Tajik Dance and music
Tajik dance and music
Tajik dance and music are a vital part of the country’s cultural heritage. Tajikistan has many different types of traditional Tajik dances, each with its own unique style and meaning. While Tajik music is characterized by its rich history and diverse influences. It combines elements of traditional Central Asian music with Persian and Indian influences.
Tajik Dance
Tajik dance is a beautiful and important part of the country’s culture, reflecting the history and traditions of its people. There are are some of the most popular dances such as falak, Lazgi, tandircha. Dance in Tajikistan plays an important role in preserving the country’s cultural heritage and traditions. There are many dance groups and schools throughout Tajikistan that are dedicated to teaching traditional dance to younger generations.
Tajik Dance types
Falak dance is performed in a circle. It is often accompanied by singing and the playing of traditional instruments such as the doira (a type of drum) and the surnai (a type of flute). The dance is characterized by slow, graceful movements.
Next, lazgi dance is a fast-paced dance that is often performed by men. It is characterized by quick footwork and intricate movements. The dance is often accompanied by the playing of the dutor (a type of lute) and the doira.
Additionally, tandircha dance is often performed by women. It involves balancing a pot on the head while dancing and is often accompanied by singing. The dance is meant to symbolize the difficult work that women do in the kitchen.
Tajik dance costums and perfermance
Traditional Tajik dance costumes are often colorful and elaborate, featuring intricate patterns and embroidery. Women’s costumes often include long, flowing skirts and scarves, while men’s costumes may include embroidered vests and wide pants.
Tajik dance is mainly performed at weddings, festivals, and other celebrations. The dances are usually performed in groups, with the performers moving in unison to the music. Many Tajik dances also include a vocal component, with singers accompanying the music.
Tajik Music
Tajikistan is rich musical heritage that reflects its cultural diversity and influences from neighboring regions such as Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Traditional Tajik music is characterized by its poetic lyrics, intricate melodies, and the use of various musical instruments.
Modern music in Tajikistan incorporates Western instruments such as the guitar, keyboard, and drum set. Contemporary Tajik music also draws influences from pop, rock, and rap music, and has become increasingly popular in recent years. Some notable Tajik musicians include Abduvali Abdurashidov, a master of the tanbur and a UNESCO award-winning artist, and Shabnam Surayo, a popular singer and performer known for her fusion of traditional and modern Tajik music.
Tajikistan Musical instruments
One of the most popular instruments in Tajik music is the tanbur, a long-necked lute with three or four strings that is played using a plectrum. The tanbur is considered the national instrument of Tajikistan and is often used in classical and folk music. Other stringed instruments commonly used in Tajik music include the rubab, a short-necked lute, and the ghijak, a bowed instrument. Percussion instruments are also an essential part of Tajik music, with the doyra being the most popular. The doyra is a frame drum with jingles that are played with the hands, and it is used in a variety of musical styles, including folk and religious music.
See also Music and Dance from neighbouring countries
Page updated: 22.2.2023
