The history of the traditional Uzbek musical instrument - karnai, which is an integral part of any celebration today, is connected with the conquest of Central Asia by the Achaemenid king Cyrus in 539 BC.
This led to the incorporation of the southern part of its territory into the Achaemenid Empire for two whole centuries.
Since that time, apparently, such military musical instruments as large metal signal pipes (karnai) and percussion instruments began to be used here.
The use of karnai for military purposes by the ancient Persian kings is mentioned in the work The Big Book of Music by Abu Nasr Farabi.
This instrument was used as a signal for communication over long distances, as well as during ceremonial receptions of rulers and military leaders.
According to some studies, the karnai accompanied Amir Timur’s troops to the war. The instrument inspired warriors and kindled a fire in their hearts. In peacetime, it was used as an alarm to warn the population of a fire or war; in some settlements, karnai players notified people of a herald’s arrival.
You can learn more interesting facts about traditional musical instruments of Uzbekistan in the book album Musical Heritage of Uzbekistan in the Collections of the Russian Federation from the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in the World Collections series.
The general sponsor of the project "Cultural legacy of Uzbekistan in the world collections" is the oilfield services company Eriell Group.