The Shahnameh Guide To The Lutes Of Central Asia

Tar

Top: Iranian-style Tar. Middle: Azeri-style Tar. Bottom: Tar made in Kyrgyzstan.
Tar is an Iranian long-necked, waisted instrument. It is from Iran with a variant in Azerbaijan, but is also frequently played in Central Asia. It was invented in the 18th century and has since become one of the most important musical instruments in Iran and the Caucasus, particularly in Persian classical music, and the favoured instrument for radifs.