A disciple of Sultannazar Saidnazarov, the great rubâb Pamiri master, Aqnazar Alovatov is one of Tajikistan’s greatest rubâb Pamiri soloists, as well as one of the most talented singers of maddoh (from the Arabic madith, praise songs ), a musical and spiritual practice often inspired by mystical allegories. He is also renowned for his interpretation of the Persian verses by the poet Rûmî.

In the heart of the Pamir, the “roof of the world”, on the borders of Afghanistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan, Badakhshan remains isolated, between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Here, deep valleys and high mountain ranges leave little room for the road that crosses the region at an altitude of 4000 meters.

Almost inaccessible for centuries, Badakhshan has preserved a unique culture and music tradition. Badakhshan musicians devote their repertoire to the tales of the great masters of Persian poetry, as well as to religious and popular registers. This region has always been a cultural crossroad where Persian, Tajik and even Chinese sounds meet.