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GHIJJAK – AN ANCIENT BOWED STRING INSTRUMENT OF THE
KARAKALPAK PEOPLE.
Shnıbekov Alliyar Bekbergenovich
Nukus branch of the Uzbek State Institute of Arts and Culture.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15253572
Annotation:
This article discusses the g‘ijjak – an ancient stringed musical
instrument of the Karakalpak people. It analyzes the origin, structure, and role of
the g‘ijjak in music. The article highlights the significance of the instrument in
Karakalpak music, its role in folklore and epic traditions, as well as its
differences from other string instruments. It also explores the historical
development of the g‘ijjak and its preservation in the modern era. The article
emphasizes the importance of the g‘ijjak as a part of musical traditions and
cultural heritage, and stresses the need to pass it on to younger generations.
Keywords: –
musical instrument, national, music, qobyz, ghijjak, dutar,
tanbur, rubab
The ghijjak is an ancient stringed musical instrument of the Karakalpak
people, holding great historical and cultural significance. The ghijjak plays a
particularly important role in preserving the musical heritage of the Karakalpak
people and serves as a key tool in studying their culture. Music holds a special
place in the rich cultural heritage of the Karakalpak nation.This musical legacy
has developed over centuries and has been passed down from generation to
generation. An inseparable part of this heritage is the national musical
instruments, among which the ghijjak deserves special attention. Ghijjak is a
traditional bowed string instrument that plays an important role in expressing
the spiritual world, sorrows, and joys of the Karakalpak people. In the book
"Uzbek Traditional Instruments" by S. Begmatov and M. Matyoqubov, the
following is stated:“At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th
centuries, traditional Uzbek instruments such as the chang and Kashgar rubabs
took shape and came into use. The oud and qanun were revived, significantly
enriching performance practices. The Afghan rubab and kird instruments also
found their place in the practical music scene with their unique charm. In
connection with the development of modern composition, several family
variations of folk instruments such as the chang, rubab, dutar, and ghijjak were
created.” “The ghijjak holds a significant place in the musical traditions of Turkic
peoples, particularly among the Karakalpak, Uzbek, Turkmen, Kyrgyz, and other
related ethnic groups. While there are no definitive written sources detailing the
exact origins of the instrument, it is generally believed that the ghijjak evolved
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from earlier bowed instruments such as the kamancha or qobyz. As a unique
musical instrument of its era, the ghijjak has a deeply rooted and ancient history.
The ghijjak is traditionally used to produce modal and melodic music, which
is characteristic of Turkic musical systems. Over the centuries, it has played an
essential role in the development and transmission of folk music. Its evolution
has taken place across various cultures and countries, where it has been adapted
and refined into different forms. In Karakalpak and Uzbek folk music in
particular, the ghijjak occupies a prominent position. Within Karakalpak
culture,it has been especially important in the performance of epic poetry and
storytelling traditions.The instrument was commonly used by dostonchi (epic
reciters) and musicians to accompany heroic narratives and folk songs. The
ghijjak, therefore, functioned not only as a musical tool but also as a cultural
symbol, helping preserve the collective memory and artistic expression of the
people.In Uzbek music,the ghijjak is also widespread and highly esteemed. It
features prominently in narrative musical forms, especially in the recitation of
epics and folk tales. As one of the oldest and most celebrated instruments in
Uzbek traditional music,the ghijjak is recognized for its expressive range and
emotional depth.The ghijjak is a bowed string instrument that continues to be
widely used in the musical practices of various Eastern peoples. Among the
Uzbeks,Tajiks, Uyghurs, Karakalpaks, and Turkmens, it is referred to as ghijjak.
In contrast, among the Azerbaijani, Armenian, Georgian,Iranian,and Turkish
musical cultures, it is known by names such as kaman, kamancheh, and other
local variants. Its use and recognition across the East highlight its rich and
enduring musical legacy. [2] Although the ghijjak may appear simple in design,
its construction requires considerable craftsmanship and precision.It typically
consists of the following main components: the div is usually made from wood
or gourd, with a dome-shaped structure and a hollow interior to enhance
resonance.The strings are made from silk, satin, or modern metallic materials.
During performance, the musician places the instrument on their lap, pressing
the strings with the fingers of the left hand while moving the bow with the right
hand. This technique allows for the production of varied tones and subtle
nuances. The sound of the ghijjak is notably soft, deep, and emotionally
evocative. These characteristics make it particularly suited for performing songs
in the doston (epic) and lyrical genres.The ghijjak isdeeply intertwined with the
oral traditions of the Karakalpak people, especially in the performance of epic
tales, folk songs, and ceremonial music. Through its melodies, the instrument
has long served as a medium for expressing the sorrows, joys, dreams, and
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hopes of the people.The ghijjak is typically played either as a solo instrument or
in combination with other traditional instruments such as the dutor, doira, and
qobyz. In particular, it has been a vital accompaniment for bakhshis (epic
storytellers) and dostonchis, who used the ghijjak's expressive tones to bring
oral folk literature to life.The ghijjak is not merely a musical instrument — it is a
symbol of the Karakalpak people’s historical memory, spiritual wealth, and
cultural heritage. Within its sound lies the history, life, and dreams of an entire
nation. Preserving, studying, and passing the ghijjak on to future generations is a
responsibility we all share. Through traditional instruments, we reconnect with
our roots and safeguard our cultural treasures.When dostonchis (epic
storytellers) perform,they typically accompany their recitation with the dutor,
while the ghijjak provides the emotional background. In folk songs especially
those about love, longing, or sorrow the ghijjak proves to be a perfect match.In
folkloric ensembles, the dutor and ghijjak are often played together in
harmony.As the storyteller chants the epic, the musician strums the melody on
the dutor, while in the background, the ghijjak weaves a deeply moving
atmosphere, amplifying the emotions and drawing the listener in.This is the true
musical soul of the Karakalpak people.
References:
1.
S.Begmatov, M.Matyoqubov. “O‘zbek an’anaviy cholg‘ulari”. T.; 2008. 8-bet
2.
Toshmuhamedov M. G‘ijjak darsligi. T., 1995. 3-bet
3.
O.Nazarov. Xalq cholg‘ularida ijrochilik. T.; 2018.
4.
Maxanov
Sh.
O‘zbek
cholg‘u
asboblar
turlari.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo
5.
V.Boboev Milliy musiqa cholg‘ulari va ularning turlari "Oriental Art and
Culture" Scientific Methodical Journal / https://oac.dsmi-qf.uz Volume 4 Issue 5
/ October 2023
