Barbat
/ˈbɑːr.bæt/noun
An ancient Persian lute-like stringed instrument, often regarded as an ancestor of the oud.
Did you know?The barbat is traditionally associated with Barbad, the legendary court musician of the Sasanian king Khosrow II, although scholars debate whether the instrument’s name truly comes from him.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
barbitos
“A plucked string instrument, probably a long-necked lyre; its relationship to the Persian term is debated.”
Sasanian period
Middle Persian
barbud
“A lute-like stringed instrument; the form is also associated in later tradition with Barbad, a celebrated court musician.”
Medieval Persian
Persian
barbat
“A short-necked lute or lute-like instrument used in Persian musical culture.”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
barbat
“A Persian lute imported into and discussed within Arabic musical writing.”
19th–20th Century
English
barbat
“A historical Persian musical instrument, commonly described as an early form or relative of the oud.”