Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Chechnya bans all music deemed too fast or too slow
Chechen is one of the 21 internationally recognized republics of Russia.
It lies between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea and has a population of around
1.5 million, most of whom are Muslims. Chechen traditional music reflects the
culture's history, values, and way of life. It often features vocal
performances accompanied by traditional instruments. Songs may be narrative,
celebrating heroic deeds or love, or they may be performed at cultural events
and celebrations. Recently, the government of the republic announced a decision
to limit all forms of music compositions to a tempo ranging from 80 to 116
beats per minute to ensure that Chechen musical and dance creations align with
its mentality and musical rhythm. Since 2007, the republic has been ruled by
Ramzan Kadyrov, who has been accused of human rights abuses and authoritarian
practices, including crackdowns on political dissent and LGBT rights. Unlike Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, music itself isn’t
banned entirely in Chechen, but tempo requirements by the government sound like
an ancient or medieval ruling.
Read the article and learn about what music means to the Chechen’s
conservative leader.
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