Preserving the Soul of Kazakh Music: The Art of Dombra Crafting
Crafting the Soul of Kazakh Culture: Zholaushy Turdugulov and the Art of Dombra-Making
Almaty – Zholaushy Turdugulov is known as one of the few traditional dombra craftsmen who are dedicated to preserving the art of instrument-making. With the ability to skillfully bring out the best sound from the two-stringed Kazakh dombra, Turdugulov is recognized as a guardian of the soul of Kazakh culture.
Dombra is an essential part of Kazakh heritage, with its distinct sound being almost synonymous with the Kazakh steppe itself. The dombra kui, a solo piece performed on the dombra, is known for its harmonious sounds and was even added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2014.
For Turdugulov, the journey of becoming a master craftsman began as a passion that evolved into a profession. While studying to become a theater artist and set designer, he found himself working at a workshop in Almaty, laying the foundation for his path to mastering the craft of dombra-making.
The process of creating a quality dombra is intricate and requires significant skill. It begins with the careful selection of suitable woods, each chosen for specific parts of the instrument. According to Turdugulov, the sound quality of the dombra largely depends on the front wood, with spruce, pine, and juniper being common choices.
As a craftsman, Turdugulov emphasizes the importance of maintaining the quality and sound of the instrument. One of the key conditions he sets for making a dombra is a commitment to ensuring each instrument meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and sound quality.
For Turdugulov, dombra crafting represents far more than just commerce. He believes a good artisan should be endowed with woodworking talent and possess a deep love for working with wood. Furthermore, he asserts that a good dombra-maker should also be a skilled dombra player, able to recognize the nuances of the instrument’s sound.
Having trained students for over 26 years, Turdugulov takes pride in passing on his expertise and passion for dombra-making. He emphasizes the significance of restoring traditional instruments like the dombra and qylqobyz, another Kazakh string instrument, to ensure their authenticity, techniques, and traditions are preserved for future generations.
Through his dedication to the art of dombra-making, Turdugulov continues to play a vital role in returning the dombra to its rightful place in Kazakh culture, spreading awareness of its authenticity and ensuring the preservation of its rich traditions.
