Fascinating Traditional Music of Iran

Like other historical countries and travel destinations in the world, Iran is home to numerous and varied UNESCO natural, cultural and intangible heritage sites leaving every visitor in wonder. Each traveler spends so much time on exploring monumental sites that may miss getting acquainted to other amazing aspects of Iranian culture like its traditional music which is inscribed as an intangible UNESCO world heritage.

Tonbak, Iranian percussion instrument  

The illustrative and written evidences left from ancient times prove that Iranian traditional music played an important role in Sassanid government (1800 years ago) especially in their festivals and rituals. The official Iranian music system was managed and registered during Safavid dynasty ( 400 years ago). Iranian traditional music system consists of a complete and masterly verity of melodic figures and tonal spaces named Dastagah and Radif. These pieces are played with fabulous percussion, stringed and wind instruments such as Setar, Dotar, Tonbak and Ney, each with its own ancient background and magical sound. 

       

Setar, Iranian music instrument

The miraculous Iranian music is the expressive sound of love, sorrow or joy at its most modest manner which is played by music masters who deeply believe in what the music piece exposes. It is said that Iranian music should be listened to by heart and soul and the smooth rhythm should be followed as an abstract narrative by the mind of the listener. So do not forget to look for some Iranian traditional music, this fabulous aspect of Persian art and culture while you travel in Iran. 

Ney, Iranian wind instrument