Encyclopedia
Kemenche/Lyra

A kemenche or lyra is from the Black Sea region of Asia Minor
(Pontus) and is also known as the "Kementche of Laz". It is the
main instrument used in Pontian music. It is a bottle-shaped,
3-stringed fiddle played in the upright position. It is sometimes
played by resting it on the knee when sitting, and sometimes it is
held out in front. A kemenche is a bowed instrument, the bow is
called Doksar.

Its small light weight design allows it to be held up for a long time
and in some cases the musician would follow the first dancer
around (even dance as well). This is mainly due to the not-so-loud
sound of the lyra.
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