Ali and Mohsen Alizadeh are masterful players of the Desarkoten, the traditional Mazandarani naqqara, with over sixty years of dedication to this ancient musical art. Their impeccable synchronization and deep cultural commitment have made them guardians of Mazandaran’s rhythmic heritage.
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The Alizadeh Brothers: Guardians of the Desarkoten Art in Mazandaran
In the verdant heart of Mazandaran, music has long played an essential role in the cultural and ceremonial life of its people. Among the custodians of this tradition, the Alizadeh brothers, Ali and Mohsen, stand as masterful players of the Desarkoten (the Mazandarani naqqara), their combined experience spanning over sixty years.
Life and Artistic Journey
Ali and Mohsen Alizadeh began playing the Desarkoten at the age of five, and since then, they have remained inseparable in their musical journey. Their impeccable synchronization is the result of decades of practice and a deep love for the traditional music of Mazandaran. Watching them perform, one senses an invisible thread binding their hands and minds—a harmony so profound that they begin together and, even after hours of playing, conclude in perfect unison.
In one of our conversations, Ali Alizadeh reminisced about competitions held half a century ago among Desarkoten players. The competitors would sit around a house, each playing their instrument. The rhythms would shift in turn, while the judges observed with keen attention. If a player lost the beat, a tap on their instrument would signify their elimination, until only one musician remained.
The Desarkoten: History and Features
The Desarkoten, also known as the Mazandarani naqqara, is one of the region’s traditional percussion instruments. It consists of two egg-shaped earthenware bowls—one larger, producing deep tones, and the other smaller, yielding higher-pitched sounds. The drumheads are made of calf or cowhide, stretched tightly over the openings.
To affix the drumheads, small holes are made along the edges of the bowls, through which a gut cord, traditionally from a cow’s intestine, is threaded to secure the skin firmly. The larger bowl has an approximate diameter of 22 cm, while the smaller one measures around 16 cm. Their heights vary between 25 and 27 cm, with wall thickness ranging from 1 to 1.5 cm. The larger bowl is typically thicker to enhance its deeper resonance.
The Desarkoten is played using wooden mallets called “kotena” in the Mazandarani dialect. These mallets, made from the branches of wild medlar trees, range in length from 20 to 30 cm. The mallet for the larger bowl is usually about 2 cm longer to ensure it strikes the drumhead’s center.
The Desarkoten is an integral part of ceremonial gatherings, weddings, and festive occasions, often played alongside instruments such as the sorna (reed instrument), lalewa (flute), and qarneh (horn flute). Among its most renowned rhythms are Yek-Chubeh, Do-Chubeh, Samahal, Koshti-Maqoom, Riz-o-Variz, Goorgeh, Rooni, Kavoli, Mashqi, Patakhti, and Hamoom-Sari.
Craftsmanship and Preservation of Traditions
Ali Alizadeh laments the decline of traditional Desarkoten craftsmanship, noting that only a handful of artisans still practice the old methods. Preparing the drumheads alone takes several months. In the past, the bowls were meticulously handcrafted from clay, whereas today, some makers resort to using pre-made pottery vases, which can compromise the instrument’s tonal quality.
The Alizadeh brothers’ efforts to preserve and revive Mazandaran’s musical heritage, particularly the art of Desarkoten playing, serve as a testament to their deep commitment to their cultural roots. With love and perseverance, they continue to safeguard this invaluable legacy, ensuring its transmission to future generations.
