The head of the Western Azerbaijani Art Institute criticized the attitude of local people to local Ashiks and said that this approach prevented artists, especially Ashik, from being recognized abroad.

Ehed Hushmend spoke to the ISNA news agency on the subject.

Hushmend; “The music of Ashiks is part of Urmia’s list of intangible cultural heritage. The only music in the field of art listed on the Urmia national list. Ashik music is considered folk music. This music has passed from generation to generation.

At present, there are about 100 master Ashiks in West Azerbaijan. Mostly these Ashiks reside in Urmiye, Maki, Salmas, Sulduz, Goşacay and Hoy. Among the people in Urmia there are more than 30 epos as the center of Turkish folklore epics, but they are forgotten because they are not registered. With all of this in mind, I believe that special attention should be paid to the art of Ashiks. ”

According to Hakmend, the indifference of the government to the arts sector has a negative effect on the tourism sector of the region.

Hushmend; “Repairs and restoration work in the graves of important poets, architects and art figures have a positive impact on the tourism sector and ultimately on the economy of the region. Unfortunately, no work is done on this area, and the art figures on the ground, especially the artists, are not recognized at the country level. However, we must use all opportunities to attract domestic and foreign tourists. The introduction of Ashiks music can play a major role in attracting tourists to the region. But this music is not so popular in foreign countries, even in our country, “he added, emphasizing the contribution of art to the development of the country.
The saz-talkers, known as the Ashiks of the Turkish world, have great preferences in preserving the culture and civilization of the Turkish nation and transferring it to generations.
The main reason behind the reaction and irrelevance of the Iranian regime to intellectual music is to prevent the new generation of Turkish youth from learning the history and culture by attacking and destroying the cultures of the Turks.