doira

Doira, also spelled doyra or doireh, is a traditional frame drum used across Central Asia, Iran, and the broader Persian-speaking world. It is a percussion instrument built around a circular wooden shell with a single drumhead, typically made from animal skin. Doiras vary in size, commonly ranging from about 20 to 40 centimeters in diameter. Some regional variants feature decorative painting or inlays, and the head is usually tightened with leather cords or ropes.

The instrument is played with the hands, fingertips, and palms, producing a range of sounds by striking the center of the head for a deeper tone or the rim for a sharper feel. Rhythm is created through a combination of bass-like strokes, edge tones, and occasional slaps or pops. Doiras are often held on the lap, tilted, or placed on a stand during performance. They serve as a rhythmic foundation in folk ensembles and ceremonial music, and appear in various traditional genres across the region.

Regional usage and context vary. In Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the doira is a well-established accompanying instrument in rural and urban music scenes. In Iran and Afghanistan, it appears in both traditional and contemporary contexts, including folk, ceremonial, and Sufi performances. While construction and playing techniques differ among communities, the core concept remains the same: a hand-played frame drum that provides versatile rhythmic support in multi-instrument ensembles.