TEHRAN — Alireza Izadi, Director of the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, emphasized that the traditional musical instrument rabab has ancient and valuable roots, especially in eastern Iran. Located in Sistan-Baluchestan province.
Speaking at a recent event, Mr. Izadi highlighted the upcoming National Council of Intangible Heritage Registration Conference organized by the ministry’s Sistan Baluchestan branch in Chabahar. He praised the efforts of local authorities in organizing the event.
He said one of the main objectives of the gathering was to celebrate and announce UNESCO’s certificate of recognition for rabab, which was formally recognized as an element of intangible cultural heritage at a meeting held in Paraguay earlier this year. He explained.
With deep cultural significance, rabab has long been an important part of the region’s heritage. Izadi said its rich history goes back to Sistan-Baluchestan and the Baluch ethnic community, where the instrument’s unique craftsmanship and playing methods have been preserved over generations.
The Rabab’s inclusion on the UNESCO list is a joint effort between Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as the two countries share common traditions in the construction and performance techniques of the instrument.
Izadi said Rabab’s recognition as a World Heritage Site element not only highlights the region’s rich musical tradition but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving such cultural treasures. he pointed out. He emphasized the role of cultural heritage in promoting tourism and disseminating Sistan-Baluchestan’s deep-rooted values and ancient music to the world.
Known for its deeply resonant tone, the rabab is often played during important occasions such as weddings, funerals, social gatherings, and ritual healings. It also plays an important role in orchestral and contemporary music, and is frequently featured in multinational ensembles.
The UN cultural agency also praised the art of making and performing rabab for its role in promoting cultural and social cohesion across borders, especially within immigrant communities. “Rabab has become a bridge of cultural exchange and solidarity, linking traditions across borders,” UNESCO said.
Rabab crafts combine carpentry, wood carving, marquetry and inlay, and are usually passed down through generations as family traditions. Although this instrument is primarily played by men, playing the instrument is open to people of all genders, ages, and ethnicities. Rabab is also deeply woven into the fabric of local literature, with many poems and myths associated with Rabab, often shared by elders at community gatherings.
Rabab’s influence extends beyond this region. It is believed that it arrived in Europe through two main routes. One is a pear-shaped variety adopted by the Byzantine Empire in the 9th century and developed into the medieval lyre, and the other is a ship-shaped variety brought to Spain by the Arabs in the 11th century. , which influenced European rebecques.
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