Zeibekiko and Bouzouki given ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ status

·

One of the most beloved dances and rhythms in Greece, the Zeibekiko, and its popular musical accomplice, the bouzouki, have been inducted into the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Greece’s Ministry of Culture and Sports inscribed both the dance, as well as the three-stringed and four-string bouzouki, the tzouras and the baglamas to its list of ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage.’

Mary Linda is a Greek folk singer. Manolis Chiotis was a Greek rebetiko and laiko composer, singer, and bouzouki player.

Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni said: “Throughout Greece and the communities of the diaspora, the movement of the Zeibekiko and the sound of the bouzouki are a pure expression of the Greek repertoire and are based on a long tradition of intangible cultural heritage.”

“The inclusion of Zeibekiko and bouzouki in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage contribute decisively to the study and preservation of these important elements that have determined the Greek sound, both within the country and abroad,” the Minister concluded.

What is Zeibekiko? 

Zeibekiko is a style of dance tied to Greek cultural identity, being celebrated and performed throughout Greece and communities of the diaspora.

Historically characterised as a ‘battle dance’ between two armed men, its name comes from the ‘Zeybeks’ – an irregular army from the Aegean Region of the Ottoman Empire from the late 17th through to the early 20th century. 

In 1922, with the mass population exchange between Greece and Turkey, the dance, along with its synonymously recognised music became widely popular on the mainland with the urban poor and working classes. 

What soon evolved was an improvised style of dance or the ‘drunk man’s dance’ as it has come to be known today, characterised by ‘aeroplane arms’ and circular movements.

Described as a “choreographic embodiment of defiance”, it comes as no surprise that one’s  Zeibekiko is typically partnered with a glass of whisky or a cigarette. 

READ MORE: Key tips to slay a Zeibekiko

What is the bouzouki? 

The bouzouki, or the long-necked plucked lute of Greece, is a musical instrument with a round wooden body, accompanied by metal strings arranged in threes or fours over a fretted fingerboard. The smaller versions are known as the tzouras and baglamas.

Bouzouki, tzouras and baglamas in order. Pinterest user Antonis Asimakopoulos

The bouzouki, whilst traditionally used for dancing and entertainment at social gatherings, also possesses a patchy past. In the early 20th-century, the instrument became a staple instrument of the Rebetika: the music of the outlaws.

Today, the stringed instrument is synonymous with all things Greek, being the lead instrument of the Rebetika and Laika (folk) songs.

Rebetika: the music of outlaws.

Source: Greece Is

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Greece emergency responders under ‘great pressure’ from extreme weather

Vassilis Kikilias stated Storm Daniel has put Greek authorities under great pressure to respond to the emergency.

Inaugural Greek Independence Day festival to be held at Melbourne’s Oakleigh Central

Vicinity Centre’s inaugural Greek Independence Day Festival will be held at Oakleigh Central on Saturday, March 25.

Greece and China strengthen collaboration in shipping finance

Greece and China will strengthen collaboration in shipping finance following a conference held at Piraeus port on Wednesday.