Mugham (Azerbaijani music)

Mugham is a traditional Azerbaijani musical genre that combines intricate improvisation, poetic lyrics, and modal systems to evoke deep emotional expression. Rooted in centuries-old cultural practices, it features improvisational performances typically involving vocal and instrumental elements like the tar, kamancha, and outros. Mugham's structure is based on complex scales called modes (mugham modes), which guide the melodic development and evoke specific mood cycles. It is both a spiritual and artistic expression, often performed at religious, cultural, or social gatherings, and is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.