The role of music as a tool for cultural diplomacy during and after the ussr period in the development process of azerbaijan-turkey relations

Abstract

The concept of public diplomacy, which is used as an important instrument in many countries’ foreign policy, generally refers to the provision of the communication activities between the foreign country’s people and institutions and that of the home country. The basis of public diplomacy with all aspects relies on the countries’ use of their soft power. Subjects like the media, culture, arts, science, sports, and education are the tools of soft power. It is known that many countries using public diplomacy particularly conduct musical activities with this purpose. In this regard, culture and art diplomacy became prominent among Turkish groups within the Soviet Union during the USSR Era, when ideological limitations were intense. In this process, the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey constitute a special example. The concerts that were given by Turkish artists in Azerbaijan and, likewise, the ones given by Azerbaijani artists in Turkey, which had great appeal by the people, were significant activities in terms of public diplomacy. Indeed, the developments in music and arts field gained a new pace in both countries following the convergence between Turkey and Azerbaijan since 1990, when the disintegration process of the Soviet Union accelerated. The increase observed in the number of concerts given by both countries’ artists and joint music albums made a significant contribution to the refreshment of emotional bonds.