SHAMALI

Shamal (meaning "north") refers to the regions located to the north of Kabul, the country's capital. This region includes the fertile plains of Parwan province, known as the Shamali Valley, that surround the town of Charikar. It also includes Panjshir, Badakhshan, Mazar and other northern provinces. Because of the abundance of melt water draining down from the mountain passes, the Shamali Valley is a lush region replete with fruit trees and agriculture, making it a common weekend picnic destination for those living in Kabul. 

Shamali music features Farsi poetry with local musical styles. Individual poetic and song styles exist throughout the region, with some being performed in free rhythm. Melodies are often short and catchy, and can be used again and again to set any number of verses of poetry (beit) to music. One example of Shamali music is Qarsak, literally "hand-clap", which is a type of music and folk dance that is common in Panjshir and other northern provinces. Instruments such as ghechak, dambura, zer baghali, rubab, and dholak are commonly used in the music of Shamali.