AZERBAIJAN THEATRE:ITS ROLE, HISTORY OF DEVELOPMENT, REASONS FOR SUCCESS, CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-242X.2024.30.11Keywords:
Azerbaijani theatre, Cultural heritage, National identity, Socio-cultural implications, Historical trajectoryAbstract
Background. The history of Azerbaijani theatre is a rich tapestry woven from various cultural influences and artistic expressions. This article explores Azerbaijan's earliest theatrical forms, tracing their roots and examining their impact on the development of a unique theatrical identity. This comprehensive review chronicles the trajectory of Azerbaijani theatre, highlighting its origins, key transformations, and enduring socio-cultural significance. Azerbaijan's position within this global context was unique due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Theatre in Azerbaijan emerged as a potent medium of expression, reflecting societal aspirations, struggles, and transformations. This article sheds light on the establishment of early theatre initiatives in the late 19th century, emphasizing their role in language preservation, national identity formation, and social commentary. The narrative further explores the challenges and eventual triumphs encountered by this nascent art form. Drawing from a diverse array of sources, the study explores the evolving role of theatre in Azerbaijan – from a form of entertainment to an educational tool, embracing technological advancements in the 21st century. In this way, Azerbaijan's early theatres contributed to: language preservation, national identity formation, empowerment and emancipation; acting as a bridge between past and present, fostering cultural exchange and diplomacy, advancing education and enlightenment, and serving as an economic catalyst. Like other artistic movements worldwide, the journey of Azerbaijani theatre was marked by both defeats and victories. While its emergence was a bold statement of cultural assertion, its sustainability required perseverance, innovation, and resilience. Despite these challenges, Azerbaijani theatre experienced remarkable triumphs: community support, recognition beyond borders, an evolving legacy, a platform for social discourse, an educational role, and international acclaim
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Copyright (c) 2025 Zamina Aliyeva
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This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
