Sounds of Central Asia: Music of Uzbekistan

Sensory stimulation is naturally an important part of experiencing a different culture, and listening to local music gives a real flavour (yep, getting another sense in there, if only metaphorically) of the influences and history of a country and its people. Of course, quite a bit of what you can end up hearing is designed with the foreign tourist in mind, but it can still provide cultural insight.

When I visited Uzbekistan, I managed to film a few instances in Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand when we were introduced to local music, dancing, and instruments.

Shashmaqom, meaning ‘six modes’ (which comprise instrumental and vocal parts), is a Central Asian musical genre which may have evolved in Bukhara prior to the Islamic period, and has been marked by influences across the centuries from Persia, Sufism, and Judaism amongst others, as one might expect from an art form which emerged along the ancient Silk Road. Suppressed during the Stalinist era, it has been formally inscribed as part of the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2008.

There are three types of Uzbek classic traditional dance: Khorezm, Fergana, and Bukhara, all of which have different characteristics. There is also folk dancing, but since I am no expert, I don’t know under which categories of Uzbek dance the performances I saw should be listed. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy watching and listening to these tasters, and I would love to hear from anyone who knows more about this who can furnish me with more details.

above: Singing at a restaurant in Bukhara. I would love to know what they are singing about, so if anyone knows, please tell me!

above: Demonstration of tar, Samarkand.

above: Demonstration of Jew's harp, Samarkand.

above: Demonstration of Uzbek flute, called a ney or nej, Samarkand.

above: Demonstration of a doyra drum, Samarkand.

above and below: Folk dancing and singing shows in Khiva (touristy, but still fun).

For more information: Shashmaqom music - intangible heritage - Culture Sector - UNESCO

Shashmaqom - Intangible Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (ich.uz)

Uzbek Culture – Dance in Uzbekistan (advantour.com)