A FOLKLORIC AND MUSICOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE FOLK SONG “APARDI SELLER SARANI”

This article examines the historical, cultural, and musical characteristics of the folk song “Apardı Seller Saranı,” one of the most prominent examples of Azerbaijani folk music within the tradition of ashug art. The primary objective of the study is to investigate the origins of the song, its folkloric foundations, poetic structure, and musical language, as well as to identify its connections with the ashug environment of Nakhchivan. The research emphasizes the significance of folk songs as an important component of Azerbaijan’s intangible cultural heritage and highlights their role in preserving collective memory, national identity, and traditional values. The study discusses the transmission of folk music through oral tradition and notes that many works have survived for centuries despite the gradual disappearance of information about their original creators. Particular attention is paid to the different regional versions of “Apardı Seller Saranı,” which demonstrate the song’s widespread popularity and its enduring place in the cultural memory of the Azerbaijani people. The geographical references mentioned in the lyrics, including the Arpa River and the settlements of Muğanlı, Muğancıq-Məhrəm, and Muğancıq-Müslüm, are analyzed in relation to the Sharur region of Nakhchivan. These geographical and historical connections support the view that the song may have originated within this cultural environment. The musical structure of the song is also examined. Its melodic development, characteristic intervals, rhythmic organization, and performance style reveal essential features of Azerbaijani ashug music. The study demonstrates that the emotional depth of the melody reflects not only personal experiences expressed in the lyrics but also the historical living conditions, natural environment, and cultural traditions of the region. The relationship between poetic text and musical expression is evaluated as one of the key factors contributing to the artistic value of the song. Furthermore, the article explores the role of the Nakhchivan ashug environment in the development of Azerbaijani musical culture. Special attention is devoted to the artistic heritage of prominent ashugs such as Ag Ashug Allahverdi Kosajanli, Ashug Ali, Ashug Alasgar, and Ashug Jalil, whose contributions played an important role in the preservation and enrichment of ashug traditions and saz music. The study concludes that “Apardı Seller Saranı” is not merely a folk song but also a valuable cultural monument reflecting the historical memory, worldview, aesthetic values, and cultural identity of the Azerbaijani people. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the Nakhchivan ashug tradition and its significant place within the broader context of Azerbaijan’s musical and folkloric heritage.