Three main spheres of music usage in the south of Uzbekistan in ancient times

It only became a separate art form simultaneously with the emergence of a class structure, when certain groups of people enjoyed spare time and wealth enough to indulge in entertainment. According to al-Biruni, the appearance of this kind of sophisticated group longing for music was a particular stage of social development. The needs of this part of society gave rise to the science of music, the purpose of which was to enhance the impact of music on an individual.

The three main architectural types discovered by archaeologists in the ancient settled farming culture in the southern regions of Uzbekistan (the Sapalli culture; Bronze Age; 2000 BC) are: fortifications, temples and palaces. It allows us to suggest that around the same period the three main spheres of music usage were also formed: military and ceremonial, religious and cult, and secular. They remained as such in Central Asia for many centuries before the new, Islamic type of civilization became established.

You can learn more about the topic in the book-album "The Musical Legacy of Uzbekistan in Collections of the Russian Federation" (Volume VI) from the series "Cultural legacy of Uzbekistan in the world collections". 

The general sponsor of the project is the oilfield services company Eriell-Group.