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An intricate system of melodic modes used in traditional Arabic music that reflects the rich cultural history of the region.

Ancestor of the European lute, the ud holds a significant place in Middle Eastern music and conveys cultural expressions of the Arab world.

A lute-like musical instrument played in Central and South Asia, it is often associated with traditional music and storytelling.

A Chinese transverse flute that embodies the essence of traditional Chinese music, and whose variations reflect the vast array of regional styles.

An ancient Chinese zither that is central to Chinese musical heritage and has a wide range of expression, mirroring the diversity of Chinese cultures.

An ancient Chinese mouth-blown free reed instrument whose traditional music represents the historical and cultural depth of China.

An important stringed instrument in North Indian classical music known for its deep, weighty, and introspective sound, it is a cultural link to South Asian artistry.

A type of frame drum used in Persian and Central Asian music that holds rhythmic importance and is associated with celebratory and ceremonial occasions.

A traditional Chinese string instrument whose playing techniques and forms are integral to Chinese music.

An ancient form of poetry and music that expresses the pain of loss or separation and the beauty of love in spite of that pain, prevalent in South Asia and Middle East.

A Uyghur lute with a pear-shaped body used mostly in Xinjiang, China, it is a carrier of Uyghur folk music and culture.

A bamboo flute essential to Indian classical music and synonymous with pastoral and spiritual themes within Indian culture.

A traditional Persian bowed string instrument that evokes the musical heritage and poetry of Iran and the surrounding regions.

A symbol of Mongolian culture, this horse-head fiddle is deeply interwoven with the nomadic traditions of the region.

An Azerbaijani elaborate form of traditional music demonstrating the country's complex cultural landscape and the blending of Central Asian and Middle Eastern influences.

An ancient hammered dulcimer that is essential in Persian classical music and provides a bridge to understand the musical traditions of Iran.

A plucked string instrument central to Azerbaijani and Persian music, symbolizing the cultural sophistication of the Caucasus and Iran.

A stringed instrument played in Turkish classical music, its use in religious ceremonies and classical compositions is indicative of its cultural relevance in Turkey.

A Persian string instrument with a delicate sound, it's played in classical Persian music and represents the nuanced cultural expressions of Iran.

A long-necked lute that plays a key role in Central Asian music, particularly in the culture of Uyghurs and in Persian classical music.

A long-necked stringed instrument influential in Kurdish and Persian music, its spiritual and cultural resonance extends across various Middle Eastern communities.

A two-stringed bowed musical instrument emanating from China, its soulful sound has a significant place in Chinese culture and is often heard in Chinese opera.

A reed flute that is significant in Sufi music and represents spiritual longing and connection in many Middle Eastern cultures.

A string instrument emblematic of Kazakh and Kyrgyz music that represents the nomadic identity of Central Asia.

A pair of drums fundamental to North Indian classical music, it exemplifies the rhythmic sophistication and cultural significance of Indian percussion.

A form of Sufi devotional music from South Asia, reflecting the spiritual practices and poetry of Sufism in the region.

A high-pitched bowed string instrument used in Beijing opera, it is fundamental in conveying the emotional atmosphere of traditional Chinese performances.

A string instrument played in much of the Middle Eastern music tradition, it is recognized for its ability to produce intricate melodic textures and is valued for its versatility.

Played in Central Asian music, this spiked fiddle highlights the shared musical traditions along the Silk Road and its role in regional cultural practices.