Kobyz

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Kobyz

Classification	Bowed string instrument
Related instruments
Byzantine lira Byzaanchy Calabrian Lira Cretan lira Gadulka Gusle Gudok Igil Morin Khuur Kamancheh Kemenche Rebec Rebab

The kobyz (Kazakh: қобыз, Qobyz; Bashkir: ҡумыҙ; Tatar: кубыз) or kylkobyz (Kazakh: қылқобыз, qylqobyz; Bashkir: ҡыл ҡумыҙ; Tatar: кылкубыз), or qobyz, is an ancient Turkic bowed string instrument, spread among Kazakhs, Karakalpaks,^[1]: 114 Bashkirs, and Tatars. The Kyrgyz variant is called the kyl-kyyak [ky]).^[1]: 63

The kobyz has two strings made of horsehair. The resonating cavity is usually covered with goat leather.

Traditionally kobyzes were sacred instruments, owned by shamans and bakses (traditional spiritual medics). According to legends, the kobyz and its music could banish evil spirits, sickness and death.