Ilyas Malayev

IlyasMallayevGrave.jpg

Birth name
Also known as
Born	12 January 1936 Mary, Turkmenistan
Origin
Died	2 May 2008 Queens, New York City, United States
Genres	Shashmaqam, Central Asian music
Occupation(s)	Musician, poet, playwright
Instrument(s)	Dutar, Tanbur

Ilyas Malayev (12 January 1936 – 2 May 2008) was a prominent Uzbek-American musician, poet, and playwright. He was a master of the Shashmaqam genre, a traditional Central Asian musical form.

Early Life

Ilyas Malayev was born in Mary, Turkmenistan, to a Bukharan Jewish family. His family later moved to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where he began his musical education. Malayev showed an early talent for music and poetry, learning to play the Dutar and Tanbur.

Career

Malayev's career began in the 1950s when he started performing in Uzbekistan. He became well-known for his performances of Shashmaqam, a genre that combines poetry and music and is rooted in the cultural traditions of Central Asia. Malayev's work was characterized by his deep understanding of the classical poetry of the region and his skillful musicianship.

In addition to his musical career, Malayev was also a respected playwright. He wrote several plays that were performed in theaters across Central Asia. His works often explored themes of cultural identity and the experiences of the Bukharan Jews.

Emigration to the United States

In the early 1990s, Malayev emigrated to the United States, settling in Queens, New York City. In the U.S., he continued to perform and promote Central Asian music. He became a beloved figure in the Bukharan Jewish community in New York City and was instrumental in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of his people.

Legacy

Ilyas Malayev's contributions to music and culture have left a lasting impact. He is remembered as a master of Shashmaqam and a key figure in the preservation of Central Asian music traditions. His work continues to inspire musicians and poets in Uzbekistan, the United States, and beyond.

Death

Ilyas Malayev passed away on 2 May 2008 in Queens, New York City, United States.

See also

• Shashmaqam
• Bukharan Jews
• Central Asian music