THE BAKHSHI AND THE DUWTAR: A STUDY OF MUSICAL TRADITION AND CULTURAL EXPRESSION IN CENTRAL ASIA
Keywords:
Bakhshi, Duwtar, Central Asian music, oral traditions, cultural heritage, performance practices, preservation efforts, narrative artAbstract
The Bakhshi, a traditional Central Asian storyteller and performer, and the Duwtar, a two-stringed lute, are integral components of the musical and narrative heritage of Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This article explores the roles of the Bakhshi and the Duwtar in preserving and transmitting cultural narratives, examining their historical roots, performance techniques, and contemporary significance. By analyzing their interplay within traditional performances, this study highlights the enduring importance of these cultural elements in the region's artistic and social life.
References
Babajanov, B. (2017). Traditional Music of Central Asia: The Role of the Duwtar and Bakhshi. Tashkent: Uzbekistan Academic Press.
Isakov, D. (2020). Oral Traditions and Music in Turkmenistan: The Legacy of the Bakhshi. Ashgabat: Turkmenistan State Publishing House.
Karimov, S. (2019). The Art of Storytelling in Central Asia: The Bakhshi Tradition. Almaty: Kazakhstan Cultural Studies.
