Sea rhythms echo a living maritime heritage

Musical rhythms in the cities of southern Iran stand as a vibrant cultural expression shaped by centuries of interaction between people and the sea. This enduring relationship has influenced not only livelihoods and maritime traditions, but also artistic forms deeply embedded in the identity of coastal communities.
Stretching along Iran’s southern coastline — from Bushehr Province to Bandar Abbas and across the ports and islands of Hormozgan — music has long been intertwined with daily life. Rather than existing as a separate artistic pursuit, it forms an essential part of maritime work and social gatherings, reflecting the climate, geography and historical memory of the region.
In an interview, Iranian cultural heritage researcher Reyhaneh Mousavi explained that southern Iran’s sea rhythms emerge from lived human experience rather than abstract musical theory. “Work merges with song, and movement blends with sound,” she said, describing the sea as a comprehensive cultural framework that has shaped collective memory and social behaviour.
Rhythm occupies a central role in this musical tradition. The steady beating of drums is designed less for performance spectacle and more to create collective harmony among workers. On boats or along the shore, rhythm regulates effort, synchronizes movement and fosters a sense of unity and continuity. Though structurally simple, these rhythms carry layered meanings, built on repetition, clear pulses and a tempo that mirrors the cadence of maritime labor.

Percussion instruments — particularly large drums that anchor the base rhythm — dominate the musical landscape, supported by smaller instruments that enrich the overall sound. Singing complements rather than competes with rhythm. Performances typically follow a call-and-response pattern, where a lead singer introduces a phrase and the group responds collectively. This structure reflects a social fabric rooted in cooperation and shared responsibility.
Lyrically, the songs revolve around themes of the sea, travel, endurance, longing and prayer, expressed in local dialects that align closely with musical cadence rather than classical poetic forms.
The open-air settings — harbours, seaside squares and coastal spaces — demand strong tones and clear projection, often accompanied by coordinated physical movement that reinforces the beat.
From a heritage perspective, Mousavi noted, these rhythms serve as an unwritten archive of southern Iran’s maritime history — transforming labour into melody and the sea into a lasting source of cultural inspiration. - ONA