12 – Maqam (Tarz) Hagh Davud (“Holy Davud Is the Manifestation of the Truth”)

Range: G, A♭, B (B♭), C.

Variable notes: B.

Time signatures in the metric sections: 4/4.

Tuning: Haft Dastan or Barz (C, C, G)

This is one of the kalam maqams – sacred maqams (melodic-modal pieces of the tanbur repertoire) sung to the sacred verse of the Yarsan (Ahl-e Haqq) – with a steady four-beat rhythm, and it is accompanied by hand-clapping. The sarband (refrain) of this maqam is the first couplet:

Haghan Davu, gian Davu

Din Davu, iman Davu

Holy Davud is the manifestation of the Truth and the source of sincere devotion and faith.

This maqam, which continues the theme of the previous maqam and is transmitted from the same source (Bargah Bargah), can be performed at all Yarsan religious ceremonies; it bears witness to the rightfulness of Holy Davud and was dedicated to him by his companions.