This paper presents an ethnomusicological investigation into the music of Tajikistan, focusing specifically on the relationship between traditional musical forms and the question of cultural identity. Tajikistan, as the only Persian-speaking nation in Central Asia, possesses a complex history intertwined with Persian heritage, Soviet influence, and distinct regional differences, particularly in the Badakhshan (Pamir) region. The central research question explores how local musical forms, such as Falak and Madah, have successfully preserved regional and religious (Ismaili) identity against the pressures of modern change and foreign influence that affected general folklore. The paper conducts a detailed analysis of the modes (Maqams), scales, and melodic characteristics of Shashmaqam, Falak, and Madah. It examines the role of traditional instruments (such as the Setār and Rubāb) and the impact of the post-Soviet era on popular music. The findings indicate that music functions as a powerful tool for preserving cultural distinction, especially in geographically isolated areas.
- Quote paper
- Mahmud Muhsin (Author), 2025, The Musical Identity of Tajikistan. Between Tradition and Transformation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1682573
