit of the shepherd who brings his herd to the valley. This dance was first created by the Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer

. *

Innabi ''Innaby'' () is an Azerbaijani national dance in 6/8 time. Young women and girls perform the dance at parties, weddings and holidays. It is often accompanied by a musical ensemble of sazandars consisting of folk musical instruments such as the t ...

( Azerbaijani: ''İnnabı'', meaning "name of a fruit") is performed by one or two female dancers to exhibit a woman's airs and graces as well as coquetry. * Gangi ( Azerbaijani: ''Cəngi'', meaning "related to war" (from

: Dgang جنگ, meaning "war")) is martial music that calls all people to unity, friendship, and invincibility. *

( Azerbaijani: ''Ləzgi'') is a national dance of

Lezghins Lezgins ( or ) are a Northeast Caucasian ethnic group native to southern Dagestan, a republic of Russia, and northern Azerbaijan, who speak the Lezgin language. Their social structure is firmly based on equality and deference to individuality. ...

popular among many people in the

Caucasus Mountains The Caucasus Mountains * * Azerbaijani: , * * * * * * * * * * * is a mountain range at the intersection of Asia and Europe. Stretching between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, they are surrounded by the Caucasus region ...

. * Mirzayi ( Azerbaijani: ''Mirzəyi'') is traditionally played at wedding parties and performed by men and women with handkerchiefs in their hands. * Nalbeki (''Nəlbəki'', meaning "saucer") is a women's dance performed with dance saucers and cups. This dance was composed by the Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer

was the first in the World to use the saucer and cups in a dance. This dance is played with two musics. The first music was composed by Azerbaijani composer Qylman Salahov. Second one was composed by Azerbaijani composer Telman Hajiyev. * ( Azerbaijani: ''3 nömrə. 4 nömrə. 5 nömrə. 6 nömrə'' – meaning "Number 3, Number 4, Number 5, Number 6") are famous dance melodies composed in the second half of the 1920s in Baku. Dance 3 and 5, which have slow tempos and doleful melodies, are performed by women. Dances 4 and 6 have a slightly faster tempo and are performed by both women and men. * Tarakama ( Azerbaijani: ''Tərəkəmə'') is a dance of a tribespeople performed by both men and women with arms extended and heads up. * Vagzali ( Azerbaijani: ''Vağzalı'') is a dance for when the bride departs from her family house to the house of the bridegroom. *

Uzundara , image = Танец "Узундара" в исполнении армянки из Ахалцихе.jpg , alt = , caption = Uzundara performed by an Armenian girl, Akhaltsikhe , genre = Traditional dance , signature ...

(Uzundərə) is a folk dance meaning “a long gauge”. It is a long dance performance. It was traditionally performed when the bride and bridegroom are on the road. * Zorkhana (

: Zurkhaneh, meaning "house of strength") is a men's dance that symbolizes courage, bravery, and youthful enthusiasm. *

Sari Gelin ''Sari Gelin'' (, ; ) or Sari Aghjik () is the name for a number of folk songs popular among the people of Iran, the southern Caucasus (most prominently present-day Azerbaijan and Armenia) and in eastern Anatolia in present-day Turkey. All version ...

(''Sarı Gəlin'') is a folk dance. This dance is performed under the music of Azerbaijani version of the song ''Sarı Gəlin''. * Gaitagi ( Azerbaijani: Qaytağı) is a rapid and dynamic dance.
Heyvagulu
( Azerbaijani: Heyvagülü) was choreographed by the Seygah

mugham Mugham () or Mughamat () is one of the many classical compositions from Azerbaijan, contrasting with tasnif and ashik. It is an art form that weds classical poetry and musical improvisation in specific local modes. Mugham is a modal system. ...

. *

(Uzundərə) is a historical Azerbaijani folk dance. Meaning “a long gauge”, is a long dance performance. It was traditionally performed when the bride and bridegroom are on the road. The melody of this dance was first processed and pitched by Azerbaijani composer

Uzeyir Hajibeyov Uzeyir bey Abdulhuseyn bey oghlu Hajibeyov (18 September 188523 November 1948) was an Azerbaijanis, Azerbaijani composer, musicologist and teacher. He is recognized as the father of Azerbaijani classical music. He composed the music of the Az� ...

(1885–1948).

(1885–1948) used melody of ''Uzundere'' in his second operetta "O olmasın, bu olsun" (1911) * Turajy (''Turacı'') is a women's dance that includes lyrics. This dance based on Mahur

. * Yuz bir (''Yüz bir'', meaning "one hundred and one") is a little quick dance played by both women and men. The music of the dance based on Shushter

and played with Azerbaijani folk instrument Balaban. Shushter is longing and lyrical. One hundred and one is a mystical number belonging to the eastern realm. There is also a hypothesis that in ancient folk festivals in Azerbaijan, musicians created impromptu dances and numbered them in order not to forget. For example: ( Azerbaijani: "Üç. Dörd. Beş. On dörd" meaning "Three. Four. Five. Fourteen"). *

(''Sarı Gəlin'') is an Azerbaijani folk dance. This dance is performed under the music of Azerbaijani version of the song ''Sarı Gəlin''. The melody of the song was first processed and pitched by Azerbaijani composer

Asaf Zeynally Asaf Zeynalabdin oglu Zeynally (), also spelled Zeynalli (5 April 1909, Derbent – 27 October 1932, Baku), was an Azerbaijani composer. Early life Asaf Zeynally was the third child of the gardener Zeynalabdin and his wife Asband. He grew up in ...

(1909–1932). * Naz elama (''Naz eləmə'' or ''Naznazı'' meaning "Don't flirt" or "Don't play") is dance with two heroes: a boy and a girl. The author of the music and structure of this dance was great Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer

. Starting from 1942, he performed this dance with Leyla Badirbeyli, later Amina Dilbazli, Shafiqa Amirova and Tutu Hamidova. This dance celebrates the feelings of love between two people. This love is shown by dance moves and facial expressions. * Qaval (''Qaval rəqsi'') is a national dance played by women with a

dayereh Daf (), also known as dâyere and riq, is an Iranian frame drum musical instrument, also used in popular and classical music in Persian-influenced South and Central Asia, such as in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, many r ...

in her hand. This dance was composed by great Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer

while he was working in Azerbaijan State Dance and Song Ensemble. For the first time in 1959 dancer Emine Dilbazi performed this dance with the lyrical music of composer Gylman Salahov.

was the first to use the qaval in a dance. Great Azerbaijani composer

Eldar Mansurov Eldar Bahram oglu Mansurov ( / , ; born February 28, 1952) is an Azerbaijani musician, composer and songwriter. Early life He is a member of the Mansurov family, which has contributed immeasurably to the advancement of Azerbaijani composers ...

also composed music for (''Qaval rəqsi''). * Qıtqılıda (''Qıtqılıda rəqsi'') is a historical and national woman's dance that originated in Azerbaijan in 1860–1870. This dance was first staged by famous Azerbaijani composer

in his second operetta ''O olmasın, bu olsun'' (1911). The creator and first performer of this dance was famous accordionist Teyyub Damirov. This dance was first processed and pitched in 1937 by Said Rustamov. * Ganjlik (''Gənclik'' or ''Bəy'') is a male dance. This dance was composed by great Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer

in the 1950s. And first time performed by Azerbaijani dancer Ramiz Mammedov. * Nagara (''Nağaraçılar rəqsi'') is a national Azerbaijani male dance with

nagara (drum) The ''nagara'' or ''naghara'' is a drum used in India. There are several types of naghara, which is considered to be the lead instrument in mandir ceremonies and weddings. These are typically two drums, one treble and one bass and are played ...

.This dance was composed by great Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer

was the first to use the

Naqareh The ''naqareh'', ''naqqāra'', ''nagara'' or ''nagada'' is a Middle Eastern drum with a rounded back and a hide head, usually played in pairs. It is thus a membranophone of the kettle drum variety. The term ''naqqāra'' (), also ''naqqarat'', ...

in a dance. *

Kochari Kochari (; ; ; ) is a folk dance originating in the Armenian Highlands. It is performed today by Armenians, while variants are performed by Assyrians, Azerbaijanis, and Pontic Greeks. It is a form of circle dance. Each region in the Armenian H ...

(''Köçəri'') is a kind of

Yalli Halay is the national dance of Turkey and refers to a broad category for all circular and line dances performed throughout the country. Today, it is danced by Turks, Kurds, and Greeks, among others. Halay and similar dances are parts of multiple a ...

, the historical and national dance of Azerbaijan. This dance is a rhythmic, mainly played with a balaban and

. * Mahsul (''Məhsul''): this dance was composed by great Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer

. The music of this dance was composed by Azerbaijani composer

. * Bulaq bashinda (''Bulaq başında''): this dance was composed by great Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer

. The music of this dance was composed by Azerbaijani composer

. * Azerbaijan Suite ( Azerbaijani: ''Azərbaycan Suitası'' or ''Azərbaycan toyu''): this dance was composed by great dancer and choreographer Tanxo Izrailov. The music of this dance was composed by Azerbaijani composer

Tofig Guliyev Tofig Alakbar oglu Guliyev (; 7 November 1917, Baku – 4 October 2000, Baku) was a Soviet and Azerbaijani composer, pianist, and conductor. Biography Tofig Guliyev was born in Baku, in the family of salary worker. He became a student of the Aze ...

. * Agh chichek (''Ağ çiçək''): this dance composed by Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer Roza Jalilova. The music of this dance composed by great Azerbaijani composer Emin Sabitoglu * Incelik (''İncəlik'') is a historical Azerbaijani dance. The music of this dance was composed by the great Azerbaijani composer

. * Dostluq (''Dostluq rəqsi''): this dance was composed by a great Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer

in (1956). The music of this dance composed by great Azerbaijani composer Suleyman Alasgarov. * Toy (''Toy rəqsi'' meaning "wedding dance"): this dance was composed by a great Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer

and the music of dance composed by great Azerbaijani composer

. * Qazakhi (''Qazaxı rəqsi''): national dance of

Qazakh District Qazax District (; ) is one of the 66 districts of Azerbaijan. Located in the northwest of the country, it belongs to the Gazakh-Tovuz Economic Region. The district borders the district of Aghstafa, and the Tavush Province of Armenia. Its capital ...

. The music of the dance is based on Mahur

and first processed and pitched by great Azerbaijani composer

in 1936. * Lyric dance (''Lirik rəqs''): this dance choreographed by great Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer Afaq Melikova and music of the dance was composed by great Azerbaijani composer

. * Suzen Gizlar (''Süzən qızlar''): this dance was choreographed by Tanxo Izrailov and Afaq Melikova. The music of the dance was composed by great Azerbaijani composer

. * Odlar Yurdu (meaning: ''

The Land of Fire ''The Land of Fire'' () is the adopted motto of Azerbaijan. Historical and political development The etymology of the phrase is thought to be related to Atropates, who ruled over the region of Atropatene (present Iranian Azerbaijan). The name " ...

''): this dance was choreographed by great Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer Afaq Melikova. The music of the dance was composed by great Azerbaijani composer

. *Gobustan (''Qobustan rəqsi''): this dance was choreographed by great Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer Afaq Melikova. The music of the dance was composed by great Azerbaijani composer

. * Ilk Bahar (''İlk Bahar rəqsi''): this dance was choreographed by Ilya Ilich Arbatov. The music of the dance was composed by great Azerbaijani composer

During Nowruz

(meaning "a new day" in Persian, spelled as ''Novruz'' in Azerbaijani) is an ancient celebration of the Iranian New Year and spring and the renewal and fertility to come. Nowruz is observed on the day of vernal equinox in

Iran Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) and also known as Persia, is a country in West Asia. It borders Iraq to the west, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia to the northwest, the Caspian Sea to the north, Turkmenistan to the nort ...

and as far east as

Tajikistan Tajikistan, officially the Republic of Tajikistan, is a landlocked country in Central Asia. Dushanbe is the capital city, capital and most populous city. Tajikistan borders Afghanistan to the Afghanistan–Tajikistan border, south, Uzbekistan to ...

and as far west as the

Kurdish Kurdish may refer to: *Kurds or Kurdish people *Kurdish language ** Northern Kurdish (Kurmanji) **Central Kurdish (Sorani) **Southern Kurdish ** Laki Kurdish *Kurdish alphabets *Kurdistan, the land of the Kurdish people which includes: **Southern ...

regions of

Turkey Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a country mainly located in Anatolia in West Asia, with a relatively small part called East Thrace in Southeast Europe. It borders the Black Sea to the north; Georgia (country), Georgia, Armen ...

Novruz in Azerbaijan Novruz in Azerbaijan () is a traditional holiday which celebrates the astronomical spring equinox and the coming of Spring. When Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union, the celebration of Novruz was generally unofficial and at times even pr ...

is a family holiday that ends with festive public dancing and other entertainment of folk bands.

Musical archaeology

Archaeological research connects the musical culture of modern-day Azerbaijan with

Mesolithic The Mesolithic (Ancient Greek language, Greek: μέσος, ''mesos'' 'middle' + λίθος, ''lithos'' 'stone') or Middle Stone Age is the Old World archaeological period between the Upper Paleolithic and the Neolithic. The term Epipaleolithic i ...

rock carvings depicting dancing people at the archaeological sites in

Qobustan Qobustan or Gobustan may refer to: * Gobustan District, Azerbaijan * Qobustan (town), administrative center of Gobustan District, Azerbaijan * Qobustan, Baku, a settlement and municipality in Azerbaijan ** Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Rese ...

and Nakhchivan.Sturman, Janet (ed.)
"The SAGE International Encyclopedia of Music and Culture"
University of Arizona, 2019. pp. 289–290.

References

External links

"Azerbaijani Dance in Iran"
''Otlar Dance Group'' {{DEFAULTSORT:Azerbaijani Dances

Examples of dances in Azerbaijan

During Nowruz

Musical archaeology

See also

References

External links