The International Mugham Center (IMC) has hosted another
spectacular event within “Azerbaijani Mugham” project,
Azernews reports.
The music evening themed “Destgah Mugham”, focused on the
performance of “Shur”, one of the most classical and beloved
mughams in Azerbaijani music.
The concert featured performances by Rauf Jafarov, Sarhan
Mirzoyev, and Yusif Jafarbayli, all of whom are laureates of the
Mugham Television Contest. The event was accompanied by the IMC’s
musical ensemble, under the direction of tar player Rashad
Ibrahimov. The concert program aroused great interest among the
k
Being one of the oldest musical styles in the East, mugham music
never ceases to amaze music enthusiasts around the globe, serving
as a major element in uniting people.
The mugham contains seven main modes – Rast, Shur, Segah (are
especially common), Shushtar, Bayaty-Shiraz, Chahargah, Humayun,
and three collateral kinds – Shahnaz, Sarendj, and Chaargah in some
other form.
“Shur” is considered one of the fundamental mughams in
Azerbaijan’s professional musical tradition, known for its ability
to express a wide range of emotions, including joy, light sorrow,
nostalgia, and spiritual depth. It is often described as the
“mugham of heartfelt warmth” and is frequently associated with
feelings of love and emotional connection.
The “Azerbaijani Mugham” project’s primary objective is to
preserve and develop the classical tradition of Azerbaijani mugham,
ensuring its legacy is passed on to future generations. In today’s
rapidly changing world, the importance of such initiatives is
especially profound.
For young performers, participating in these programs provides
them with a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind mugham,
helping them master its intricate stylistic elements while
maintaining a living link between tradition and modernity.
Through this project, emerging talents are given a platform to
grow, and audiences have the opportunity to immerse themselves in
the richness of Azerbaijan’s national musical heritage time and
again.
The International Mugham Center (IMC), a prominent cultural
landmark in Baku, has become a symbol of the city’s identity,
distinguished by its unique architectural design and prime
location.
The center was established on the initiative of the First
Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, in accordance with the presidential
decree dated April 6, 2005.
The center, which laid its foundation that same year and is
known as one of Baku’s unique architectural projects, opened its
doors in 2008.
The Mugham Center regularly organises large-scale music
festivals and concerts by highly acclaimed cultural figures.
The Center also takes important steps towards bolstering
cultural ties with Turkiye, Poland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Morocco,
and other countries.
The International Mugham Center is determined to further expand
its work and promote Azerbaijani musical culture.
Numerous projects are being carried out by the center in the
direction of studying and promoting mugham art.
In 2025, the Mugham Center became the first cultural institution
in Azerbaijan to be awarded “international” status by
legislation.
This new status contributes to improving the financial
well-being of the people working at the center, which has been one
of the leading concert institutions in Baku for many years.