TEHRAN--The second phase of a research project on the musical culture of Turkmen people with an emphasis on functionalism began on January 20 and will continue until February 6.

According to Miras Aria, Mansour Moradi, a member of the scientific board of the Anthropology Research Institute, said on Tuesday that the first phase of the field study of the research was completed for 12 days in December 2025.

Stating that the research addresses Turkmen music from two perspectives, he clarified that the first perspective briefly describes the concepts and instruments of Turkmen music, and then describes the parts as one of the pillars of Turkmen music to express the general and special characteristics of this type of music. 

In the second perspective, the anthropological view of ethnic music becomes more important, namely the influence and role of music in rituals, ceremonies, work and daily life of people, he said. 

“For example, in the therapeutic sector, rituals such as dhikr ceremonies, recitation and music therapy with ney (Middle-Eastern flute-like wind instrument) and dotar (a two-stringed, long-necked lute) are examined. Bakhshi is the main aspect of these ceremonies and vocal or instrumental music has played a major role in achieving the results of the ceremony.”

He added: “In this research, the main issue and goal will be to express and recognize the functions of music in Turkmen society in cultural-social, therapeutic and economic fields. In order to determine these functions, in-depth field studies with their own methods such as direct presence in the research field, observation with participation, interviews with library studies and using the theory of functionalism form the basis and foundation of the research work.”

KD