Kharibulbul – The Symbol of Karabakh
Azerbaijan’s nature and culture are inseparable from each other. Like our mountains, rivers, and forests, our flowers have also left a mark in the memory of our people. The Kharibulbul flower, which grows in the mountains of Karabakh, is not just a flower but also a symbol of our people’s cultural heritage, love, and longing for their homeland. This rare flower has been a symbol of Shusha and Karabakh for centuries, occupying a special place in both poetry and music, as well as in the collective memory of the people. In Azerbaijan’s folk songs and the poems of poets, this flower is glorified as a symbol of longing and beauty.
Kharibulbul is a very rare flower that grows in the mountainous regions of Karabakh. Its petals are shaped in such a way that it appears as if a bird has spread its wings to kiss. For this reason, the flower has been accepted in the folk culture as a symbol of love and loyalty.
There are many legends about Kharibulbul among the people. One of them says that this flower emerged from the pure love between a prince and a poor girl. The tears of the lovers, who were doomed to separation, fell onto the land of Karabakh, and the Kharibulbul flower bloomed in that spot. Therefore, this flower is considered a symbol of pure love and patriotism.
For many years, the lands of Karabakh remained under occupation, and our people could only see Kharibulbul in pictures and memories. It symbolized the longing for the lost homeland. However, in 2020, Karabakh was liberated, and Kharibulbul blossomed once again in its homeland. It now lives in our history as a symbol of love, loyalty, homeland longing, and the rebirth brought by the joy of freedom. Today, the “Kharibulbul Music Festival” held in Shusha showcases not only the liberation of Karabakh but also the revival of this flower to the world. Kharibulbul, together with Karabakh, embodies our freedom, pride, and national heritage.
