Classical kemençe
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | stringed |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 321.321 (Necked bowl lute) |
| Related instruments | |
| Byzantine lyra, Gadulka, Calabrian Lira, Cretan lyra, Lijerica | |
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The classical kemenche (Turkish: Klasik kemençe), Armudî kemençe ('pear-shaped kemenche') or Politiki lyra (Greek: πολίτικη λύρα, 'Constantinopolitan lyre') is a pear-shaped bowed instrument that derived from the medieval Greek Byzantine lyre.
It was mainly used by Greek immigrants from Asia Minor and in classical Ottoman music. The instrument was also used earlier for popular music, such as early "Smyrna-Style" Rebetiko and played till nowadays. It has become the main bowed instrument of Ottoman classical music since the mid 19th century.