Balaban is an ancient Azerbaijan folk musical instrument. It is a wind musical instrument which has a hole on the back side, and eight holes on the front side, and is basically made of mulberry tree. Among the people it is known by the name balaban or “yasti balaban”. The balaban, which has a soft, melancholic sound, is used to accompany ensembles, orchestras and as a solo instrument in groups of wind instruments and as well as to accompany groups of ashig. The name of balaban can be found in the “Kitabi Dede Korkut” epos, as well as in the works of classic Azerbaijan poets.
