National musical instruments - Kamancha and Tar

Kamancha is bow played stringed musical instrument. Its types with other names were spread among the peoples of East and Central Asia. High development of kamancha playing is linked with starting of the development of high performance of singing art from the second half of the nineteenth century.

Its first samples were made of pumpkin, Indian nut, and decorated with ivory.

The Azerbaijani tar and the skills related to this tradition play a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of Azerbaijanis. The tar is a long-necked, plucked lute, traditionally crafted, and performed in communities throughout the Republic of Azerbaijan.