There were written few things about Akhtachi hamlet despite being one of large abodes of Shirvan region of Azerbaijan and thereby stayed beyond studies of ethnographers and folklore studies. Zaki Validi linked Akhtachi hamlet with Oghuz wrote that they possessed wide lands and dominated Tumens. Gagali Village of Agsu region is one of the villages which have Akhtachi hamlet. In this Turkish abode the population of which were engaged historically in cropping in winter, summer and spring pastures, some folklore samples are special. The analyses of oturma (rite due to which local people stay awake during the whole night) and passing of animals over bonfire like people provides opportunity to see the importance of Akhir Chranshanba ceremony in example of this place. MIRAS Social Organization in Support of Studying of Cultural Heritage, Heritage Travel MMC, Sarili MMC and Caban Qar MMC plan to hold 1st International Tarakama Charshanba Folklore Festival in Gagali Village of Agsu region during last Tuesday (charshanba) of each year. The event is supported by ANAS Institute of Folklore and Agsu region Executive Power.
The term of the festival will be 2 nights and 3 days. It is possible to take part in cultural programs of various folklore groups within the festival, join exhibition-fair, to follow oturma rite and akhir charshanba bonfires and Agsu tour. Being in touch with villagers, tasting rural food, taking interesting photos of the village, doing folklore studies will be available at the festival. Folklore groups of different countries, cultural facilities and tourism companies wishing to promote and introduce their traditions of spring are invited to join to the festival.

Tour price - 75 AZN

Tour program:
16 March 2015

08:00 – Gathering (Sumgayit exit of 20 January Metro Station)
11:00 – Opening ceremony of Festival and Exhibition in Gagali Village of Agsu region
13.00 - Lunch
14.30-19.00 – Performance of different folklore groups (group names and hours will be announced a week before the festival). Familiarization with hand works and shopping
19.00 - Dinner
20.00 – Accommodation in village houses and overnight

17 March 2015
08.00 - Breakfast
09.00 – Exhibition and visiting Agsu Monuments as a group
10.00-18.00 – Performance of various folklore groups (group names and hours will be announced a week before the festival). Familiarization with hand works and shopping
18.00-19.00 - Dinner
19.00-20.00 – Bonfire is burnt. Wish lanterns are thrown on the sky.
20.00-05.00 – People will sit the whole night in the village. The settlers sit till the morning for their wishes due to the traditions. The tour participants will stay together with the village settlers and join them. The people who unwillingly sleep on that night will be sewn onto their mattress. During that night there will be retold epos and tales, various games played and legends heard. There will be different games (mafia, backgammon, lotto,etc.) and competitions.
05.00-07.00- Tarakama charshanba starts before dawn. All domestic animals are brought to the charshanba. Laterall participants also join the the charshanba.
08:00 - Breakfast (traditional table set)

09:00-12.00 – Free time
12.00 – Departure to Baku
Prices includes:
bus service
2-night overnight in village
2 breakfasts, 2 dinner and tea breaks during oturma
Professional guides
Professional photography

Contact:
Address: 15 Ahmad Javad Street, City Centre 3rd floor, Baku, Azerbaijan
Tel: 012 408 92 25
Email: azheritagetravel@gmail.com