tanbur; Persian Musical Instrument

The tanbur is an instrument of the plectrum chordophon family, with a long handle and a case. The harmonic body of this instrument is in the shape of a half pear and is covered with a layer of wood. Its handle is long and has two or three metal strings, 13 or 14 keys, a bridge, a wire, and two or three pegs and it is played with the fingers of the hands.

This tool is widespread in a vast area of ​​Asia and Africa with differences in its structure, form, size, name and methods of execution. The Iranian tambur is the only remaining instrument of the dotār family which is still widespread in western Iran, in the area of ​​Kermānshāh and in the north of Lorestān, particularly among the Kurds Yaresān.

This ancient Iranian instrument in the past was sometimes played during marriages while today it is the exclusive instrument of the ritual ceremony of the Yaresān ethnic group from which it is considered sacred. This instrument in the area of ​​Gurān and Karand is known as tamoirah, in the area of ​​Sahne as tamireh, and near the Lak del Lorestān and the inhabitants of Kermānshāh as tamureh.

The main repertoire of this instrument in the Kermānshāh region includes collections of ritual hymns and music Majlesi (by room).  

The ritual music of the Yaresān ethnic group is included in the sacred repertoire.