The lute from Istanbul (lafta) is a stringed, timeless instrument played with a quill. The exact origin of the instrument is not known, however it is widespread in Turkey and is directly related to the urban folk music of Istanbul. In recent years, it has been widely spread in our country as well.
The lute from Istanbul is smaller in size and lower in intensity than the Greek one, while it has movable frets, being able to render all the micro-intervals of the “sounds” and “makams” of traditional and church music.
Influenced in his playing by the oud and the tambouras, lafta complements the traditional orchestra with its soloist and accompanying character.