Iran Press/ Iran news: Iran possesses hundreds of traditional instruments, mostly string and percussion instruments. Most of them spread to the whole region under the Persian Empires, up to Europe and Asia thanks to the Silk Road merchants.
Persian traditional musical instruments are rooted in Iran's old history
The history of Persian Music
Archaeological evidence shows that the development of music in Iran finds its origin in its first civilizations. Instruments, texts, and paintings testify to the emergence of musicians as far as the Elam civilization. Even if we have a few pieces of information about the tradition of music under the great Persian Empire of the Achaemenids, we know that it was already a central part of the court's life. In Iranian mythology, the glorious king Jamshid is credited for the invention of music.
A Persian miniature painting depicts Daf
It was during the Sassanid era that Persian music finds its authentic roots, and many documents from this period testify to its importance. Musicians are depicted, for instance, in several Sassanian bas-reliefs, such as Taq-e Bostan, in Kermanshah. At that time, music was not simple entertainment for the court but was seen as a way for men to communicate with God.
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Many famous musicians lived in the Sassanian court, among which one of the founding fathers of Iranian music, Barbad. This highly respected poet and musician played for king Khoswro II and he is considered the inventor of the musical tradition, as we know it today.
Daf Instrument
The Daf is a round frame drum with metal ringlets attached to it. Originally the instrument of Kurdistan's Sufis, it usually accompanies singers and players of tanbur, setar, and other instruments. Daf is one of the most popular Iranian instruments which has become very popular among Iranian artists.
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It consists of a circular wooden frame with metal ringlets around it. A thin animal skin which is usually cow, goat, and horse skin is glued on the frame to keep the frame tightly. Daf players usually hold it with their left hand and then tap on the skin with their right hand in a regular fashion to create music.
This instrument is mostly used among Asian more than in other parts of the world, and each country plays it according to its musical culture. Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, and Oman and other countries such as Turkey, Iraq and Azerbaijan, are some places where Daf playing is common.
Daf is usually paired with other Iranian traditional musical instruments
Playing Daf (Dafnavazi) among Kurdish people especially those who live in Kurdistan and Kermanshah provinces has a very special place. The popularity of Daf among Kurdish is due to the existence of mystical rituals in this area; many people there have basic familiarity with this musical instrument.
A traditional music concert
Famous Daf players in Iran are Bijan Kamkar and Massoud Habibi; Bijan Kamkar has played a significant role in introducing the instrument to the world.
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