Reflections of Sufi Music in Azerbaijan

Abstract

Sufi philosophy in Azerbaijan is an inseparable part of world philosophical history. The history of Sufism has been enriched by the activities of Azerbaijani Sufis. For the first time, Sufi music existing in Azerbaijan is extensively included in this study. Rifai, Naqshbandi, and other dhikr (remembrance) music traditions are examined here for the first time. A number of issues regarding Azerbaijani Sufi music still remain unresolved. To address these issues, it is necessary to investigate the origins, history, and performance rules of this musical tradition. The main aim of the research is to explore and reveal Sufi music in contemporary Azerbaijan, whether newly emerging or long practiced in secrecy. During the study, literature on Sufism was consulted, and musical examples were collected by attending dhikr ceremonies. Works composed by the Sufi musician Fakhraddin Salim and the “Savalan” group were also analyzed. In addition, some musical examples were obtained from the YouTube platform. It can be concluded that today, interest in Sufi music remains limited to the cultural sphere, having lost its role as a tool for dhikr rituals. Furthermore, among the musical examples collected from different sources, there is no similarity in form, yet the same philosophical thought is clearly reflected in the poetic texts. Historically, Sufi music in Azerbaijan was suppressed and erased from memory. This subject should be studied more comprehensively by researchers and updated for contemporary understanding.