The Rabab, one of the oldest and most revered musical instruments in Central and Southwest Asia, has earned a significant place in global cultural history with its inclusion in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition emphasizes the Rabab’s role not only as a cherished musical instrument but also as a symbol of cultural unity among the people of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Lateefur Rehman, spokesperson for the Cultural and Tourism Department of KP, shared with APP that the Rabab’s inclusion in UNESCO’s prestigious list followed an initiative by Mafkoora, an NGO focused on research and development, and the Hunari Welfare Society (an association of KP artists). These organizations had submitted a letter to the UNESCO Country Office in Islamabad on June 10, 2024, proposing that May 31 be designated as International Rabab Day. The proposal highlighted the instrument’s significance in fostering peace, social cohesion, and cultural unity in the region.
The Rabab’s inscription was officially approved on December 4 during the 19th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which took place in Paraguay. This recognition has brought international attention to the cultural importance of the Rabab for Pakistan, Afghanistan, and its neighboring countries, including Iran, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Khyal Muhammad, a Pashto Ghazal maestro and recipient of the Pride of Performance award, expressed his pride at the inclusion of Rabab in UNESCO’s list. “The Rabab’s recognition is a testament to its deep cultural significance in the music of the subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia,” he said. “For the people of Pakistan, particularly the Pakhtuns, it is an honor that the Rabab, known as the king of Pashto orchestras, has received international acknowledgment.”
The Rabab is considered a unifying force among the people of the region, bringing diverse communities together through its evocative music during festive occasions. Traditionally crafted from dried mulberry wood found in the deserts of the region, the Rabab has been played for centuries at weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations, especially within the Pashtun belt of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Its unique sound has also found a place in orchestral and contemporary music, including multinational ensembles that contributed to the success of Pashto films.
Khayal Muhammad highlighted the Rabab’s influence on the success of Pashto cinema, referencing the famous Pashto film Orbal, which achieved box office success largely due to its powerful music played with the Rabab. He emphasized the instrument’s role in creating a harmonious atmosphere during celebrations, where it remains a key part of cultural performances across the subcontinent, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Central Punjab, Karachi, and Afghanistan.
Actor Javed Babar, also a Pride of Performance awardee, discussed the Rabab’s cultural importance in community ceremonies. He noted that Rabab players are highly respected within their communities, often playing a central role in initiating joyous occasions and being especially popular in the Hujra culture of KP.
Dilaram Khan, a Rabab musician, shared his personal connection to the instrument, explaining that he inherited the art of Rabab playing from his late father and has been performing for 25 years. He is committed to passing this tradition down to his sons. The craft of making Rababs, which involves carpentry and woodcarving, is typically passed down through family lines, ensuring its preservation.
Haider Zaman, a Rabab enthusiast from Wapda Town Nowshera, expressed the deep emotional bond that people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have with the instrument. “Rabab adds color to weddings and other joyous occasions. Without it, our family functions feel incomplete,” he said. Zaman even plans to invite Rabab artists to perform at his son’s wedding next month, underscoring the significant role the instrument plays in marking celebratory moments.
While traditionally a male-dominated craft, Rabab’s performance transcends gender, with both men and women of various ethnicities playing the instrument to enhance their special occasions. This inclusivity has allowed the Rabab to remain a vital tradition in the region’s cultural landscape.
The Rabab’s continued presence in Pashto literature and poetry further cements its cultural significance. Numerous myths and stories across the region mention the instrument, preserving its history and celebrating its integral role in the lives of people throughout the subcontinent.
The inclusion of the Rabab in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage is a monumental achievement for the people of Central and South Asia, especially those from Pakistan and Afghanistan. It reaffirms the instrument’s enduring legacy and its cherished place in the cultural heritage of the region.
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