Persian musical instruments, broadly classified into classical, Western, and folk, spread extensively across the Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia, reaching Europe and far regions of Asia via ancient trade routes like the Silk Road. This widespread distribution led to significant cultural intermixing, particularly with Arabic and Turkish traditions, evidenced by shared terminology and adaptations of instruments following centuries of conquests and trade.

Key string instruments include the Tar, Setar, Kamancheh, and the hammered Santoor, while prominent wind instruments feature the Ney and the Sorna. Percussion instruments like the Daf further highlight this cultural fusion, often sharing names with Arabic or Turkish counterparts due to historical intermingling. Historical images from Russian Turkestan (circa 1865-1872) vividly illustrate this blend, showing instruments like the Tanbur alongside variations such as a 'bowed Tanbur' or the Kauz (Kobyz), which is related to the Persian Ghaychak.