TEHRAN -- Seda-ye Ashna (Familiar Voice) international radio network has started broadcasting the traditional Iranian music over the globe.

The program entitled “Sarvestan” aims to familiarize the foreign-based Iranians with the traditional music of their homeland.

“Sarvestan” surveys the history of traditional music in Iran, Iranian Maqami and folk music, and different Iranian music dastgahs.

In the Iranian music, a set of notes, their features, and an associated group of traditional melodies that constitute a basis for improvised performance is called dastgah.

The program, also focusing on old hand virtuosos, is being aired at 0330 GMT every Friday.

Seda-ye Ashna was the first international Persian language radio network based in Iran. It was established in 2004 and targets the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Boosting relations with Iranian expatriates; making amends for cultural, religious, historical, and social shortcomings; decreasing the cultural and religious chasm that has arisen between Iranians living in Iran and the expatriate community; and responding to foreign propaganda on religious and political affairs in Iran are some of the network’s objectives.

Information on the network is available at www.sedayeashna.ir.