In the Islamic Republic of Iran and Azerbaijan, the art of crafting and playing with the Kamancheh, a bowed string instrument, has existed for over 1,000 years. The instrument forms the basis of traditional and classical music, which occupies a central place in a wide range of social and cultural gatherings.
Kamancheh, which means "little bow" in Persian, dates back to the Safavid and Qatar periods. During that time, Kamancheh was one of the most commonly used musical instruments. Kamancheh appears in illustrations from the Mongol and Timur periods. According to rumors, it is among the oldest stringed musical instruments.
The origin of Kamancheh can be traced back to Central Asia, yet the development of the style took place in Azerbaijan during the 19th century. The Turks encountered it during the Ottoman period, and the style subsequently traveled throughout Europe and Africa.
The instrument is 70 cm tall with a chord system based upon the melody and authority read. Tuned like an ordinary violin (G, D, A, E), the stem is made of plum wood, and its body is made by carving walnut wood. The walnut tree must be kept for a while to form the trunk. Its total weight is about 1-1.5 pounds, and custom-made springs are used.
It is drawn by hand, and it is very similar to a violin bow. The springs are made of juniper wood, and the strands are made of horsehair. The body is drilled with holes and is covered with fish skin. The bows are arranged around the bowl-shaped body, and the instrument is finished.
There are several different varieties of Kamancheh. However, they are generally similar in their construction and features. Contemporary practitioners use a four-stringed Kamancheh with a body and bow made of horsehair. Many players perform as individual musicians or as part of an orchestra. Bearers and practitioners of this element include craftspeople, amateur or professional players, educators, as well as students and teachers.
Kamancheh is an essential piece of musical culture in both countries. Craftspeople create the instruments both as a source of earning a living and as a strong piece of intangible cultural heritage that is a part of their communities. They communicate many themes through their music, from the mythological to the gnostic and comic.
Today, the knowledge of performing and crafting Kamancheh is passed on both within families and by state-sponsored music institutions and schools. Knowledge regarding the importance of music in promoting cultural identity is transferred from generation to generation within all strata of society in both Iran and Azerbaijan.