Tanbur
۲۰ مهر ۱۴۰۳ ۱۴۰۳-۰۷-۲۰ ۱۳:۵۹Tanbur
Tanbur: The Sacred Stringed Instrument of Persian Mysticism
The Tanbur resonates as one of humanity’s oldest spiritual instruments, its metallic strings vibrating with three millennia of Persian mystical tradition. Revered in western Iran’s Yarsan and Sufi communities, this long-necked lute doesn’t merely produce music—it channels divine connection through every plucked note.
Echoes from Antiquity: The Tanbur’s Timeless Legacy
Archaeological evidence reveals the tanbur’s ancestors in ancient Mesopotamia (2000 BCE), while Persian miniatures depict its use in Sassanian courts (224-651 CE). Today, it remains the soul instrument of western Iran’s spiritual traditions:
Key Historical Periods:
- Pre-Islamic Era: Used in Zoroastrian rituals
- Middle Ages: Central to Kurdish Ahl-e Haqq ceremonies
- 20th Century: Transition from sacred to concert settings
Crafting the Divine Sound: Tanbur Anatomy
Every element of the tanbur’s construction serves its spiritual purpose:
Sacred Components:
- Body: Carved from single block of mulberry (80-90cm length)
- Neck: 14-17 tied frets (nylon or gut) for microtonal precision
- Strings: 2-3 steel strings (0.20-0.30mm gauge)
- Decoration: Sacred geometry carvings and bone inlays
The Mystic’s Technique: Playing the Tanbur
The Tanbur in Sacred and Folk Traditions
Yarsan Rituals
In Ahl-e Haqq ceremonies, the tanbur:
- Accompanies kalams (hymn recitations)
- Induces meditative hal (spiritual states)
- Performs Daftari repertoire (sacred cycles)
Regional Folk Styles
- Kurdish: Fast shikhani dance rhythms
- Luri: Lyrical sorna accompaniments
- Classical: Radif-based improvisations
Masters of the Sacred Strings
Ostad Seyed Khalil Alinejad (1934-2001)
The undisputed Pir-e Tanbur (Master of Tanbur) who:
- Systemized playing techniques
- Preserved ancient maqam traditions
- Mentored generations of players
Ali Akbar Moradi (b. 1957)
Modern innovator known for:
- Fusion projects with global artists
- Development of tanbur-e sonnati (classical style)
- UNESCO-recognized contributions
The Living Tradition
Today’s tanbur renaissance includes:
- Academic programs at Kermanshah University
- International tanbur festivals
- Youth ensembles blending tradition with innovation
Begin Your Journey: Listen to Alinejad’s Maqam-e Khizestani or explore workshops at the House of Mystic Arts to experience this ancient instrument’s transformative power.
