Ashig Alasgar was born in 1821 in Aghkilsa village of Goycha mahal in the Iravan Khanate. His father, Alimammad, was a carpenter and an amateur poet known for his gerayli, qoshma, and bayati compositions. Ashiq Alasgar was the eldest child in the family and due to financial difficulties, he began working on the farm of the wealthy landowner Karbalayi Gurban at the age of 14. He spent his childhood in the village of Aghkilsa and was unable to receive an education.

The family environment and his father’s creativity had a great influence on Alasgar. Since childhood, he was distinguished by his strong memory and storytelling skills, so he participated in most of the events held in his village. He was able to memorize most of the ashig epics of that period.

Ashig Alasgar’s mentor was Ashig Ali. After years of training, he gained fame by defeating his mentor in a lyrical duel during a wedding ceremony in his village and this achievement brought him recognition across Goycha and neighboring regions. Thus, he actively participated in many important wedding ceremonies held in the regions of Iravan, Nakhchivan, Gazakh, Karabakh, Javanshir, Ganja and Kalbajar. Alasgar also gained popularity in Turkey, Iran and Dagestan.

In 1918–1919, during the Armenian aggression, Ashig Alasgar was forced to leave his homeland and sought refuge in Kalbajar and later Tartar. In 1921, he returned to Aghkilsa and lived there until the end of his life. He died in Aghkilsa on March 7, 1926.

In 1972, the 150th anniversary of Ashig Alasgar’s birth was widely celebrated, and a majestic monument was erected at his grave in Aghkilsa village of the Basarkechar district. However, after the mass deportation of Azerbaijanis from Western Azerbaijan, Armenian vandals desecrated his grave and destroyed the monument.

Ashig Alasgar’s legacy remains highly valued in modern times. In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated November 30, 2021, a monument to Ashig Alasgar was erected in Baku, and the opening ceremony of the monument took place on September 30, 2024.

Sources:
E. Əlibəyzadə. Aşıq Ələsgər. Bakı: Elm, 1971
Aşıq Ələsgər: Seçilmiş əsərləri. Bakı: Yazıçı, 1988