The Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments

Founded in 1990, the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments originated from the private collection of Gurminj Zavkibekov, a People’s Artist of the Republic of Tajikistan. A gifted actor and a man of many talents, Gurminj began collecting musical instruments in his youth, driven by a passion for preserving the rich musical traditions of his homeland.

In Eastern cultures, musical instruments have always been more than just tools for creating sound; they have served as a means of conveying poetry and emotion. Each instrument was an extension of the singer’s soul, capable of evoking deep feelings and resonating with the joys and sorrows of life. The Gurminj Museum is home to over 200 artifacts from across Asia, with its collection primarily composed of string, wind, bowed, and percussion instruments. The most extensive of these is the collection of string instruments, which includes a wide array of setars, dutars, rubabs, tamburs, and banjos.

Among the setars, the most striking is the Kashgar Setar, intricately inlaid with ivory. The Afghan-Badakhshan Setar, over 100 years old, is the most impressive in size. The collection also features many modern setars, showcasing the original designs of contemporary artisans. The Shah Setar, more than a century old, is a standout piece. Crafted from mulberry wood, it is large yet remarkably light, and its strings produce the most melodious sound. The collection of dutars, traditional two-stringed instruments, is equally diverse. Typically accompanying the vocal performances of Shashmaqom, the dutars in this collection range from the modestly decorated to the exquisitely crafted, hailing from Bukhara, Tajikistan, and Badakhshan. The museum’s rubab collection is also extensive, featuring a unique rubab that combines elements of both the tar and the guitar (Rubobi Kobuli). The Kashgar Rubab, nearly 300 years old, is distinguished by its bright, clear tone, while the Afghan rubab is known for its more muted, resonant sound. The Badakhshan rubab, around 100 years old, is another notable piece. The collection includes many rubabs crafted by modern masters from the Pamirs, such as Jonboz D., Aknazar I., and Amonbek Rakhmatov.

Though smaller in number, the museum’s collection of tamburs is particularly valuable. The star of this collection is the Kumri Tambur, hailing from the sacred region of Bartang in GBAO. This instrument was miraculously preserved and restored by the museum’s founder. The collection of string instruments is further enriched by the inclusion of Belarusian gusli, chang, and an Arabic string instrument, among others. Bowed instruments in the museum include various types of ghijaks and violins, with ghijaks originating from Badakhshan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Vietnam. The percussion instruments on display are equally noteworthy, featuring Indian tablas, African percussion, Iranian dafs, and Tajik and Uzbek doiras and tavlas.

The museum’s vast collection of wind instruments includes nai flutes, koshnais, surnais, flutes, and other small wind instruments, gathered from various parts of the world. There is hope that the collection will continue to grow in the future.

The museum also houses sections dedicated to household items and traditional clothing, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and cultural practices of the Tajik people. Among these artifacts are silver plates, brass teapots, bronze jugs, and ceramic items of historical significance. The chilim (smoking pipe) is about 500 years old, while the copper choydoshi (teapots) are between 300 and 400 years old. The clothing collection provides insight into the national character of the Tajik people, reflecting their cultural identity through traditional garments.

Gurminj and his son, Ikbol Zavkibekov, also lead folklore and ethnographic ensembles associated with the museum, preserving and promoting Tajik musical traditions. The museum’s unique design was crafted by A. Khaydarova, G. Soliev, N. Akhmedov, M. Nazarova, and M. Gadzhieva. The museum operates on private donations and support from organizations, and its beauty, distinctiveness, and cultural significance undoubtedly deserve the attention and support of all art enthusiasts.

The Gurminj Museum, a small yet vibrant cultural oasis, invites everyone to explore its collection, offering a chance to connect with ancient traditions and witness the incredible beauty, inspiration, and love embodied in wood, bronze, copper, and silver. The museum is open daily and seeks to establish friendly relations with similar institutions worldwide to exchange information, experiences, and exhibits.