qiftelia

The qiftelia, sometimes transliterated as qifteli or çiftelei, is a traditional two-stringed, bow-played instrument of Albanian folk music. It is closely associated with northern and central Albania as well as Albanian communities in Kosovo and North Macedonia, where it serves as both a solo instrument and a key part of folk ensembles.

Construction and design typically feature a carved wooden body with a shallow resonator, often covered with a goatskin face, and a long neck carrying a simple fretboard. The instrument has two metal strings that run along the neck and over the bridge, and it is played with a horsehair bow. In many regional varieties, one string may provide a drone while the other is used for melodic lines, though playing styles can vary.

Playing technique involves holding the qiftelia and bow with the right hand while the left hand stops notes along the neck to produce melody. The instrument is known for its bright, singing tone and for delivering expressive slides and tremolo. Some players also pluck the strings in addition to bowing, depending on regional tradition and repertoire.

In performance, the qiftelia is used in weddings, dances, and other rural celebrations, where it may accompany vocalists or other traditional instruments such as lahuta, clarinet, or çifteli ensembles. It holds an important place in Albanian cultural heritage as a symbol of rural musical practice and regional identity, reflecting a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and oral musical transmission.