Culture of Azerbaijan 1 3600-TU-KA1-OG

The lecture touches upon the basics of Azerbaijani culture, tradition and customs, as well as the country’s impact on global culture. During the lecture students learn about beliefs, customs, pre-Islamic national, folk costumes, dances, religious and folk holidays (traditions related to Novruz Bayram), wedding customs, epics, Ashug music
the expansion of Islam (7th century) and its influence on the region’s history, as well as the peak of cultural bloom during the Middle Ages – the time of Turkic dynasties.
The lecture presents works of Nizami Ganjavi, philosopher, thinker and poet, representing the so-called Oriental renaissance, as well as of other renowned poets – Nasimi, Fizuli, Xatai etc. An overview of early music of Azerbaijan by Abdulgadir Maragai, as well as the tradition of classical Azerbaijani music – mugam – is presented.
The art of embroidery is also discussed, starting from ancient times up to today, with main centers of this art presented during the classes.
Subsequently, an overview of the progress of Azerbaijani culture and literature during the 19th century (within the Russian Empire) is presented. The Azerbaijani people were pioneers among the whole Muslim world in many aspects of culture – opera, theater and satirical magazines. The works by writer and reformist Mirza Fatali Akhunzade, as well as other writers of the 19/20th centuries are presented.
The lecture also encompasses the music of Uzeir Hajibeyli – prominent Azerbaijani composer, who wrote the first libretto and composed the first mugam-opera in the Muslim East – “Leyla and Majnun” (1908), musical comedy “Arsin mal Alan” and created a new wave in classical music – symphonic mugam. During the lecture, also the development of Azerbaijani press and magazines will be mentioned.
The culture and arts of Azerbaijan in the 20th century are shown on the examples of critical realism (Nariman Narimanov), progressive romanticism (Khadi, Huseyn Javid, poetical school of Sabir, Jafar Jabbarli, Ahmed Javad etc.). Also, Azerbaijani jazz (jazz-mugam) during the Soviet times by Vagif Mustafa-zade is mentioned.
The cultural and personal ties of Azerbaijani and Polish nations over the history are discussed. The lecture mentions the Polish-Azerbaijani relations and the contribution of Polish architects, scientists and political leaders to Azerbaijan’s modern history.

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

Lecture combined with a multimedia presentation

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:
-student after classhas extended knowledge of particular problems pertaining to the culture of the Azerbaijan (within the scope of culture and literature or culture and religion issues) in a comparative perspective (K_W02);
-demonstrates good knowledge of contemporary cultural life of Azerbaijan (K_W08);
- has wide and profound knowledge of the structures and social relations as well as socio-cultural behavior in Azerbaijan (K_W10);
-student understands the links between Azerbaijani culture and trends in the development of culture in other countries of the region (K_W03 K_W11);

Skills:
-student can indicate sources of cultural differences between different regions of the Caucasus also on the basis of source materials (K_U02,K_U03);
- can use the knowledge in the field of Oriental studies to expand knowledge of humanities (K_U04);
-can use the knowledge in the field of Oriental studies to solve problems relating to cultural differences in professional situations (K_U05);
-can use the terminology from the domain of religion of Azerbaijan to analyze and interpret religious phenomena, ethical motives and social behavior, as well as cultural differences (K_U06);
-can analyze most important phenomena in the field of history, as well as socio-political or cultural context of Azerbaijan (K_U11);

Social competence:
- student sees the possibility of practical use of knowledge gained in the lecture. Also understands the need for further education in this field (K_K01);
- the lecture raises the student's reflection on multiculturalism, teaches political, religious and moral tolerance (K_K03 K_K05).
- classes provide the student with preparation for participation in scientific and political conferences on Eastern issues, enables selection of the future field of professional activity related to this region - in national and local government administration, international institutions, diplomacy, mass media as well as research and expert centers cooperating with Azerbaijan (K_K04 K_K06)

Assessment criteria

Oral exam: covering material discussed during lectures

Bibliography

Alijewa K., Kobierce Azerbejdżańskie, Warszawa 2013.
Azerbejdżańskie madrości ludowe. Przysłowia, życzenia, wierzenia,przysiegi, baśnie i legendy, Warszawa 2013.
Chodubski A., Polacy w Azerbejdżanie, Toruń 2004.
Kazimova, Sh. "Progressive Thoughts in "Molla Nasreddin" Magazine (Initial Period - 1906-1907)." in Oriental studies and arts : contributions dedicated to Professor Tadeusz Majda on His 85th birthday, edited by Agata Bareja-Starzyńska, Kamila Barbara stanek, Marzena Godzińska, Anna Akbike Sulimowicz, Magdalena Szpindler and Joanna Bojarska - Cieślik, 139-149. Warsaw: Wyadwnictwo Akademickie Dialog, 2015
Sadychowa S., Azerbejdżański strój narodowy, Warszawa 2013.
Sadychowa S., Jubilerstwo azerbejzdżańskie, Warszawa 2013.
Safarowa Z., Muzyka azerbejdżańska, Warszawa 2013.
Świętochowski T., Azerbejdżan, Warszawa 2006.
Efendijew R., Salamzade E., Sztuka Azerbejdżanu, Warszawa 2013.
Tagijewa N., Tkaniny i hafty artystyczne Azerbejdżanu, Warszawa 2013.
Resulzade M.E., Azərbaycan şairi Nizami, Ankara 1951
Мамедгулузаде Дж., Рассказы, фельетоны, повести, пьесы, Баку 1989.
Koroglu. Azerbejdżański epos heroiczny, Warszawa 2013 r.
„Irs Heritage” Magazine, Baku
Azerbaijani carpets magazine.
Albums, music, movies

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 3600-TU-KA1-OG in USOSweb