There are several musical instruments native to Central Asia.
The rubob/rubab hails from central Afghanistan and derives its name from an Arabic word meaning 'played with a bow'. With slight variations from region to region, it is a 17 or 18 stringed mulberry wood instrument that shares similarities with the lute. It is a key part of many classical Persian compositions, and is even the national instrument of Afghanistan.
Its shape emulates the human body: the sounding board like a head, two protruding objects from the side like arms, and the fingerboard like legs. Its symbolic meaning is related to the prophetic cycle and cosmological doctrine of the Ismailis.
Hasson Quyum playing the rubab. Visit his Vine account for much more!
Can you see yourself playing like Hasson? It's certainly an investment, but if you're a musician who's bored of the same old instruments, why not check out this Afghani rubob?
