Traditions And Customs In Azerbaijan

In every nation's culture there's an understanding that a huge piece of every culture is taken by traditions. The thing about them is the way they've been present for generations. They live and bloom, alongside with customs, passed down from father to son, from mother to daughter. It's not a general rule to follow the footsteps of your ancestors but most azerbaijani people find pleasure in doing so. Therefore, it's safe to say traditions and customs in Azerbaijan are well cherished and loved within the country, they're treated like treasure with care and love. So let us take you up on a journey down the lane of honor to traditions and customs following azerbaijani people from birth to death, every step of their life playing an integral role in it.

One of the first traditions the newborn child is introduced with to this world is "peace" for the first 40 days of his life. On these days it is highly unlikely for people to visit the family, outside of closest relatives. Even though azerbaijanis have somehow became famous because of the deep-rooted hospitality they carry in their culture, this time is crucial for mother to accommodate the motherhood and for the child to get used to their surroundings. Also, for the time period of child's first month there are a number of milestones that are ought to be celebrated.

Following the child's birth traditions, we move on to our next customs, which revolve weddings. They're hundreds of different wedding traditions and keeping up with them is quite hard. Even more so, each village in that sense has its own wedding customs and tradition, that create a much bigger picture. But it is traditional for weddings to be separated in two parts - “groom's wedding" and "bride's wedding". Bride's wedding comes first and usually is being held at the home she is leaving; she wears a red traditional wedding gown with national patterns sewn on it. Usually, complicated patterns are also drawn on the bride's hands with khna. Unmarried girls also decorate themselves with khna. During the celebration, groom's mother is supposed to gift the bride among other things a maroon silk headkerchief, putting it on the bride's head herself to show her acceptance of the girl as a new member of their family. Also, before the weddings bride and groom's proxies – vekils (usually their fathers or uncles) gather together to concluded a marriage contract called kebin.

The main event though is considered to be groom's wedding - people go all out, the number of guests reaching the crowd of 500, delicious national food is being served on every table. But with music playing loudly, barely any guests show any interest to it, much preferring to spend it on dancefloor. It is assumed to be a bad tone to sit still for the entirety of the wedding. The show program is also usually included, with dancers and acrobats who perform acts with fire. After the wedding, before the bride steps foot into the new house, she needs to break a plate for luck.

Azerbaijan's hospitality is not a secret to anyone, the country itself became popular partially because of how wholesome azerbaijani people are towards guests but there are also a number of traditions and customs in Azerbaijan that touches specifically the etiquette. Guests are treated with the utmost respect and generosity, offered the best food and drink, and showered with warmth and attention. The phrase "Xeyir olsun!" (Welcome!) is a common greeting.

There is a right way to both pay visits to someone and welcome people inside your house. First, when the invitation it comes it is considered almost offensive to decline. When the guests enter the house, all habitants of it gather around to greet them. They exchange pleasantries and small gifts such as souvenirs and then sit down to eat. Usually, the hosts try to make as much dishes as possible and the guests should get at least a taste of every meal cooked. Also, it is part of the tradition to drink tea in armudu (a pear shaped cup) after the meal before settling down to have a conversation. Tea is more than just a beverage in Azerbaijan; it is a ritual of connection and conversation. In villages it is also not uncommon for younger generation to either sit separately or to at least sit down on the floor beside older people if there is no space left.

Azerbaijan is a land where the past and present coexist harmoniously. Its traditions are not relics of a bygone era; they are living threads woven into the fabric of everyday life. As Azerbaijan continues to evolve, its culture remains a source of strength and identity. For travelers seeking an authentic and enriching experience, Azerbaijan is a destination that will leave you wanting more.

On every step of the way during your journey in exploring Azerbaijan's culture and traditions, Azerbaijan Travel International offers every tourist a helping hand. In every our tour, be it Guba-Shahdag Tour or Shamakha-Gabala Tour you'll get to experience more than just a glimpse of the bustling culture. Creating a perfect trip to Azerbaijan that will be remembered by you for years and years to come is not hard, especially if you have the support of the professionals.

Tags: Gabala , Baku , Azerbaijan , Shamakhi , Tradition , Shahdag