ashugh Shirin

Born in the village of Koghb (Armenia). He went blind at the age of two. He was a pupil of the ashugh Bave of Alexandropol, then perfected his art in Karin under the ashugh Espi and received the title of master (varpet). For his wonderful voice and heartfelt singing he was named Shirin (Turkish for "sweet"). He lived and composed in Vagharshapat. Four dozen of his Armenian songs and more than 100 of his Turkish songs have come down to us. His first songs were published in 1850 in Gabriel Patkanyan's newspaper "Ararat", and then in "Bazmavep". The first collection of the ashugh's songs appeared in 1856, and the second in 1891. He died in Vagharshapat.