Tambouras

The tambouras ( is a Greek traditional string instrument of Byzantine origin. It has existed since at least the 10th century, when it was known in Assyria and Egypt. At that time, it might have between two and six strings, but Arabs adopted it, and called it a Tanbur. The characteristic long neck and two strings, tuned 5 notes apart.

The word tambura refers to several stringed musical instruments:

• Tanbur, a long-necked, string instrument originating in the Southern or Central Asia (Mesopotamia and Persia/Iran)
  • Iranian tanbur (Kurdish tanbur), used in Yarsan rituals
  • Turkish tambur, instrument played in Turkey
  • Yayli tambur, also played in Turkey
  • Tanpura, a drone instrument played in India
  • Tambura (instrument), played in Balkan peninsula
  • Tamburica, any member of a family of long-necked lutes popular in Eastern and Central Europe
  • Tambouras, played in Greece
  • Tanbura (lyre), played in East Africa and the Middle East