Azerbaijani Wedding Traditions as Carriers of National Values

The Azerbaijani people, in addition to possessing a rich and deep-rooted cultural heritage, have developed profound spiritual values related to family and marital relations. One of the most vivid reflections of these values can be seen in wedding ceremonies. This article examines traditional Azerbaijani wedding customs within a historical and ethnographic context, addressing the religious, social, and ideological factors that have influenced their formation. The study analyzes the stages of the wedding ceremony—including matchmaking, engagement, the henna night, religious marriage (kebin), the wedding day, and post-wedding rituals—in a chronological sequence. Particular attention is given to the impact of Soviet ideology on wedding practices, the synthesis of pre-Islamic and Islamic beliefs in these ceremonies, and the transformations they have undergone in the modern era. In addition, the article interprets the symbolic elements, folkloric motifs, and musical and dance traditions present in wedding rituals from an ethnographic perspective. Through the cultural codes, aesthetic perceptions, and ritual dramaturgy embodied in these ceremonies, valuable insights can be gained into the worldview, religious mentality, and social relations of the people. Moreover, the study evaluates the social function of the family institution and its role in preserving national identity. The analysis shows that wedding ceremonies are not merely social events but serve as vital instruments for maintaining the collective memory, spiritual world, and national identity of the people.