What they are playing

The Divan is a string instrument consisting of 7 strings divided into groups of 2, 2 and 3. These groups of strings can be tuned to different combinations, each corresponding to a different system. The Divan is tuned one octave lower than the Tanbur.

The Divan has three main parts including: bowl, Sounding board and neck and the tuning pegs. The bowl is generally made from mulberry wood, but may also be made of juniper, beech, spruce or walnut. The sounding board is made from spruce and the neck section from beech or juniper. Frets are tied to the neck with fishing line, which allows them to be adjusted. The Divan is usually played with an instrument which is similar to a Guitars pick, and is made from cherry wood bark or plastic. In some regions, it is played with the fingers.