çifteli
Çifteli is a traditional two-stringed, long-necked plucked lute from the Turkish folk music tradition, with a cross-regional presence in the Balkans and the Aegean area. Its name derives from çift, meaning "double" or "paired" in Turkish, referring to its two strings. The instrument commonly features a wooden resonator, sometimes covered with animal skin, and a long neck fitted with frets. The two strings run along the neck and are typically tuned in a simple interval, commonly in unison or an octave, depending on local practice. It is traditionally played with a plectrum, while the left hand presses the strings against the frets to shape melodies and chords. Some regional variants employ additional drones or sympathetic strings, but the standard instrument remains two-stringed.
Çifteli has a bright, rhythmic timbre that supports folk dances and vocal melodies. It is used in