Baskir Song Bridges Tradition and Modernity Through Music

Bashkort ethno-pop trio Ay Yola has gained global attention with their hit single “Homay,” blending folklore with modern electronic sounds. Released on March 14, 2025, the song topped charts in Central Asia and found audiences in Turkey and Europe.

The group’s name, Ay Yola, means “the set of rules of the universe” in Bashkort, a Turkic Kipchak language, reflecting values like respect, kindness, and protection. Member Rinat Ramazanov explains: “Do not kill. Do not steal. Respect your elders. Protect the younger ones.” These principles shape “Homay,” which honors Bashkort heritage while reinforcing timeless values.

At its core, “Homay” pays tribute to Humay, a legendary bird of happiness in Bashkort mythology. The lyrics explore identity and connection to one's roots:

Tamyrzarym mineñ horay / Yänem dä, qanym dä horay / Borongö khäter horay / “Kem bula ul Homay?”

My roots are asking / My soul and blood are asking / the ancient memory is asking / “Who is Homay?”

This opening sets up the song’s theme: understanding and preserving cultural heritage. Humay emerges as more than a mythical figure—she represents purity, wisdom, and protection, values passed through generations. Through her story, the song emphasizes that cultural identity is not just inherited but actively upheld and renewed over time.

The lyrics link Humay to the Sun and life-giving waters:

Homayzyñ äsähe lä Qoyaş, Yänshishmälä indergän / Atahy uñyn Samrau / Samrau, Yaqshyğa kündergän

Homay’s mother is the Sun, Yänshishmälä indergän / She bathed her in the spring of life / Her father is Samrau / He guided her toward kindness.

Her sacred lineage positions her as a guide and protector. She is also depicted as keeper of the magical Akbuzat horse and the diamond sword, reinforcing her strength and wisdom. These elements connect her mythological role to the real-world importance of safeguarding traditions and values.

The song closes by comparing Humay to modern Bashkort women—the “stars of Homay.” This metaphor links past and present, showing cultural identity as a living force passed through generations.

More than a melody, “Homay” underscores the importance of heritage. Its themes resonate beyond Bashkort listeners, demonstrating how cultural stories, when told through music, transcend borders. The song’s success highlights the universal power of storytelling and the deep human need to stay connected to one’s roots.

Ay Yola describes themselves as “a bridge between past and present,” a sentiment reflected in message and growing international appeal of “Homay.”