What Do You Know About the Dozaleh Instrument?

Historical Traces of the Dozaleh

In ancient artifacts from Iran, there is a depiction of an Assyrian musician playing a double-reed instrument resembling the Egyptian and Greek double pipes. Additionally, at the grave of one of the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt, two female musicians from the 18th century BCE are depicted, one of whom is playing a similar instrument.

Silver goblets from the Sassanid period also feature an instrument called Urghun, which is played similarly to a bagpipe.

In the 5th century AH (Islamic calendar), an instrument called Marsul was popular in Egypt, which was likely the same as the Donay.

After the advent of Islam, the Donay became very popular and was often decorated with pieces of gold, silver, and embroidered tassels.

Ibn Khordadbeh was the first person to mention this instrument, noting that Iranians played the Ney (flute) with the Oud (lute) and the Donay with the Tanbur (a string instrument). Farabi, in his book Al-Musiqa al-Kabir (The Great Book of Music), classified various forms of the instrument based on whether the reeds were attached or separate, with names like Mizmar-e Mozdawaj, Mizmarayn, Mizmar al-Muthanna, Donay Badyani, and Maqrunah.

Similar instruments to the Dozaleh include:

• Zamara and Murli in India

• Arghul in Egypt

• Zummar in Tunisia and Morocco

• Tsambouna in Greece

• Sitarah in Pakistan

• Mizamir in Uzbekistan

• Kush Ney in Turkey

In some types of Donay, only one pipe has finger holes, while the other produces a drone tone. This drone pipe is called Ziyadat. The Scottish bagpipe also has a similar configuration.

Structure and Form of the Dozaleh

The Donay (meaning double reed) is also known as Diyani and Doahang, but in Kurdish areas it is called Dozaleh due to its construction from the Zaleh plant. The instrument consists of two parallel, bound pipes made from either copper or reeds. Some Dozalehs are crafted from bird wing bones or feather shafts.

Each pipe has its own reed (Qamish), which is the primary sound-producing part. Instruments like the oboe, bassoon, sorna, saxophone, and clarinet also use reeds. Although the name comes from the plant qamish, the part can also be made from synthetic materials or metal (especially in tunable instruments).

The Dozaleh has six finger holes on one pipe, and the two pipes are aligned side by side with both lower ends open. The instrument typically ranges in length around 22 cm and about 2 cm in diameter.

History of the Dozaleh in Iran

A depiction of an Assyrian musician playing a Donay-like instrument is found in ancient artworks. From the Sassanid period, silver goblets have images of the Urghun instrument, which was played like a bagpipe. After Islam, the Dozaleh gained popularity and was adorned with gold and silver. Ibn Khordadbeh was the first to mention it by name, noting its use alongside the Tanbur.

The instrument has been found in various forms and sizes across Iran:

• Doni in Balochistan

• Donay in Hormozgan

• Jofti in Kermanshah

• Qoshmeh in Khorasan

• Doahang in Kurdistan

• Dozaleh in Ilam

In Khorasan, there are three types: one with five holes, and the other two with six and seven holes. None of these have a back hole.

Dozaleh Performers

Notable performers of the Dozaleh in Iran include:

• Ali Abshuri, Ramazan Azizi, and Khan Mohammad in Khorasan

• Ghanbar Rastgu in Hormozgan

• Morad Nahavandi and Alidoust Laheti in Ilam

Dozaleh Playing Technique

The Dozaleh reeds are placed in the mouth in such a way that almost their entire length is inside the mouth cavity. It is played with both hands. Since the Dozaleh produces a dual sound, each finger must simultaneously open or close a pair of holes on both pipes. This results in a harmonious dual-tone sound.

The circular breathing technique is used in playing the Dozaleh, enabling the musician to produce a continuous, uninterrupted sound.