Kurdish musical instruments () are traditional instruments used in the music of the Kurdish people, in Kurdistan, which spans parts of modern-day Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Armenia. These instruments are integral to Kurdish cultural expression and are commonly used in folk music and ceremonial performances. The musical tradition features a variety of wind, string, and percussion instruments, many of which are unique to the region or adapted from neighboring cultures. Kurdish instruments often accompany dance, poetry, and storytelling, reflecting the oral and musical heritage of the Kurdish people.
Among the most prominent Kurdish musical instruments are the tembûr, kemenche, and daf, which are commonly played during cultural celebrations such as Newroz, weddings, and other traditional gatherings.
The geography of Kurdistan influences the variety of musical instruments and styles, with different regions and communities maintaining distinct traditions that reflect their local environments. For example, music from mountainous areas often features specific rhythms and storytelling elements, while melodies from the plains tend to be smoother.
Religious use
The tanbûr is used in the spiritual and religious practices of some Kurdish communities, particularly within Yarsanism. In Yarsan ceremonies, it functions as the main melodic instrument during zikr (ritual remembrance), where it is regarded by practitioners as having sacred associations. It is believed to convey spiritual meaning and is sometimes interpreted as a medium for divine communication or the metaphysical concept of creation.
The instrument is also associated with Kurdish folklore and the mountainous regions of Kurdistan. During the period of Shah Khoshin, the tanbur held a notable place in Yarsan religious expression, serving both ritual and cultural functions.
Types of Kurdish musical instruments String Instruments Name in English Name in Kurdish Description Picture Tanbur Tembûr\Tenbûrتەمبوور/تەنبوور A long-necked lute used widely in Kurdish music, known for its deep, resonant sound. Kamancheh Kemançeکەمانچە A bowed string instrument similar to a fiddle, played vertically. Oud . 'Oûdعوود A pear-shaped, fretless lute common in Middle Eastern music, with a rich tonal range. Santoor Sentûrسەنتوور A hammered dulcimer with multiple strings, played with small mallets. Buzuq Buzûqبوزووق A long-necked fretted lute with a bright and sharp tone. Rebab Řebabeڕەبابە A traditional bowed string instrument with a small body, common in Kurdish and Middle Eastern music. Tar Tarتار A double-bowl long-necked lute with a skin-covered resonator; It is known for its deep, rich tone. Qanun Qanûnقانوون A trapezoidal zither with many strings, plucked to produce intricate melodies. Bağlama Sazساز A long-necked stringed lute used widely in Kurdish and Middle Eastern music, known for its bright and resonant sound. Dutar Dûtarدووتار A long-necked two-stringed lute with a pear-shaped body, typically plucked by fingers. It produces a soft, melodic tone and is used in various traditional music styles. Setar Sêtarسێتار A delicate, long-necked lute with four metal strings, played with the fingernail.
Wind Instruments Name in English Name in Kurdish Description Picture Zurna Zûřnaزووڕنا A loud double-reed wind instrument, often played at celebrations. Flute (Shepherd's flute) Bilwêrبلوێر A small wooden flute with a sweet, melodic tone. Balaban Ballebanباڵەبان A cylindrical double-reed wind instrument with a soft, mournful tone. It is often played in folk ensembles and ceremonies. Ney Neyنەی An end-blown flute made of hollow reed. It produces a breathy, spiritual tone and is associated with classical and mystic traditions.
Percussion Instruments Name in English Name in Kurdish Description Picture Davul Dehollدەھۆڵ A large cylindrical drum played with sticks or hands, producing deep sounds. Daf Defدەف A large frame drum with metal rings, used in spiritual and folk music. Goblet drum and Tombak Dûmbekدومبەک A goblet-shaped drum played with fingers and palms, common in Kurdish music. Nagara Neqareنەقارە A kettle drum producing strong rhythmic beats, often used in folk ensembles.
See also Ziryab Mojtaba Mirzadeh Middle Eastern music National symbols of the Kurds List of musical instruments
Notes
References
Sources
Further reading
External links Introduction of Kurdish musical instruments – Silêmanî, Kurdistan region