Peshawar Rubab

The Taliban interpretation of Islam, ruling Afghanistan today, does not recognize art as a permissible form of expression, including traditional Afghani music. The Rubab is the traditional Afghani string-instrument, and one that can be only found in this part of the world. The master musicians of the rubab, once respected artists of their community, suddenly found themselves unwelcome overnight, and had to flee to the neighbouring country of Pakistan, fearful for their lives. Having arrived in Peshawar, they founded an artist colony, where different schools of musicians gather regularly to practice their craft. In each room of this unique building, a specific style of Rubab playing is cultivated, in an incomparable effort to preserve the Afghani culture.

''Peshawar Rubab'' is an episode from the documentary series ''Silent Voices''.