Abstract
This article provides a scientific analysis of the role, instrumental functions, and accompaniment characteristics of the ghijjak within the polytextural system of Karakalpak traditional epic storytelling and bakhshi performance art, evaluated from organological and ethnomusicological perspectives. The study assesses the ghijjak as a leading musical subject that forms and dynamically develops epic dramaturgy. The instrumental capabilities of the instrument are comprehensively demonstrated through substantial musical introductions, inter-sectional solo episodes, and dramatic climaxes, supported by scientific sources and practical performance examples. Its accompaniment characteristics are revealed through creating heterophonic and polyphonic layers alongside the bakhshi’s vocal line, providing a bourdon support via sustained bow articulation, and forming a complex modal-timbral synthesis and equilibrium with the texture of the plucked alamoynaq dutar. Furthermore, the fretless neck structure and bowed acoustic nature of the ghijjak fully define its key performance advantages in expressing subtle microtonal inflections, traditional ornaments, and expressive vibratos as a continuous acoustic continuum inherent to the bakhshi art. These scientific conclusions serve to thoroughly substantiate the position of the ghijjak in Karakalpak traditional musicology and organology at a new academic level, both theoretically and practically.