Shashmaqam

Shashmaqam, 'six maqams', is the classical art music of Bukhara and the wider Uzbek and Tajik world of Central Asia, a cycle of six large modal suites performed by an ensemble of singers and lutes, fiddles and frame drums. Each maqam unfolds through fixed instrumental and vocal sections, from free-rhythm introductions to measured dance songs, setting classical Persian and Turkic poetry by poets such as *Hafez* and *Jami*. Preserved by court and Bukharan Jewish musicians and codified in the Soviet era, it is recognised by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the region's heritage.