Category: Azer News

Armenian authorities will not prevent Russians from entering the country, Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Alen Simonyan told the Russian television channel Dozhd.

In an interview with journalist Ekaterina Kotrikadze, Simonyan was asked whether Armenia would be prepared to receive Russians seeking to avoid being sent to the front.

“Nobody at the border is going to ask anyone why they have come here,” Simonyan said. He noted that Russian citizens can enter Armenia without an international passport. “A Russian person, I can say only one thing: ‘Welcome to Armenia.’ Here we love and respect everyone,” he added.

He said Russians arriving in Armenia would find what they were looking for and would be free to return to Russia whenever they wished.

“Armenia will in no way obstruct [their arrival], and if necessary, we will help,” Simonyan said.

His comments come as demand among Russians for housing in Armenia is reportedly rising sharply. The Russian outlet Verstka, citing local real estate agents, reported that demand for rental properties has increased rapidly and is approaching the levels seen in 2022.

It should be noted that Armenia became one of the main destinations for Russians leaving the country after the beginning of the war in Ukraine in February 2022.

Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva, First Lady of Uzbekistan, congratulated Azerbaijan’s First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva on the occasion of her birthday.

According to AzerNEWS, the letter reads:

“To Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear and respected Mehriban khanum,

Please allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your birthday and convey my most sincere and warmest wishes.

I deeply cherish the close friendship and sincere relationship I share with you, a person whose heart is filled with the finest qualities, exceptional grace, and boundless kindness.

Your multifaceted activities in public and state life have earned deep respect and recognition not only in Azerbaijan but also throughout the world. Your inspiring image, embodying refined feminine grace and unwavering determination, is a source of pride for the Azerbaijani people and a shining example of a dignified and inspiring woman of our time.

Our recent meeting during the historic state visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan, as well as the blessed and joyful hours we spent together in the ancient city of Bukhara, have left the warmest and brightest impressions in my heart.

I am sincerely delighted that the relationship we have developed over many years, based on genuine sisterly closeness, continues through our children and now our grandchildren as well.

I am confident that our ties, rooted in shared values and a rich cultural heritage, will continue to enrich the bonds of friendship between our countries and brotherly peoples.

On this special day, I wish you good health, family happiness, well-being, and prosperity. May your noble aspirations always bring great achievements and success for the benefit of the brotherly Azerbaijani people.

Respectfully,

Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva

First Lady of Uzbekistan”

A new island has emerged in the northern part of the Caspian Sea off Kazakhstan’s coast, apparently as a result of the continued decline in the sea’s water level.

According to Yerbolat Mukhashov, founder of Caspian Holiday, new islands have begun appearing over the past four to five years in the northern Caspian, particularly around a group of islands known as habitats for Caspian seals.

One of the most recently formed land areas has been named Rybachy Island. It is located approximately 500 metres east of Svyatoy Island and about 30 kilometres from the village of Bautino in the Mangystau region.

The area includes several islands, including Kulaly, Morskoy, Svyatoy, Podgorny, Usharal, Mayakshykan and Dolgiy. The emergence of new land is being viewed as another visible indication of the significant changes taking place in the Caspian Sea as its water level continues to fall.

Mukhashov noted that wolves are among the main inhabitants of the islands. Wild boars and badgers can also be found in the area, while the surrounding waters and coastal zones support a variety of fish and bird species, Lada.kz reported.

Scientists have warned that if the current trend of declining water levels continues, the newly formed island could gradually increase in size. Over time, it could potentially become an important habitat for wildlife, including nesting grounds for rare bird species and a resting or breeding site for Caspian seals.

bp as operator of the Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli (ACG) field development project advises that the planned maintenance programme (turnaround – TAR) on the Central Azeri platform, which started on 19 August and was planned for 11 days, has now been fully completed ahead of schedule.

All of the programme scope has been delivered safely. Production is currently being ramped up to its pre-programme level.

The programme scope included various projects including critical integrity and maintenance works, flare system upgrades, reliability improvement initiatives, and anomaly elimination activities.

The maintenance programme also involved activities supporting the delivery of the Central Azeri Gas Expansion (CAGE) project, designed to increase gas reinjection capacity on the platform to help maximize recovery from the existing wells.

These planned events are a necessary part of the long-term reliability, integrity and production performance and are regularly performed in all bp-operated facilities in the region.

Azerbaijan’s Suvar Lezgi Folk Song and Dance Ensemble has showcased the country’s rich folklore, music and dance traditions at the 22nd International Caucasus Dance and Music Festival in Turkiye.

The performance received a warm response from audiences.The gala concert and closing ceremony of the festival were held in Yalova under the motto “For Peace in the Caucasus and Around the World.” The Azerbaijani ensemble was among the participating groups.

The gala concert opened with Suvar’s performance of the “Land of Fire” dance. Ensemble member Javahir Abdulova then performed the song “Azerbaijan,” adding a special atmosphere to the event.

On August 20, the Azerbaijani delegation also presented a concert programme in Balikesir Province as part of the festival. The programme included the dances “Shadvilin Suvar” (Festive Joy), “Meeting,” “Meadow,” “Naz Elama,” “Heritage” and “Lezginka Melody.” Javahir Abdulova performed “Kanidi” (My Beloved), “Sari G?lin” and “Azerbaijan,” while Elvina Heydarova performed “Perizada,” “Black Sea” and “Iyerval” (Beauty).

Before the concert in Balikesir, the Azerbaijani delegation visited Ortaca village, home to a compact Lezgi community.

During the visit, the delegation received information about the history of Ortaca, the background of Lezgi families living there, as well as their traditions and cultural heritage. The meeting also featured an exchange of views on preserving the native language, national customs and folklore and passing them on to future generations.

The performances in Yalova and Balikesir highlighted Azerbaijan’s rich folklore and musical heritage, presenting its distinctive dance and vocal traditions to a wide audience. The Suvar ensemble’s performances were met with considerable interest from spectators.

Azerbaijan’s participation also contributed to promoting the shared cultural values of the peoples of the Caucasus, strengthening friendship and solidarity among communities, and advancing intercultural dialogue.

On behalf of the Azerbaijani delegation, gifts were presented to the festival’s organizing committee, Yalova Governor Ahmet Hamdi Usta and Ramazan Kora, head of the Bursa Dagestanis Association.

The 22nd International Caucasus Dance and Music Festival served as an important cultural platform for showcasing the rich heritage of the peoples of the Caucasus and fostering mutual understanding and friendship.

More than 350 artists from Azerbaijan, Adygea, Dagestan, Georgia, Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia participated in the festival, which was organized to support the preservation of the Caucasus’ rich cultural heritage, strengthen friendship among peoples and contribute to the development of intercultural dialogue.

The third and final day of the Silk Road Finance and Technology Forum is being held in Tashkent.

The main venue for the final day’s sessions is the Center for Islamic Civilization.

The final day of the forum focuses on the development of Islamic finance, the integration of ethical financial instruments, and their role in strengthening economic resilience across the regions of the historic Silk Road.

The sessions bring together international experts, representatives of relevant ministries and government agencies, senior officials from the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as delegations from countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.

Participants are discussing the development of regulatory frameworks for Islamic financial products, the expansion of the sukuk (Islamic securities) industry, the digitalization of ethical investments, and their integration with modern fintech platforms.

Particular attention is being paid to expanding access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises through partnership-based financing mechanisms, as well as creating new cross-border investment corridors based on the principles of transparency and risk sharing.

Armenian financial group Arins Group, associated with businessman Karen Safaryan, has reached an agreement to acquire Georgia’s Terabank and the five-star Biltmore Tbilisi hotel, expanding its presence into the Georgian market.

The transactions were announced on August 25 by Terabank and Luxembourg-based AGE S.A., which operates within the Arins Group ecosystem. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

According to Terabank, an agreement has been signed between the bank’s shareholder and AGE S.A. for the acquisition of Terabank shares. Completion of the transaction remains subject to the necessary regulatory approvals from the National Bank of Georgia.

“Georgia has been selected as a priority market for regional expansion,” Terabank said.

The bank is currently owned by Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, a member of the UAE royal family.

AGE S.A. subsequently announced that the transaction also covers the Biltmore Tbilisi, a landmark five-star hotel on Rustaveli Avenue. The hotel, officially owned by Dabie Group Georgia, occupies a 9,121-square-meter property at 29 Rustaveli Avenue and includes the historic IMEL building and a 36-story tower completed in 2016.

The proposed acquisition follows the group’s expansion in Armenia, including its 2024 acquisition of HSBC Armenia. Ardshinbank has also been identified by Georgia’s National Bank as an interested party in the Terabank transaction.

Terabank has operated in Georgia since 1999 and focuses significantly on small and medium-sized businesses. The bank’s assets reportedly stood at approximately GEL 2.27 billion as of July 2026.

Meanwhile, a Telegram channel “Boiler Room” has claimed that Terabank could be acquired through Armenia’s Ardshinbank in the interests of A7, a Russian international payments network associated with businessman Ilan Shor. However, this allegation has not been confirmed by Terabank, Arins Group, Ardshinbank or Georgian regulators.

The twentieth century unfolded under the sign of oil. Often called “black gold,” petroleum powered industrial development, transformed transportation, and redrew the geopolitical map. Access to oil influenced alliances, wars, trade routes, and the rise of major economic powers. Today, the energy transition is at the forefront of the global agenda, and it needs its own fuel. Its name is lithium – the lightest metal, without which we would not have smartphones and laptops, electric vehicles, or energy storage systems for solar and wind power.

According to experts, lithium could become a resource that will largely determine the logic of future international conflicts and the technological leadership of nations. Its importance extends beyond consumer electronics because lithium is becoming a foundation of transportation, electricity infrastructure, and national security. For these reasons, lithium is frequently described as the “oil of the new economy.” Nevertheless, control over lithium extraction and technological expertise may shape economic power and international competition much as control over oil did in the previous century.

Why lithium matters

Lithium has several physical and chemical characteristics that make it particularly valuable. It is exceptionally light, has a high electrochemical potential, and allows batteries to store large amounts of energy relative to their weight. These properties make lithium-ion batteries compact, rechargeable, and powerful. The technology changed personal electronics by allowing devices to become smaller, lighter, and portable. Mobile phones no longer needed to remain connected to cables, while laptops and tablets could operate for hours away from electrical outlets. The same principle is now transforming transportation. Electric vehicles require much larger battery packs than consumer electronics, making the automotive industry the most important source of additional lithium demand.

Despite a rapid expansion in mining, lithium could face a serious supply shortage within the next decade. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global lithium demand could increase almost fivefold by 2040, exceeding 500,000 tonnes in terms of pure lithium content. If the world continues to follow its current climate policies, demand could exceed supply by one-third by 2035. Under a more ambitious scenario aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, demand for the metal would grow even more rapidly.

Where lithium comes from

Because lithium is highly reactive, it does not occur naturally as a pure metal. It is found in dissolved salts and solid minerals. Commercial production generally comes from mineral-rich brines and hard-rock deposits.

Brine extraction is especially important in the dry regions of South America. Underground water containing dissolved lithium is pumped to the surface and traditionally placed in large evaporation ponds. Over time, water evaporates and leaves behind increasingly concentrated salts, which are processed into lithium compounds. One of the world’s best-known resources is Chile’s Salar de Atacama, a vast salt flat covering roughly 3,000 square kilometres. Its lithium resources have helped establish Chile as a major producer, leading some observers to call the country the “Saudi Arabia of lithium.” Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia form the so-called Lithium Triangle, a region containing a large share of the world’s identified brine resources.

Hard-rock lithium is usually extracted from minerals such as spodumene. Australia is a leading producer of this kind of material. Hard-rock mining can bring projects into production more quickly than traditional brine evaporation, but it is energy-intensive and requires substantial crushing, concentration, and chemical processing. The United States and China are unique in this regard, as they are among the countries possessing both hard-rock lithium deposits and lithium-rich salt flats. In recent years, digitalization has become a major factor driving demand for lithium. As the number of electronic devices has increased, so too has the need for efficient and high-capacity batteries.

But that is far from all. Lithium is also used in:

metallurgy, where it improves the flexibility and strength of alloys;

glass production, including glass designed to block ultraviolet radiation;

nuclear energy, for the production of tritium and potentially for use in fusion energy systems;

medicine, particularly in the treatment of bipolar disorder and depression;

the production of lubricants with excellent water-repellent and heat-resistant properties;

energy storage systems for solar and wind power plants.

No analysis of lithium geopolitics is complete without China. Its strength does not rest solely on domestic mineral deposits. More importantly, China has built a highly integrated industrial ecosystem connecting overseas mining investments, chemical refining, battery materials, electric vehicles, and energy-storage systems. Chinese companies have invested in lithium projects across Australia, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and other resource-rich regions. These investments provide access to raw material. China accounts for around 60% of global lithium processing.

China’s enormous domestic electric-vehicle market reinforces this advantage. In 2022, the country produced approximately 6.89 million new-energy vehicles, nearly double the previous year’s output, and represented around two-thirds of global electric-vehicle sales. Rising battery production also increased Chinese lithium imports, even as domestic extraction expanded. Other countries increasingly view this concentration as a strategic vulnerability. The United States, members of the European Union, Japan, South Korea, and India are promoting domestic battery factories and partnerships with mineral-producing states.

Lithium supports technologies associated with the green transition, but its extraction is not automatically environmentally sustainable. This contradiction has led critics in parts of Latin America to describe lithium mining as a form of “white death.” Thus, the continuously growing demand for lithium from global industry, combined with the environmental damage associated with its extraction, raises questions about the true “green” credentials of lithium-ion batteries. The world wants less oil in order to reduce environmental damage, but to produce green energy technologies, it is necessary to extract new resources, sometimes creating serious environmental problems.

The only factor that could reduce lithium prices in the foreseeable future (potentially by 30-40%) would be a large-scale global recession that significantly reduces demand for all types of vehicles, including electric ones. Even then, however, prices would not fall below the levels seen in 2021, let alone those of earlier periods. At the same time, battery production for other applications could help sustain lithium demand even if electric vehicle sales were to collapse.

Lithium mining and ore production could, within just a few years, become the “new oil,” creating vast economic opportunities for entire countries and transforming the fortunes of resource-rich economies.

Countries around the world are seeking to gain control over materials that are critical to the green transition. These challenges are becoming more acute as geopolitical tensions contribute to the fragmentation of the global economy, while supply chains remain highly vulnerable to geopolitical risks. In the short and medium term, supply shortages may emerge as demand for certain materials, as lithium, continues to grow while mining remains concentrated among a limited number of producers.

Lachin has a character all its own, a place where dramatic mountain scenery, centuries-old heritage and a renewed cultural life come together.

Forests cover the slopes, rivers wind through narrow valleys, mineral springs emerge from the mountains, and historic monuments preserve traces of the region’s long and varied past. At the same time, new cultural venues, tourism facilities, roads and public spaces are giving the city a new chapter in its history. Few destinations in Azerbaijan bring together such a remarkable combination of mountain landscapes, historical heritage and cultural activity.

Lachin is a mountain city in southwestern Azerbaijan and the administrative centre of Lachin District, which was established in 1930. The city was known as Abdallar until 1923. Its mountainous geography has played an important role in shaping both its history and way of life. Lachin is steadily developing as a destination for cultural tourism, mountain recreation and international cultural events.

August 26 has a particular place in the city’s modern history. Lachin, together with the villages of Zabukh and Sus, came under Azerbaijani control on August 26, 2022, and the date is now marked as Lachin City Day. Since then, extensive reconstruction has transformed the city, while the return of former internally displaced residents has brought community life back to the region.

Nature is one of Lachin’s greatest attractions. The district is known for extensive forests, protected areas, rich flora and fauna, mineral springs and the rare red ironwood tree. The Hakari and Zabukh rivers meet near Zabukh, creating an especially scenic setting for visitors. The surrounding landscape offers opportunities for hiking, trekking, walking and camping, while the villages provide different ways to experience the mountain environment.

The cultural heritage of Lachin is equally varied. The district is home to ancient religious monuments, medieval cemeteries, burial mounds, caves and distinctive stone monuments. Among the best-known sites are the Aghoghlan monument, Damrovlu Pir Temple, Kar Kunbez Mausoleum and Ushag Castle. Medieval ram- and horse-shaped stones are another distinctive feature of the local historical landscape. The district also contains numerous other religious and archaeological sites that reflect different periods of settlement and cultural development.

Aghoghlan is particularly important within the region’s architectural heritage. Located beside the Aghoghlan River, the ancient monastery is regarded as one of the notable examples of Caucasian Albanian architecture in Azerbaijan. Built of basalt stone, it is distinguished by its stone columns, narrow windows and vaulted interior.

Lachin’s heritage is not confined to stone monuments. Traditional crafts are another important part of its cultural identity. The Gasimushaghi carpet is closely associated with the district and belongs to the wider Karabakh carpet-weaving tradition. Azerbaijan’s carpet weaving was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010, recognising the importance of the craft and the knowledge passed from one generation to another.

The villages surrounding Lachin add another dimension to the cultural landscape. Zabukh, situated at the confluence of the Hakari and Zabukh rivers, is suited to hiking and offers visitors the possibility of experiencing village life. During the summer, local residents can offer their homes as guest accommodation. Husulu combines mountain scenery with trekking and camping opportunities and is known for the Hamza Sultan Palace.

Mirik is particularly interesting for travellers interested in geology and natural formations. The village has caves such as Garanlig Kaha, or Dark Cave, and Baygara, as well as waterfalls, volcanic rock formations and unusual cone-shaped rocks and stone columns. The Aghbulag, Peri Bulag and Chichek Bulag springs add to the area’s natural appeal and give it potential for wellness tourism.

Sus offers another mountain landscape, with green valleys and volcanic formations, while Beylik combines a quiet rural setting with opportunities for walking, hiking and camping. These villages make Lachin more than a city destination. Together, they form a broader travel experience in which nature, heritage and local life are closely connected.

Lachin’s cultural profile received international attention in 2025, when the city was designated the CIS Cultural Capital. The designation gave Lachin a year-long programme of cultural activities involving Azerbaijan and other CIS countries. The programme included exhibitions, performances, cultural meetings and culinary presentations.

One of the events held as part of the programme brought together confectioners from several CIS countries. Alongside traditional sweets, Azerbaijani national confectionery was presented together with the country’s tea culture. Such events gave Lachin a chance to present local traditions while placing them within a wider regional cultural setting.

Lachin City Day has also become an important public occasion. Cultural programmes and celebrations held around the Hakari River have brought residents and visitors together in one of the city’s most attractive natural settings. Such events are gradually giving the reconstructed city its own contemporary rhythm.

The region’s tourism infrastructure has developed at the same time. Lachin International Airport, inaugurated on May 28, 2025, is the third international airport built in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. Built in difficult mountainous terrain, the airport provides a new gateway to Lachin and the surrounding districts and is expected to support tourism, business and wider economic activity.

Another important addition is the Lachin Recreation Complex in Zerti village. Opened in May 2025, the complex covers 11.2 hectares and has a built-up area of 42,000 square metres. It includes a 120-room hotel, eight cottages and accommodation for up to 324 guests. The complex also has a 500-seat event hall, a 340-seat banquet hall and a 100-seat conference room, making it suitable for cultural gatherings, conferences and other events as well as leisure travel.

Its recreational facilities include hiking and cycling routes, football and basketball pitches, bowling, billiards, karaoke, virtual-reality entertainment and a children’s centre. Restaurants and cafés offer Azerbaijani and international cuisine. The complex also has a local employment dimension, with many of its employees coming from Lachin, Kalbajar and other liberated territories.

Food offers another way to understand Lachin and the wider Eastern Zangazur region. Mountain cuisine makes extensive use of local herbs, dairy products, meat and seasonal ingredients. Dishes such as chashyr govurmasi, prepared with wild herbs, onions, butter and eggs, and chepish buglamasi, a slow-cooked goat dish, reflect the ingredients and traditions of mountain communities.

For visitors, regional food can be as revealing as a historic monument. It tells the story of what grows in the mountains, what local families have traditionally prepared and how food has been shaped by the landscape.

The city is also gaining new spaces dedicated to history and remembrance. The Occupation and Victory Museum Complex is planned on a 3.5-hectare site and includes museum buildings and a Memorial Park. The project envisages displaying surviving elements of destroyed historical and cultural monuments in an open-air setting, creating a place where the region’s recent history can be presented alongside its broader cultural heritage.

For travellers, Lachin can therefore be approached in several ways. It can be a destination for mountain walks and camping, a journey through Azerbaijan’s architectural and archaeological heritage, an opportunity to discover traditional cuisine and crafts, or part of a wider journey through Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur.

Travel access has also become easier for international visitors. Since July 23, 2025, foreign citizens have been permitted to visit Lachin and other liberated territories either by private vehicle or as part of organised groups, provided they obtain the necessary permission.

What makes Lachin particularly compelling is the way its different layers exist side by side. Ancient monuments rise from a landscape of forests and mountains. Village traditions continue alongside new tourism facilities. Regional cuisine is finding a place in modern hospitality, while festivals are giving the city an increasingly active cultural calendar.

Lachin is therefore becoming more than a reconstructed city. Its mountains, rivers, monuments, villages, crafts, cuisine and cultural events are forming the foundations of a distinctive tourism identity. Its appeal lies not in a single landmark, but in the experience created by all these elements together: a mountain landscape with a deep past, a strong cultural character and a city entering a new period of life.

There are sounds that belong to a particular place, and there are sounds that seem to belong to humanity itself. Azerbaijani mugham is one of them. Deeply rooted in the country’s history, it carries the emotions, memories and worldview of generations, passing from one voice to another without losing its character.

Mugham is more than a musical tradition in Azerbaijan. It is part of the country’s cultural memory. Its melodies can express joy without words, speak of sorrow without explaining it, and create a sense of longing, dignity and belonging through sound alone. For centuries, mugham has accompanied the lives of Azerbaijanis and remained closely connected with poetry, storytelling and traditional musical performance.

The art is built around several principal mugham modes, including Rast, Shur, Segah, Bayati-Shiraz, Chahargah, Shushtar and Humayun. Each has its own character and emotional colour. Yet mugham is not simply a collection of fixed melodies. Its beauty lies in interpretation. The performer follows a musical path while allowing room for feeling, improvisation and personal expression. No two performances need to sound exactly alike.

This freedom has helped mugham survive and develop across centuries. It has remained faithful to its roots while finding a place in new forms of music. One of the most important examples came from composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, whose “Leyli and Majnun” became the first mugham-based opera. Later, Fikrat Amirov brought mugham into the symphonic world with works such as “Shur” and “Kurd-Ovshari”.

Mugham has also influenced generations of Azerbaijani composers and musicians, from Niyazi and Gara Garayev to Arif Malikov and Frangiz Alizadeh. In the hands of Vagif Mustafazadeh, it entered a new musical world through his distinctive combination of mugham and jazz. His work showed that an ancient tradition could speak naturally through a modern musical language.

Its journey has never been limited to Azerbaijan. Mugham recordings were included in UNESCO’s “Anthology of Traditional Music of the World” in the 1970s. Azerbaijani mugham also reached an unexpected audience through Andrei Tarkovsky’s film “Stalker”. In 1977, a recording of Azerbaijani mugham was even sent into space by NASA as part of the Voyager Golden Record project, carrying a small piece of the country’s musical heritage beyond Earth.

International recognition followed. In 2008, Azerbaijani mugham was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The recognition reflected not only its artistic value, but also the importance of preserving a living tradition passed from masters to younger generations.

The revival of mugham in contemporary Azerbaijan has been supported by major cultural initiatives. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has played a major role in promoting the art through international festivals, competitions, concerts, publications and educational projects. The “World of Mugham” International Music Festival, launched in 2009, has become an important meeting point for performers, researchers and lovers of traditional music from different countries.

Baku’s International Mugham Center has given this art another permanent home. Opened in 2008, the building itself reflects the musical tradition it represents, with its design inspired by the tar, one of the main instruments used in mugham performance. Concerts, festivals, masterclasses and research projects held at the center continue to introduce mugham to new audiences.

Perhaps the greatest strength of mugham is that it does not need translation. A listener may not understand every poetic reference or know the history behind a particular mode, yet the voice, the tar, the kamancha and the rhythm can still communicate something immediate and deeply human.

That is why mugham has endured. It has changed with its performers, entered concert halls and cinemas, travelled across borders and even reached outer space, but its heart has remained the same. It is the sound of a culture remembering itself – and finding new ways to be heard.