Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

Academician Isa Habibbayli, President of ANAS, delivered an extensive opening address at the 1st International Symposium on Traditional Music and Cultural Identity of the Turkic World. He shared his views on the purpose and significance of the event.

The ANAS President noted that the main objective of the symposium is to study, on a scientific basis, the rich musical folklore of the Turkic world—particularly the historical origins, role in cultural identity, and place in collective memory of ancient musical instruments such as the balaban, zurna, and saz—and to present these findings through modern scholarly approaches.

Academician Isa Habibbayli emphasized the particular scholarly importance of examining the legacy of Ali Karimov (Kalvali Ali Dada), a prominent representative of the Azerbaijani zurna–balaban school and a master performer, within the wider context of the Turkic world. Referring to the strategic goals set for the scientific community by President Ilham Aliyev during the 80th anniversary of ANAS, he stressed the importance of preserving national and moral values, strengthening the concept of Azerbaijani identity, and promoting cultural heritage more broadly. He noted that this approach makes the in-depth study and academically grounded promotion of the legacy of renowned performers and artistic masters a priority task.

In his speech, the ANAS President stated that although numerous academic conferences dedicated to various fields and research areas of folklore have been held in the country, events aimed at highlighting the legacy of folk artists and traditional performers are still insufficient. There is a strong need for more active promotion of national musical instruments such as the garmon, zurna, balaban, and gaval. Ensuring scientific approaches and institutional support for preserving and developing these ancient forms of art carries particular importance.

Academician Isa Habibbayli noted that Kalvali Ali Dada, one of the distinguished figures of Azerbaijani folk creativity, was a master performer of traditional wind instruments such as the zurna, balaban, and tutek. He stated that the renowned artist, who authored more than 70 dance melodies, laid the foundation for a major school through his unique performance style and rich creative legacy. Today, his artistic traditions are carried forward by his disciples as well as members of his family and lineage.

The ANAS President described the symposium dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Kalvali Ali Dada as an expression of respect by the Azerbaijani and Turkic scientific communities toward the personality and enduring artistic legacy of the master performer. He highlighted the importance of the international event in promoting ancient musical instruments such as the zurna and balaban, which retain their place in Azerbaijan’s performing arts today, through the example of Ali Dada.

Academician Isa Habibbayli stated that the papers to be presented within the framework of the symposium would have special historical significance as the first academic studies in this field conducted in the country. He noted that the systematic study of traditional music and performance heritage opens new perspectives for the science of folklore.

Concluding his address, the ANAS President emphasized the importance of the event both for offering a new perspective on history and for placing the preservation of traditional art forms such as the zurna and balaban on the scientific agenda. He wished the symposium participants success and stressed the need to continue research in this direction.

Translation by Gulhane Aghayeva, Department of Public Relations, Press, and Information, Presidium of ANAS.

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