Today, bonfires are lit in Azerbaijan to commemorate the first Tuesday before Novruz, "Su Chershenbesi." Although the day passes as usual, many people's thoughts inevitably return to past holidays.
In recent years, there has been a significant weakening of the former festive atmosphere. Traditions that once lasted for days in homes, bringing families and neighbors together, are now often perceived simply as a day marked on the calendar.
So what has changed? Why have the customs and traditions that once united people lost their former power?
In an interview with Yeniavaz.com, sociologist Mail Yagub noted that these changes are directly related to modern lifestyles:
"As a result of increased opportunities for entertainment and the influence of foreign cultures, national traditions have gradually begun to be forgotten. Previously, people celebrated the holiday once or twice a year and looked forward to it with great anticipation. Sweets and dishes associated with the holiday were prepared only during the holiday. But now these dishes and sweets are prepared almost every week. People no longer look forward to the holiday as eagerly as they once did."
Mail Yagub
The sociologist notes that preserving these values, which form the foundation of a nation's identity, is of paramount importance:
"National customs and traditions are one of the main factors determining a nation's identity. If these values are forgotten, national identity will also weaken. In a globalized world, preserving national identity is even more important. One of the main elements shaping this identity is language, and another is customs and traditions."
Mail Yagub believes that to preserve national values, it is important to promote them more widely:
"We must promote our customs and traditions through television, social media, and other platforms. The more we promote them, the more these values will live on. We must not allow them to be forgotten. Because these traditions are an integral part of our spirituality."
Farida Asadzade
Tətbiqimizi yükləyə bilərsiniz
