An analysis of research conducted in the field of organology in Azerbaijan

Abstract

This study examines the historical development, current state, and future directions of research conducted in the field of organology in Azerbaijan. Organology contributes to the preservation and transmission of musical instruments by studying them in their historical and cultural contexts. Such research highlights the value of traditional musical instruments and practices, thereby emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage. The article is significant in tracking the developmental stages of studies in the discipline of organology in Azerbaijan. The aim of this research is to examine the historical development, present condition, and future trends of studies conducted in the field of organology in Azerbaijan; to reveal the evolutionary processes and key milestones of the discipline from its inception to the present; and to evaluate the diversity of methodological approaches by examining how the methods and models used in this field have evolved. The study addresses key questions such as which factors influenced the development of organology in Azerbaijan, which instruments came to the forefront during this process, how musical instruments were classified, and what kinds of research have been conducted in the field of organology. A qualitative research method was adopted for the study. Data were collected to understand and explain the historical development of organology within the context of Azerbaijani music history. A literature review was conducted, and academic articles, books, and other sources written on organology were examined, allowing a review of the current body of knowledge in the field. Foundational and contemporary academic books on organology and musical instruments, comprehensive sources on music history, research articles on the evolution of organology and instruments, as well as relevant local and international symposium proceedings, were evaluated as documents. Historical processes were analyzed, and the historical developmental stages of organology—namely the initial, developmental, classical, and modern periods—were identified.