Jabbar Garyagdyoglu

Jabbar Garyagdyoglu (Jabbar Mashadi Ismayil oglu’s stage name) was born on 31th of March in 1861 in Shusha and died on 20th of April in 1944 in Baku. Khanende is one of the eminent khanendes who played a big and important role in Azerbaijan music history. A newer stage of khanendes school in closely bound with his name. Jabbar Garyagdyoglu got his education in Shusha in Kharrat Gulu’s class.

Having a very wide diapason and charming voice he was distinguished with the well-known italian singer Caruso. Russian poet Sergey Yesenin called him “The prophet of the Eastern music”. Getting well-known in Karabakh, Ganja, Shirvan, Baku mugam meetings Jabbar also became famous in Iran, Transcaucasia and in Middle East countries. Jabbar Garyagdyoglu was the first in music histort who sounded mugam from theater and concert stages. Thus, in 1897 Jabbar Garyagdyoglu was the performer of Majnun in “Majnun over Leyli’s grave” by Abdurrahim bey Hagverdiyev.

Khanende Jabbar created a trio which included in it tar player Gurban Primov, and kamancha player Sasha Oganezashvili and this trio performed for 20 years. During 1906-1912 Jabbar Garyagdyoglu’s performs was recorded by the “Sport-record”, “Ekstrafon” and “Grammafon” stockholder companies in Moscow, Warsaw and in Kiev. Returning from Warsaw in 1912 he gave “Sharg konsertileri” (“Eastern concerts” name of program) in Moscow.

Differ from former artist Jabbar firstly sang gazals (poems) in mugams and tasnifs in Azerbaijan language. “Istekanin deshilsin”, “Tiflisin yollari”, “Irevanda khal galmadi”, “Nakhchivanin gediyinden asheydim” tasnifs was created by Jabbar. Jabbar Garyagdyoglu was th winner of the Transcaucasia Art Olympiad held in Tiflis (|Tbilisi) in 1934. Seyid Shushinski, Bulbul, Khan Shushinski, Zulfi Adygozelov and many others continued Jabbar Garyagdyoglu’s traditions.


Abdulbagi Zulalov (Bulbuljan)

Abdulbagi Zulalov was born in 1841 in Shusha and died in 1927 in Baku. He was one of the representatives of Azerbaijan khanende school. His first education he got in Shusha in Kharrat Gulu’s class and performed with his beautiful voice in Karabakh, Ganja and Sheki. He lived in 1876-1920 years in Tiflis (Tbilisi) and performed there during the breaks in theater plays, concerts and parties. He was master khanende with bueatiful, charming and fascinating voice. He moved to Baku in 1920 and worked as a teacher in “Sharg konservatoriyasi” (Eastern conservatoire) and since 1923 in the Azerbaijan State Turkish Music School.








Majid Behbudov

Majid Behbudov was born on 18th of April in 1873 in Shusha and died on 6th of September in 1945 in Gazakh. Khanende was one of the eminent followers of Karabakh school of mugam. Having charming and beautiful voice Majid Behbudov in early ages used to give minajat (call of mullah informing about somebody’s death), sang mugam in special parties and in wedding parties.

Even if before he performed in Karabakh and Ganja as khanende, later he moved and lived in Tiflis (Tbilisi) and gave concerts for a long time. He attracted with his beautiful voice listeners and “Grammafon” record studio invited khanende to Riga to record his voice in 1910. In Riga khanende recorded several mugams, tasnifs and folk songs in Mashadi Jamil Amirov’s accompaniment. Majid Behbudov’s repertoire was very rich and he was considered as a master singer of “Mirza Huseyn Segahy”, “Shushter”, “Chahargah” mugams. He also charmed people not only singing classical mugams, but also singing in other Caucasus peopels’ languages.

Khanende also played a very important role in development of Azerbaijan Opera art. He performed in several mugam operas and operettas created that times. Majid Behbudov was on tours not only in cities of Azerbaijan and Caucasus countries but also in Iran and represented Azerbaijan mugam. Majid Behbudov’s children also played an important role in Azerbaijan culture: having the charming beautiful voice, the Peoples artist of USSR Rashid Behbudov, producer, the Popular artist of Russia Anvar Behbudov, actress, the Honored artist Najiba Behbudova continued family tradition.


Musa Shushinski

Musa Shushinski was born in 1893 and died in 1971. Khanende worked in Tiflis in 1916-1920 years, after 1920 he worked in Ganja. During 1930s performed in “Sherg konsertleri”. Khanende also played Kerem in “Asli and Karam”, Asgar in “Arshin mal alan”, Sarvar in “O olmasin, bu olsun” by Uzeyir Hajibeyov.










Zulfi Adygozelov

Zulfi Adygozelov was born in 1898 in Shusha and died on 31st of May in 1963 in Baku. Khanende was awarded to the rank of the Honored artist in 1943. He is one of the eminent representatives of Karabakh mugam performing school. His first education he got in Agjebedi. From his childhood for his beautiful voice everybody used to call him as Zulfi.

In his grow up as a khanende Mashadi Jamil Amirov, Musa Shushinski, Jabbar Garyagdyoglu and Gurban Primov played a very important role. Gaining a big popularity in Karabakh and Ganja mugam meetings Zulfi Adygozelov was invited to Baku by Jabbar Garyagdyoglu in 1927 and started to work as a soloist of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic society. Philharmonic society became a very original art school in his life.

At the same time he also performed in Azerbaijan Radio in concert programs and in plays in operas in 1929-1932 years. Zulfi Adygozelov’s repertoire mainly consisted with mugams and tasnifs. He masterly sang every mugam. “Zabul Segah”, “Orta Zegah”, “Mahur Hindi” mugams in his performance earned listeners’ sympathy. Zulfi Adygozelov performed mugams in a low register and with special grace. Especially he performed “Rast” mugam extra-ordinary and entered the history.

“Rast” mugam in his unlike performance is saved. “Bir jut sona”, “Nabi”, “Dedim bir busa ver”, “Keklik” songs, tasnif “Gedirem axi” in Zulfi Adygozelov’s masterly performance became loved by listeners. Zulfi Adygozelov became famous not only in Azerbaijan but also in Russia, Iran and in many other countries.


Zahid Guliyev

Zahid Guliyev was born in 1961 in Djabrayil. Khanende is one of the continuers of Karabakh traditions of mugam. His father was on of the well-known Karabakh ashygs and was performing dastans (saga) and mugams with a great adroitness. Professional knowledge Zahid Guliyev got in Baku and finished the Azerbaijan State Music School in 1986, attended classes of great mugam masters as Sahib Shukurov, Narmian Aliyev, Hajibaba Huseynov.

The same year he was awarded to the second place in contest in honor of Jabbar Garyagdyoglu. In 1986 in the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic society was created trio named after Jabbar Garyagdyoglu consisting of Zahid Guliyev khanende, Mohlet Muslumov tarzen (tar player) and Fakhraddin Dadashov kamancha player. They popularized Azerbaijan mugam highly by performing it in many countries of the world. Mugam dastgahs as “Shur”, “Mahur Hindi”, “Chahargah”, “Bayaty Shiraz” in khanende’s performance are saved in the gold foundation of a radio.




Gandab Guliyeva

Gandab Guliyeva was born in 1949 on 10th of August in Fizuli region of Azerbaijan. Khanende was awarded to the rank of the Peoples artist of Azerbaijan in 1992. She was attending classes in the Azerbaijan State Music School in 1976-1980 years and in 1991-1996 in the Azerbaijan State University of Art and Culture. Her first mugam teacher was Nariman Aliyev. She also got classes from Vahid Abdullayev at the same time and improved her knowledge. She has been the soloist of the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater since 1981.

Gandab Guliyeva played a lot of roles on the scene of this theater such as “Leyli”, “Asli” (in “Leyli and Majnun”, “Asli and Kerem” by Uzeyir Hajibeyov), “Arab Zangi” (in “Shah Ismayil” by Muslim Magomayev), “Shahsenem” (in “Ashyg Garib” by Uzeyir Hajibeyov), “Gulbahar” (in “Gelin Gayasy” by Sh.Akhundova), “Khanende gyz” (in “Vagif” opera by R. Mustafayev). Gandab Guliyeva has been on tours and represented Azerbaijan mugam art in such countries as Germany, Canada, Japan, France, Switzerland, Turkey, Iran, Iraq. Her repertoire consists of mugam dastgahs and tasnifs.

Mugam dastgahs as “Kharij Segah”, “Shahnaz”, “Mahur Hindi”, “Bayaty Shiraz”, “Shur” in her performance are saved in the Azerbaijan Radio and Television Foundation. “Chahargah” mugam in her performance was entered into the “Mugam Antalogiyasy (anthology)” CD disk in France. She is also teacher in the Azerbaijan State University of Art and Culture and gives classes of mugam.


Sara Gadimova

Sara Gadimova was born on 31st of May in 1922 in Baku and died on 12th of May in 2005 in Baku. Khanende had a great lyric-coloratura-soprano and was awarded to the rank of the Peoples artist of Azerbaijan in 1963. In her grow up as a khanende, singer Huseyngulu Sarabski, Seyid Shushinski Khan Shushinski played a big role. She was the soloist of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic society since 1941.

She also was the soloist of the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater in 1957-1962 years and played “Leyli” and “Asli” in “Leyli and Majnun” and “Asli and Kerem” by Uzeyir Hajibeyov. All Azerbaijan mugams, Azerbaijan’s folk and composer songs, songs by the Eastern peoples were included to Sara Gadimova’s repertoire. A lot of Sara Gadimova’s records are saved in the Azerbaijan Radio and Television Foundation. Khanende was on tour to a lot of foreign countries of the world such as Iran, Iraq, Germany, Hungary, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Tunis and etc.




Telet Gasymov

Telet Gasymov was born in 1933 in Baku on 21st of June. Khanende was awarded to the rank of the Peoples artist in 2006. Telet Gasymov was interested in music from his childhood. Firstly he was inclined in religious songs and was marsiyakhan (person who sings religious songs in religious ceremonies). Then he got interested in mugam singing. Telet Gasymov learned secrets of mugam from the master khanendes (singers) Hajibaba Huseynov, Zulfi Adygozelov and continued their khanende traditions.

For years improving his khanende art Telet Gasymov became famous for his own singing style. His repertoire is very wide. Telet Gasymov performs mugams adroitness and zealously. “Rast”, “Shur”, “Segah-Zabul” mugam dastgahs and “Shushter” tasnifs are saved in the Azerbaijan Radio and Television Foundation. Telet Gasymov is the soloist of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic society.




Islam Abdullayev

Islam Abdullayev was born in 1876 in Shusha and died on September 22 in 1964 in Baku. He was one of the greatest representatives of the Karabakh School of khanendes. Islam Abdullayev was the famous and inimitable performer of “Segah” mugam. He was named “Segah Islam” by people for his great singing of “Segah” mugam and all its variants-“Zabul Segah”, “Mirza Huseyn Segahy”, “Orta Segah”, “Kharij Segah”.

Islam Abdullayev got his education in Shusha school. He learned mugams from musicologist, scientist Mir Mohsun Navvab, khanende (singer) Haji Husu and from many other well-known Karabakh khanendes, started to perform in accompaniment of tarzen (tar player) Mirza Sadyg Asad oglu (Sadygjan). “Segah”, “Bayaty Gajar”, “Shahnaz”, “Shushtar” mugams in Islam Abdullayev’s performance was recorded by “Sport Record” and “Ekstrafon” companies in 1910-1915 years. He was the pedagogue.




Gadir Rustamov

Gadir Rustamov was born 1935 in Agdam. Khanende (singer) was awarded to the rank of the Popular artist in 1993. He is one of the famous representatives of the Karabakh school of khanendes. Gadir Rustamov was grown up in Agdam as khanende.

Firstly got his education in the Azerbaijan State Music School in Hajibaba Huseynov’s class then continued his education in Agdam. With the original performing style and fascinating voice Gadir Rustamov earned the love of audience and became famous among the people. Several mugam dastgahs as “Rast”, “Chahargah” in his performance have been recorded and are saved in the Radio Fund. “Sona bulbuller” folk song in his performance is very loved by listeners.






Seyid Shushinski

Seyid Shushinski (Mir Movsum Aga Seyid Ibrahim oglu’s stage name) was born in 1889 in Horadiz village of Shusha region and died here 1965. Khanende, musical personality, pedagogue, the Popular artist, the Honored teacher was one of the famous khanendes of Karabakh school of khanendes. He played an important role in the development of Azerbaijani national music culture. Seyid Shushinski learnt the secrets of classical mugams and folk music from Mir Mohsun Navvab. In 1911-1919 years Seyid Shushinski worked in Tbilisi and improved khanende art.

In these years he performed in operas written by Azerbaijani composers. In 1913-1914 he was invited to Kiev by “Ekstrafon” stock-company to record his voice. Mugams as “Chahargah”, “Neva”, “Bayaty Isfahan”, “Humayun”, “Rast”, “Mahur”, “Zabul”, “Shahnaz”, “Mirza Huseyn Segahy”, zarbi mugams as “Mani”, “Arazbary”, “Mansuriyya” took original place in our music treasury.

Seyid Shushinski began to work first in the Azerbaijan State Conservatoire then in the Azerbaijan State Music School as a teacher in 1926 by Uzeyir Hajibeyov’s initiative. He was the teacher of several eminent khanendes (singers).


Khan Shushinski

Shushinski Khan (Isfandiyar Aslan oglu Javanshrov’s stage name) was born on August 20 in 1901 in Shusha and died on March 18 in 1979 in Baku. He was one of the well-known khanendes (singers) and Popular artist of the Azerbaijan. He was 16 years old when together with his teacher Islam Abdullayev took place in a majlis (meeting) and performed “Kurd Shahnaz” in the way of khanende (singer) Abulhasan with fascinating style, after which his teacher named him as “Khan Shushinski”. In his grow up as khanende Jabbar Garyagdyoglu and Seyid Shushinski played an important role.

Khan Shushinski expanded his performance activity after coming to Baku in 1920. Besides mugams as “Mahur Hindi”, “Bayaty Gajar”, “Gatar”, zarbi mugams as “Karabakh shikastasi”, “Arazbary”, “Heyraty”, folk songs and tasnifs also took place in his repertoire. Khan Shushinski took the first place prize in Transcaucasia peoples I art Olympiad held in Tbilisi in 1934.

Khan Shushinski also highly represented Azerbaijan music abroad. He established “Mugam studio” attached to Azerbaijan State Philharmonic society in 1960 and taught mugam’s secrets to younger khanendes (singers). He was also teaching in the Azerbaijan State Music School and growing up the new generation of khanendes (singers).


Kechachioglu Mahammad

Kechachioglu Mahammad (Mahshadi Xalil oglu’s stage name) was born in Shusha in 1864 and died in Guba in 1940. He played a great role in development of the Azerbaijan music art. Kechachioglu Mahammad learnt khanende (singer), singing art in Shusha in Kharrat Gulu’s school and from the well-known khanende (siger) Mashadi Isi. Together with other famous representatives of Karabakh school of khanendes (singers) in his career improved mugam art, spreaded the fame of the Azerbaijan mugam. Classical mugams, tasnifs and folk songs took the main place in his repertoire. Khanende, having expanded diapason and high-pitched tone of voice was singing all mugam dastgahs and zarbi mugams skillfully.

Kechachioglu Mahmmad, worked in Baku in 1904, performed in wedding parties and in eastern concerts together with tarzens (tar players) Gurban Primov and Mashadi Zeynal. Several mugams, tasnifs and folk songs in his performance recorded in “Sport record” company in Warsaw in 1912 and in 1914 in “Ekstrafon” company in Kiev. Here Kechachioglu Mahmmad recorded “Rahab”, “Shahnaz”, “Dashti”, “Choban bayaty” mugams, “Heyraty”, “Karabakh shikastasi” zarbi mugams, “Getdi gelmadi”, “Gule gule”, “Khuraman”, “Akhsham oldu” tasnifs on vinyl. Besides khanende activity, he also was busy with the pedagogical activity. In 1926 Kechachioglu Mahammad was invited to the Azerbaijan State Conservatoire by Uzeyir Hajibeyov’s initiative. Here he grew up a lot of well-known khanendes (singers).


Gulu Askerov

One of the famous khanendes (singers) of Azerbaijan Mugam art Gulu Askerov was born on 12th of December in 1928 in Salyan region of Azerbaijan Republic and died on 4th of April in 1989. From the begining of his early ages started to perform in municipal theatre of native town, was the head of folk ensemble. He was the winner of the republican olympiad devouted to young talants.

Gulu Askerov got education in Azerbaijan Governmental Music School in 1954-1958 years. He was creative khanende. He is the author of several mugam dastgahs and tasnifs which are well-known among people. Records have been performed by Gulu Askerov are saved in AZTR Fund, and are performed by the young generations of khanendes with great inspiration. Khanende was the soloist of the Azerbaijan State Theatre of Opera and Ballet.

On the stage of this theatre Gulu Askerov performed several remebering characters from the operas: Majnun, Ibn Salam, Kerem (Uzeyir Hajibeyov-“Leyli and Majnun”, “Asli and Kerem”), Shah Ismail ( “Shah Ismail” by Muslim Magomayev), Ashyg Garib (“Ashyg Garib” by Zulfugar Hajibeyov). Gulu Askerov was one of the teachers growing up a big generation of performers. Gulu Askerov’s one of the best mugam follower khanendes are Melekkhanym Eyyubova and others.


Rubaba Muradova

Rubaba Muradova was born on 22nd of March in 1933 in Ardabil and died on 28th of August in 1983 in Baku. Khanende, the Popular artist finished Seyid Shushinki’s class in the Azerbaijan State Music school. She had a very fascinating, wide diapason of voice and original style of performing. Rubaba Muradova was soloist of the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater. Leyli (in “Leyli and Majnun” by Uzeyir Hajibeyov), Asli (in “Asli and Karam” by Uzeyir Hajibeyov), Shahsenem (in “Ashyg Garib” by Z.Hajibeyov), Senem (in “Gelin gayasy” by Sh.Akhundova) were the characters which Rubaba Muradova played on stage. She was master performer of mugams, tasnifs and folk songs.







Teymur Mustafayev

Teymur Mustafayev was born on 10th of April in 1939 in Jalilabad. Khanende, the Popular artist got his education in the Azerbaijan State Music School. His art teachers were Seyid Shushinski, Ahmad Bakikhanov. Teymur Mustafayev after finishing school continued his education in the Azerbaijan State University of Art and Culture. He is the soloist of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic society since 1964.

He used to work in the Azerbaijan State Concert Union since 1978 and has been working in Mugam Theater since 1998. Teymur Mustafayev’s repertoire is rich with mugam and tasnifs, folk songs and author songs. Mugams and tasnifs which were performed by him are saved in the Azerbaijan State Radio and Television Foundation. He has been on tours to many countries: Arab countries, Europe countries, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan.





Arif Babayev

A.Babayev was born in 1938 in Saryhajyly, Agdam city. Khanende (singer), was awarded to the rank of the national artist in 1988, got professor degree in 1996, in 1998 was awarded with medal of honour and in 2008 was awarded with the order of independence. Arif Babayev in the second half of the XX-th century is the prominent representative of the Garabakh school of mugam.

He created his original performance style according to the Seyid Shushinsky’s, Khan Shushinsky’s, Zulfi Adygozelov’s performance traditions. Since 1960 his career is closely bind with Baku. Arif Babayev got his education in the Azerbaijan State University of Art and Culture.

Firstly to the State Philharmonic society of Azerbaijan, then was invited to the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theatre as soloist and on the stage of this theatre in mugam operas created a number of memorizable roles in performances as Majnun, Karam (in “Leyli and Majnun”, “Asli and Karam” byUzeyir Hajibayov), Ashyg Garib (in “Ashyg Garib” by Zulfugar Hajibayov), Jamal (in “Galin Gayasy” by Sh. Akhundova).

Mugam dastgahs as “Shur”, “Segah”, zarbi mugams as “Arazbary”, “Garabagh shikastasi” take special place in his activity. Especially, “Segah” mugam was performed by him in a high inimitable style. He introduced Azerbaijan mugam to music lovers in many countries of America, Europe and Asia. Arif Babayev is the professor of the National Conservatory of Azerbaijan, department of “Solo singing”.


Aghakhan Abdullayev

Aghakhan Abdullayev was born in Baku in 1950. He graduated from his secondary school in 1968. In 1969-1973, he educated in A.Zeynally Music College. In 1973, Mugam teacher at Abilov Culture House, Baku.

In 1977, Mugam teacher at A.Zeynally Music College. Concert career started in 1975 on the stage of State Philharmonic society. Gave concerts in Russia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, the USA, Canada, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, France, Australia, India, Iraq, Tunis, Turkey, Iran and many others.

In 1992, was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Republic and in 1998 – People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Republic, president Scholar.In 2000, for his pedagogical activity was awarded the Honorary Diploma of Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan Republic.

In 2001, laureate of “Simurg” Award of National Award Fund. In 2002, laureate of ‘Humay’ National Award. In 2003, laureate of ‘Live on, Azerbaijan’ Award.


Alibaba Mammadov

He was born in 1930, on the 5th of February in Baku, in a settlement of Mashtaga. 1989 received a rank of the national artist of Azerbaijan Republic. Leading role in his life as khanende played original mugam environment of Baku and villages of Absheron peninsula.

During 1953-1958, received music education in Governmental Music School of Azerbaijan in Said Shushinsky’s class. In 1945 was the soloist in Philharmony of Azerbaijan Republic, and in 1978-1988 was the soloist of the “Azconcert union”. In 1968 under Niyazi’s initiative created national folk instruments ensemble “Humayun” over which supervises to this days.

Expanded knowledge in mugam sphere, from the point of art-technical performance manner and eternal search in creativity, is shown in his works.Sound recordings performed by khanende with a great professionalism of mugam dastgahs as “Rast”, ”Bayaty-Shiraz”, ”Rakhab”, ”Dashti” and others are saved in fund of Azerbaijan Radio and Television.

More than 100 masterpieces were created by Alibaba Mammadov are included into many performers’ repertoire: " Yasha Mahabbatim, yasha ureyim", “Gel bize yar”, “Bir denesen” and etc. In 1963 in Baku Music College, since 1988 has been giving classes in average specialized music school named after Bulbul and plays a big role in education of young khanendes.


Alim Gasymov

Alim Gasymov was born in 1957. In 1978-1982 got his education at Asef Zeynally Music College. In 1982-1989 completed his education in M.A.Aliyev Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts. In 1988, received his first award at Samarqand International Festival. Since then, started to perform and promote the art of Mugam worldwide. His professional career is rich of numerous concerts given in various countries, such as the USA, France, Germany, Switzerland, Iran and many others. In 1999, in Aachen, Germany, Alim Gasymov received UNESCO Music Award. In the same year he recorded the compact disc named ‘Deep ocean love’ which was highly popular in Europe and also presented the UNESCO documentary film about him. In 1993, was awarded the title of People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Republic. In the same year, in Paris and in the next year of 1994 – in Houston he was awarded with gold medal.

During the period of 1989-2001 Alim Gasymov edits over 10 compact disks. In 1999, he wins 1st Prize of Samarqand International Festival. Within the framework of partnership with the Aghakhan Fund, the presentation of another documentary film about him and his new compact disk takes place in America. Presently, he is participant of the ‘Silk Road’ Project initiated by the prominent cello player Yo Yo Ma, and member of ‘The Silk Road Ensemble’ consisting of the leading musicians of the world. Since 1989, he is a soloist of Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. On the opera stage he has performed roles of Majnun and Ashig Garib. He’s given solo concerts on the stages of Heydar Aliyev Palace and Philharmonic society in Baku. Teacher and Docent of A.Zeynally Music College.


Aygun Bayramova

A.Bayramova completed her studies in the class of a prominent singer Sh.Alekberova at the Asef Zeynally Baku Music College in 1989. In 1995, she graduated from the Uzeyir Hajibeyov Azerbaijan State Conservatory. In 1989, she was soloist in the Mugam Theatre. Due to her beautiful voice timbre and vocal culture, she is considered a great performer of Azerbaijan national songs, Mugams and modern songs.

Since 2003, she is soloist of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. She brilliantly performed title roles in numerous Mugam operas, such as Leyli in “Leyli and Majnun”, Singer in “Natavan”, Khanende Girl in “Koroghlu”, and Shahsenem in “Ashig Garib”.

As one of the talented representatives of the art of Mugam, A.Bayramova skillfully represented national music in numerous foreign countries and was highly appreciated.

In 2005 she was awarded the title of People’s Artists. She is President Scholar since 2006.


Djanali Akperov

Djanali Akperov was born in 10.03.1940 in village Tukavila in Lenkaran. Khanende, in 1992 was awarded to a rank of national artist of Azerbaijan, became professor in 2008. He was awarded to the medal of honor in 2002. Secrets of Mugam learnt from his father. Musical education got in Baku in Governmental Music School of Azerbaijan Republic.

Learnt and strengthened rules of Mugam from teachers, Said and Khan Shushinsky. Since 1965 is the soloist of Philharmony of Azerbaijan Republic and since 1976 to these days is the soloist of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.Khanende on the scene of this theatre has performed many remembered images of mugam opera -Majnun and Ibn Salam ( in U.Gadzhibekov’s “Leyli and Medjnun”), Shah Ismail (in M.Magomaev’s “Shah Ismail”), Ashyg Garib (in Z.Hajibekov’s “Ashyg Garib”).

He was in tours in many foreign countries; in Germany, Mali, and Austria. He was the participant and the winner of many competitions and festivals. He has won big achievements in the Eastern musical symposium passed in Samarkand and in musical festival of east people passed in Kuybyshov. Dj. Акperov’s repertoire is wide. All mugam dastgaghs performed by him was recorded on vinyl and disks. At present is mugam teacher. He works as the director of chair of mugam arts in Azerbaijan State University of Art and Culture.


Besti Sevdiyeva

Sevdiyeva Besti Sevdiyar gizi was born in 1958 in Baku, Garadagh district. Having a great interest to the national Azerbaijan mugam she started to study mugam from the early ages and worked in the art house. Besti Sevdiyeva became laureate in 1973-1975 in the mugam contest “Okhu tar” held in Baku. Firstly she performed when she was 17 on the scene of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic society named after Muslim Magomayev in the concert of the popular artist of Azerbaijan Islam Rzayev. In 1977 she entered the Azerbaijan State Institute of art named after M.A.Aliyev and graduated from this institute in 1982.

She got education from the popular artist, prim-a-tenor Lutfiyar Imanov at the institute and during her education learned and performed Italian and Russian romances, also arias of Azerbaijan operas written by Azerbaijan composers. Besides, she got mugam classes from the popular artist Gulu Asgerov and Djanali Akperov during her education at the institute. Mugams as “Mirze Huseyn segahi”, “Rast”, “Rahab”, “Humayun”, “Bayaty Gajar” in her performance recorded and are saved in the Azerbaijan State Television Foundation. Also khanende performed a lot of folk, ashyg songs, tasnifs. Khanende together with trio named after Jabbar Garyagdioglu and folk instrumental ensemble named after Bakykhanov has been on tours in many regions of Azerbaijan and in foreign countries as Germany, Turkey, Vietnam and Russia. Besti Sevdiyeva is now a teacher at the Azerbaijan State University of Art and Culture and also performs on the scene of the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater. Besti Sevdiyeva was awarded to the rank of the honored artist of Azerbaijan in 2008.


Hajibaba Huseynov

He was born in 19.03.1919 in Baku and died in 24.10.1993, Baku. Khanende received a rank of the national artist in 1991.

He was grown up in a spiritual family. Since the childhood he started to write Gazal. Despite its undertakings as nagara (drum) player, he became known as the performer of gaval.

He was giving classes for a long time in Governmental Music School of Azerbaijan, was growing up a lot of khanendes. Created by him numerous tasnifs have entered into the inheritance of music and were widespread among the mugam performers.





Islam Rzayev

Islam Rzayev was born on 11th of November in 1934 in village Sardarly, Fuzuli. He died in January 26th in 2008 in Baku. Khanende, is the national artist. He was worthy continuer of Karabakh School. From 1951 to 1956 received professional musical education in Baku in Governmental Music School of Azerbaijan.

He perfectly studied dastgahs of mugam in Seid Shushinsky’s class. He continued his education in the Governmental University of Art and Culture of Azerbaijan Republic, at the same year started activity as soloist in Phillarmony of Azerbaijan. Performed by him with a big talent Chahargah, Bajaty-Kurd, Mahur-Hindi and Rast are saved in fund of Azerbaijan Television and Radio.

He composed a lot of songs, such as – “Gel inad еtме”, “Daglar bаshy”, “Alma deren”. Khanende in his creativity addressed to such products of composers as “Nasimi”, “Ashyg Ali” of Dzhahangir Dzhahangirov.

He was on tours and represented culture of Azerbaijan to more than 70 countries of the world, such as, Colombia, Peru, Cuba, Japan, India and Nepal. Islam Rzayev was known also as organizer. In 1975 he has created ensemble. In 1988, Islam Rzayev together with A.Gaziyev and R.Mirishli created theatre of mugam and became the director of this theatre.


Mansum Ibrahimov

M.Ibrahimov graduated from Baku Music College and Azerbaijan State University of Art and Culture. In 1985, he works at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. Although he made his debut with secondary roles.

Presently Mansum Ibrahimov masterfully performs title roles in most of performances, such as Majnun in ‘Leyli and Majnun,’ Garib in ‘Ashig Garib.’ Jamal in ‘Gelin Gayasy,’ Azan Singer in ‘Sevil’. In 2003, he performed the role of Khanende in ‘Natavan’ opera. Along with his opera career Mansum Ibrahimov is also a brilliant performer of national songs and Mugams as well as the songs by modern composers.

He regularly participates at the state concerts and anniversaries. He praiseworthily represented the art of Azerbaijan Mugam on the stages of such countries as Iran, Turkey, Iraq, France, Luxembourg, Greece, Cyprus, the USA and Canada. Mansum Ibrahimov is also involved in pedagogical activity. He spends great efforts in bringing up young masters of Mugam in Azerbaijan National Conservatory and its Music College.

His alumni already participate successfully at national music contests. Mansum Ibrahimov was awarded the title of Honored Artists in 1998 and People’s Artist in 2005. President Scholar.


Melekkhanym Eyyubova

M. Eyyubova was born on November 5, 1962, in the city of Shamakhy. In 1969-1979, she studied in No 155 Baku Secondary School. She studied playing on accordion in a 5-years music school. She was soloist in the choir under leadership of A.Javanshirov. In 1979-1984, she completed her studies on faculty of ‘Actor of Musical Comedy’ at the M.A.Aliyev Azerbaijan State Arts University. In 1980-1985, along with being soloist of ‘Irs’ Folklore Ensembe at the ‘Ancient Music Theatre,’ and since 1985 – soloist of S.Rustamov National Instruments Orchestra at the Azerbaijan State Television and Radio Programs Company, also performed in J.Garyagdy Mugam Trio.

She has appeared with concert programs in many countries of the world, such as USA, Germany, Australia, France, Turley, Romania, Belarus, Latvia. Sweden, Iran, Iraq, Holland, Belgium, Russia and others. In 1995, she played the title role of Leyli in U.Hajibeyli’s opera ‘Leyli and Majnun’ on the stage of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. Over 10 years she is Docent of Mugam Chair at Azerbaijan State Culture and Arts University. Her Mugam albums were recorded in Germany, France and Turkey. She was awarded the titles of Honored Artists and People’s Artist. President Scholar. Heydar Aliyev Foundation Scholar.


Nazakat Teymurova

She was born on 4th of July, in 1972 in Agdam. Khanende, in 2005 she was awarded to a rank of the national artist of Azerbaijan. During 1991-1995 she got musical education from Narimanov Aliyev in Governmental Music School of Azerbaijan.

From 1995 to 1999 continued education in Governmental Conservatory of Azerbaijan. She got classes from Arif Babayev. Since 1995 is the soloist of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Having performed Leyli–in Leyli and Madjnun, Shahsenem-in Ashyg Garib, Gulbahar-in Galin gayasy, Khanende giz-in Natavan won the love of spectators. Mugam- takes the main place in her repertoire.

Having participated in concerts in many countries of the world: in the USA, Germany, France, Japan, Korea, Iran, Turkey, represented national music of Azerbaijan.



Nuriyye Huseynova

She was born in 1969. Soloist of the Ancient Music Instruments at the Azerbaijan State Museum of Musical Culture. After graduating from the Bulbul Vocational Music School N.Huseynova completed her studies in professional Mugam at Azerbaijan State Conservatory. She thought in A.Zeynally Music College and No 8 Music School.

Since 1994, she is a teacher of the Bulbul Vocational Music School. At the same time, she teaches at the Azerbaijan State Culture and Arts University. N.Huseynova participated in numerous state events with her ensemble.

In 2002, she successfully represented Azerbaijan music arts in the UNESCO concert program in Paris and Strasbourg, France.UNESCO has recorded a special compact disk dedicated to this ensemble.

In 2005, together with her ensemble she gave brilliant performances on ‘The Voices From Our Hearts’ Festival in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and in ‘The Week of Culture of Islamic Countries’ in Istanbul, Turkey. In 2007 she was awarded the title of Honored Artist.


Sakina Ismayilova

Sakina Ismayilova was born in 1956. S.Ismayilova graduated from Asef Zeynally Baku Music School and Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts. In 1980, soloist of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. Performs title roles in majority of Mugam operas, such as Leyli in ‘Leyli and Majnun,’ Asli in ‘Asli and Kerem,’ Gulbahar in ‘Gelin Gayasy,’ Shahsenem in ‘Ashyg Garib’ and others. As an irreplaceable performer of folk songs and Mugams Sakina Ismayilova represented on higher level the Azerbaijan art of Mugam music in numerous countries, such as Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Japan, India, Austria, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Luxembourg, USA and many others.

For the first time in history Sakina Ismayilova has established a women Mugam trio and successfully performed in many countries of the world in recent years. As an experienced master of Mugam music she was always invited to the state events and anniversaries as well as gave solo concerts in Heydar Aliyev Palace and Azerbaijan State Philharmonic society. Sakina Ismayilova is a teacher of Azerbaijan University of Culture and Arts and Azerbaijan National Conservatory. Presently, her students perform successfully in various music ensembles and gain popularity. People’s Artist. President Scholar.


Sekhavet Mammadov

Mammadov Sekhavet was born in 23.10.1953 in village Abdal-Gulably of Agdam and died in 30.09.1991in Baku. He was one of worthy continuers of school of Karabakh Mugam performance. He has come to art since early years. His gentle-sung of tasnifs and folk songs have made him favorite among the people. His professional career began from1970.

Sekhavet Mammadov got his education, first in Governmental Music School of Azerbaijan in mugam class, and then in Azerbaijan State University of Art and Culture. Subtleties of mugam art learnt from the great master of mugam Hajibaba Huseynov.

Except immortalizing traditions of Karabakh khanendes in style of performance, he also differed in original singing. He had unique quality in the performances, especially in such dastgahs of mugam as “Rast”, “Shahnaz”, “Mirza Husein segahy” and also in zarbi mugam tafsirs as “Hejraty”, “Semai-Shams”.

Such songs as “Sary Bulbul”, “Azad bir gushdum” performed by him were widespread among the people. His tours in France, Germany, Israel, Austria, Nicaragua and India have passed with big success. Khanende’s disks made on a basis of mugam and tasnifs have been let out as in Azerbaijan, also in Ukraine and Germany.


Tukazban Ismailova

Tukazban Ismailov was born in Baku on 21st of December, in1923, died on 24th of March in 2008 in Baku. Khanende, received rank of the national artist in 1993. She was awarded to the Medal of Honor in 1998. She achieved Guseingulu Sarabsky’s classes in Governmental Music School of Azerbaijan.

Tukazban Ismailova was the soloist of Phillarmony of Azerbaijan Republic, and also the soloist of Choir of Azerbaijan Radio. Composes of Azerbaijan composers and national songs took a special place in her repertoire. Khanende perfectly performed such mugams as, Gatar, Heyraty, Shahnaz, and Segah.

She has given classes of mugam in the Grammar school of Arts since 1985.






Yagub Mammadov

He was in 05.05.1930 in Agdzhabedi and died in 05.07.2002 in Baku Khanende received a rank of the national artist in1991. In 2nd half 20th centuries he was the prominent representative of mature, average generation of Karabakh school of khanendes.

Y.Mammedov who was grown up in Karabakh, received the first formation in Governmental Music School of Azerbaijan. Popular khanende learnt secrets of art and dastgahs of mugam from Seid Shushinsky and received a profound knowledge about music and poetry.

For many years he was the soloist of the Governmental Phillarmony of Azerbaijan.





Zabit Nabizade

Z.Nabizade completed his studies in 1991-1995 at the ‘Solo Vocal’ faculty of the A.Zeynally Azerbaijan State Music College, in 1996-2000 – at the “Theatre Director” faculty of the Azerbaijan State Culture and Arts University.

Since 2000, he is appointed teacher at the Baku Music College and since 2003 – at Mugam Department of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory.

The singer has represented Azerbaijan praiseworthy in numerous tours to the foreign countries. In 2005 he was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Republic.






Murshud Mammadov

Murshud Mammadov Salim (1929-1996) — Master of Mugam, singer (khananda). The person who scraped his name in thousands of hearts in gold letters and left this world during the blossom of his activities. Murshud Mammadov was born in Muradbayli village in Aghdam district in 1929. He was interested in music from his childhood and often visited and listened to folk songs and mugams sang by talented singers gathered in Ahmad Aghdamsky’s house who was the great singer and lived in neighborhood with little Murshud. He began to croon and sing in a low voice all these folk songs and mugams performed by these great khanendes and singers.

Murshud Mammadov was a winner of festival of Republic Folk Art in Baku in 1955. Afterwards Seyid Shushinsky recommended him to move to the capital –Baku where he could represent himself and amaze Azerbaijan people with his wonderful burning voice and style of performance. Finally, Murshud Mammadov became the soloist of “AzKonsert” performing within Azerbaijan State Philharmonic.

Murshud Mammadov was a very talented singer (khanende) and a student he studied the secrets of Mugam and ways of Mugam from his teacher Seyid Shushinsky and became a very effective and dignified student, since he gained popularity very soon. Seyid Shushinsky noticed Murshud’s talent and announced him as his successor, maybe this is the reason why he presented him with his “Gold Gaval” that he was presented by his teacher Jabbar Garyagdiogly several years ago. Murshud Mammadov was the laureate of All-Union Folk art festival held in Moscow in 1958. The master of Mugam taught in Mugam School and trained several students during the last years of hic proud life. He honestly taught the secrets of Mugam to his students with pleasure in order to grow more talented khanendes in Azerbaijan. Meanwhile he tested himself also as an actor on the stage of Opera and Ballet Theatre in Baku and also achieved great success and remained in memoires with his performance as Ibn-Sina and Zeyd in “Leyli and Majnun”. He dedicated more than 30 years of his life to this art as a master of Migam (Khanende). Murshud M. always valued the art he chose and respected it deeply in his heart and did his best to own the deepest notes of Mugam and teach them to his students, so he gave his sensitive feelings to our Great Mugam for all his life. Now we are proud to say that Murshud Mammadov was the fantastic performer of such Mugams as “Rast”, ”Segah zabul”, ”Gatar”, ”Bayatı Shiraz”, ”Mansuriyya”, ”Karabakh shikastasi”. Currently the Mugams he performed are keeping in Gold Stock of Azerbaijan Republic and within the Karabakh Khanendes album created under the support of UNESCO.