Yalli (Kochari, Tenzere) – traditional group dances of Nakhchivan

Yalli represents a collection of traditional group dances based entirely on collective performance, symbolizing social cohesion and unity. Typically performed in a circle, chain, or line, the dancers hold hands or shoulders, moving in a synchronised rhythm. These dances are often playful and pantomimic, incorporating movements that imitate animals or natural phenomena. More than just a form of entertainment, Yalli is a participatory cultural practice in which people of different ages and backgrounds come together during festivities, reinforcing a sense of shared identity and community belonging through collective movement.