Kobyz, Narkobyz
These are two-stringed, bowed instruments shared by Turkic peoples. Instruments similar to the kobyz spread among the Kazakhs (kobyz, kylkobyz), Karakalpaks (kobyz, kobuz), Nogais (kobyz), Tatars (kylkubyz), Bashkirs (kylkubyz) and Kyrgyz (kiyak, kylkiyak). The kobyz is carved from a single piece of wood, with horsehair strings. The lower part of the resonator is covered with camel skin. In ancient times, shamans used the kobyz in their rituals, and poets used it to accompany their recitations, inspiring warriors before battles. Musicians and singers expressed the people's sorrows, joys and emotions through playing the kobyz and accompanying songs. Today, the kobyz is a professional musical instrument. The tradition of kobyz performance, passed down from Ykhlas Dukenuly, was preserved thanks to masters like Zhappas Kalambaev and Daulet Myktybayev. Continuing their legacy, educator Abdimanap Zhumabekuly promoted the professional teaching of kobyz at schools across Kazakhstan and on the international stage, mentoring many talented kobyz players. Maksat Medeubek, a member of the "Turan" ensemble, is one of his students.
The Narkobyz is significantly larger than a regular kobyz, with a deeper sound. The kobyz used by the "Turan" ensemble was crafted by Tolegen Sarsenbayev in 2005, while the Narkobyz was made by Talgat Zhanasylov in 2010.
The Narkobyz is significantly larger than a regular kobyz, with a deeper sound. The kobyz used by the "Turan" ensemble was crafted by Tolegen Sarsenbayev in 2005, while the Narkobyz was made by Talgat Zhanasylov in 2010.
