A systematic analysis of ethnomusicological studies conducted in the Nakhchivan region of Azerbaijan

Abstract

The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of ethnomusicological studies in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan region, to highlight significant research in this field, to introduce researchers to these resources, and to provide guidance on their proper use. In the study, a literature review was conducted to establish a theoretical framework, and information about music folklore compilation studies in the Nakhchivan region was investigated. The document analysis technique was employed, focusing on a significant portion of the publications produced by researchers in the region during a specific period. The main problem of the research is to identify the key elements of Nakhchivan's music culture, to list and evaluate important studies and works. When and by whom were the music folklore studies conducted in the Nakhchivan region? It is interesting that, the Nakhchivan region is somewhat isolated from other parts of Azerbaijan, and due to challenges in accessing the area, few compilation teams visited it during earlier years. Azerbaijani scholars such as Bayram Hüseynli, Ahmet İsazade, Aqide Alekberova, Rauf Behmenli, and Günay Memmedova have made significant contributions in this field. Other researchers, including Amil Askerov and Bebövşe Rzayeva, have also conducted studies related to Nakhchivan's musical culture and contributed to the field of folklore music. These studies are crucial for understanding the region's musical heritage and folklore. As a result of the research, summaries of each work included in the paper, along with their authors, publication years, contributions, research methodologies and findings, themes, objectives, and results, have been revealed. The scientific contributions and limitations of these works have also been identified. To advance ethnomusicological research, it is suggested that systematic studies of other regions should be conducted in the future. This is significant for both preserving cultural heritage and understanding cultural diversity. Such studies contribute to a deeper understanding of local music cultures and traditions and help disseminate this knowledge to a wider audience.