Medical ethnomusicology in the Pamir mountains : music and prayer in healing

In the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan, mad?h devotional music serves as a significant medical intervention within Isma'ili Muslim communities, contrasting with broader Islamic traditions that often restrict musical expression. This study reveals that mad?h is widely revered in Badakhshan and plays a pivotal role in healing, both preventatively and curatively, through its culturally specific sounds, symbols, and beliefs. The research employs collaborative, integrative methods to explore the holistic relationship between music and healing, examining the performance of mad?h as a distinct medical practice. The study highlights the cultural significance of music in Pamiri religious life, offering insights into how traditional practices can contribute to health and well-being in challenging environments.

Koen, B. D. (2024). Medical ethnomusicology in the Pamir mountains : music and prayer in healing. University of Ioannina. https://doi.org/10.26268/HEAL.UOI.15682