Abu Al Khasseeb, Al Basrah
Jaykur village
Jaykur Village, located within the Abu Al-KhasseebDistrict in Basrah, Iraq, is a vibrant tapestry of traditions, with a population that ranges from 55,000 to 62,000. Cultural hues are woven into the fabric of Jaykur Village, with religious holidays, national festivals, weddings, and weekly celebrations like Taalila punctuating the cultural calendar.
Singing sessions, religious Muwashahat, and Quranic recitations become soulful expressions during joyous and sombre occasions. In the rhythmic heart of Basrah, Khashabah music takes centre stage. Oud and Kassoor players, along with singers, contribute to the vibrant musical landscape. While music is not tied to specific seasons, the community welcomes the tunes of celebration and joy during weddings and other festivities.
Once, there were specific songs for cultivation and harvest, but now the music transcends seasonal boundaries. Instrument artisanry in Basrah is limited, and certain instruments are made upon request. Raw materials like pottery, wood, glue, and plastic contribute to the crafting process. Despite economic challenges, the community expresses a strong desire to learn music and instrument crafting if the necessary resources are made available.
Instruments
The Kassoor
A percussion instrument and one of the main pillars of Al-Khashabah, a music genre known in the city of Basrah in southern Iraq. The Kassoor can be made from various materials such as clay, wood, or metal. Regardless of the material used, the shape of the frame is wide at both ends and narrows in the middle for ease of handling. A piece of skin, usually buffalo heart skin, is stretched over the top side. The Kassoor is distinguished by its remarkably high and sharp sound and is played using the fingers.