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Thebuzuq (Arabic:بزق; also transliteratedbozuq,bouzouk,buzuk etc.) is a long-necked frettedlute related to theGreekbouzouki andIranian and Turkishsaz.
It is an essentialinstrument in theRahbani repertoire, but it is not classified among the classical instruments ofArab or Turkish music. However, this instrument may be looked upon as a larger and deeper-toned relative of the saz, to which it could be compared in the same way as theviola to theviolin in Western music. Before the Rahbanis popularized the use of this instrument, the buzuq had been associated with the music ofLebanon andSyria.
Buzuk and other saz instruments date back to ancient times and originated in Persia. Similar instrument calledbarbat (Persian: بربت) orbarbud was alute ofGreater Iranian or Persian origin.
Unlike the short-necked unfrettedoud, the buzuq has a longer neck, smaller body and frets tied to the neck, which can be moved to produce themicrotonal intervals used in the manymaqamat (musical modes). Typically, it is furnished with two courses of metal strings which are played with aplectrum, offering a metallic yet lyrical resonance. Some instruments have three courses and up to seven strings total.
The name of the instrument may come fromTurkishbozuk (broken ordisorderly), it refers toBozuk düzen bağlama, a tuning of Turkishbaglama. Another theory on the origin of the name is that it comes from the Persian expression tanbur e bozorg, meaning a large tanbur style lute.
