Several epics from the series “Epics Should Not Be Forgotten” were filmed at the Folklore Studio of the Institute of Folklore of ANAS.

The national creativity that lies at the root of the formation of the national and spiritual values of every nation is valuable advice passed down from generation to generation. The traditions of epics and “epic nights”, which stand at the forefront of our national spirituality, reflect our glorious heroic history and are the largest genre of folklore, are being forgotten today.

The “epic nights” the main tradition of Turks and Turkism, were not forgotten even during the years of Soviet rule and were passed down from generation to generation. Many generations have learned from our elders during these “nights” that last for days on cold winter nights and have heard and learned about love for the homeland, the village, the elders, care for the little ones, hatred of the enemy, and education in these epics.

For several years the Folklore Studio of the Institute of Folklore of ANAS has been recording epics from the series “Epics Should Not Be Forgotten” performed by young ashiqs, as well as master ashiqs.

Among epics such  as “Agh Ashiq and Susanbar" was narrated by Ashiq Elmaddin Mammadli, “Koroglu’s Journey to Baghdad” was narrated by master Ashiq Tabriz Valiyev and Ashiq Kerem Valiyev (balaban player Vagif Guliyev), the epic “Valeh and Zarnigar" was narrated by Ashiq Nabi Naghiyev and Ashiq Nazim Guliyev (balaban player Honored Cultural Worker of Culture Alakbar Alakbarov), the epic “Ashiq Garib” was narrated by Ashiq Ramin Garayev, the epic “Gurbani” was narrated by Ashiq Nabi Naghiyev and Ashiq Eldar Bagirov (balaban player Honored Cultural Worker Alakbar Alakbarov).

It should be noted that the compiler of the epics is the leading researcher of the department Mythology, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor Ilhama Gasabova and the director of the filming is head of the Folklore Studio Mahir Ordubadi.

You can watch more details on YouTube channel of the Institute of Folklore.