Iran's Regional Music

Iran is a country made up of countless cultural group, each with their own music and traditions! Let's explore some of the major regions of Iran and their unique music. These different musical styles are characterized by specific instruments and rhythms that have been passed down through these groups for generations.

Gilan and Mazandaran: The Caspian Coast

• Overview:

  • a mountainous region bordering the Caspian Sea, known for farming and fishing.

• Instruments:

  • Kamancheh (bowed fiddle)

  • dotar (a type of stringed instrument used in Mazandaran)

  • laleva (end-blown flute)

  • ney labak (shepherd’s flute)

• Musical Style:

  • Polyphony, with multiple singers

  • Fast and danceable beats, often in 6/8

Kermanshah, Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan: Kurdish Regions

• Overview:

  • Mountainous landscape, nomadic lifestyle

• Instruments:

  • tanbur (a sacred lute)

  • daf (large drum)

• Musical Style:

  • Emotional and chant-like singing

  • Complex time signatures such as 5/8, 7/8, and 10/8

Balochistan: Southeast

• Overview:

  • Land and culture tied to Pakistan and Afghanistan

• Instruments:

  • Sorud (bowed spike fiddle)

  • Benju (South Asian zither)

  • doholak (two-headed drum)

• Musical Style:

  • High and raw singing, often solo or with drum

  • Fast and syncopated dance rhythms