Ashoughs and poets in the 17th–19th Eastern Armenian and Iranian café houses

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34680/urbis-2024-4(2)-217-226

Tatevik Saroyan

Yerevan State University History Museum, Yerevan, Armenia Mesrop Mashtots Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, Yerevan, Armenia
[email protected]
ORCID: 0009-0002-2904-9222

ABSTRACT

The study endeavors to examine the dynamics of movement, posture, and social interactions within cafés operating in the two neighboring countries during the 17th to 19th centuries. These establishments, which began their global spread in the 17th century, served as quintessential gathering places for men in Eastern societies, where various discussions took place amidst the accompaniment of ashough music and poetic recitations. They were venues where the intellectual and creative figures of the era – writers, musicians, and artists – regarded cafés as the ideal platform for self-expression, thus becoming the centres of contemporary performances, festivities, and multicultural exchanges. Due to the deepening cultural relations, artists from neighboring regions, such as Iran and Armenia, frequently performed in cafés across both countries, thereby fostering a reciprocal exchange of artistic expression. This is why many Armenian public figures of the time – musicians and writers enjoyed recognition in Iran and possessed knowledge of the Persian language. Similarly, a comparable environment was established in cafés operating within Armenia, where prominent Persian artists showcased their talents. Nevertheless, with hanging times and the evolving nature of artistic expression, cafés gradually lost their prestige as primary centers of entertainment. They transformed into more inclusive spaces frequented by the general public. Today, they continue to serve as venues for live music, book presentations, and lectures, retaining a legacy of cultural significance.

KEYWORDS: Armenia, Iran, café, ashough, poet, art, literature, music, poetry.

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Information about the author
Tatevik E. Saroyan
Ph. D. student of the Matenadaran
Mesrop Mashtots Research Institute
of Ancient Manuscripts
Yerevan State University History Museum
1, Alex Manoogian St.,
Yerevan, 0025, Armenia
ORCID: 0009-0002-2904-9222

e-mail: [email protected]

For citation:
Saroyan, T. E. (2024). Ashoughs and poets in the 17th–19th Eastern Armenian and Iranian café houses. Urbis et Orbis. Microhistory and Semiotics of the City, 4(2), 217-226. https://doi.org/10.34680/urbis-2024-4(2)-217-226