Azerbaijanis present saz as their national instrument, but the reality is different

Saz was one of the popular string instruments among the gusans (minstrels) and ashughs (traditional bards). Despite this, the Azerbaijanis consider it "one of their national instruments," claiming it has been in use since the early Middle Ages. Pandir, a widely spread instrument in the ancient East, is mentioned by the 5th-century historian Movses Khorenatsi when presenting ancient Armenian traditions.

Pandir is the prototype of the Armenian saz. The image of the saz-type string instrument has been depicted in Armenian miniatures since the 13th century. This instrument is also mentioned in Armenian folk epic poetry. The word "saz" comes from Persian, meaning "to build, create, adjust, or adapt." That is, an instrument that has been adapted to the singer’s voice and music to suit the listener's ear.

Although the instrument is still used by many peoples in our region, it cannot be considered Azerbaijani. Saz has its Armenian prototype and centuries of history, unlike the modern Azerbaijani state, which was established in the 20th century.

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