The history of dutar

The history of dutar

Uzbek dutar

• The origin of Central Asian musical instruments with its roots goes back to antiquity. Pictures of instruments on stone reliefs and small plastic, objects of art, wall paintings indicate that the main centers of music culture were Sogd and Bactria. Mediaeval miniature and classical poetry of the East also provide extensive information about the basic types of instruments that existed at that time, and still exist in Central Asia, including Uzbekistan. While you’re traveling around Uzbekistan, you will have a unique opportunity to listen and enjoy the wonderful play on dutar.

History of dutar

• An ancient Persian instrument from the family of tunburs, widely distributed among Chinese Uighurs, in Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan - is dutar or dutor.
• The first evidence of the instrument appeared in the 15th century, among which the statuette "itinerant musicians Bakhshi" and the manuscript Toprak-Kala were. 

Uzbek dutar: general description

• Dutar just like in Uzbekistan is a string musical instrument. The word comes from two Iranian words: du - two, tar - string. Usually the length of dutar is 1 or 2 meters. It is shaped like a pear and has a strongly elongated neck with a fingerboard. The instrument appeared around the 15th century among the herders. 

Therefore, the first strings for dutar were made from the guts of animals. Later the strings were made from twisted silk. Now masters use silk or nylon. The case is made of mulberry, and is encrusted with bone.

• Therefore, the first strings for dutar were made from the guts of animals. Later the strings were made from twisted silk. Now masters use silk or nylon. The case is made of mulberry, and is encrusted with bone.
• When Uzbek dutar is ready, it is left to dry in the hot Central Asian sun during the summer, that, according to the masters’ opinion, gives the instrument its unique sound.

Thank you for your attention!