Here's a breakdown of its origin story:
* Greek origins: The bouzouki's direct ancestor is believed to be the "bouzouki" or "tambouras," a three-stringed instrument played in Greece since the 17th century. This older version was mainly used in folk music and was smaller in size.
* Turkish influence: During the Ottoman Empire's rule over Greece, a similar instrument called the "saz" was introduced. This instrument, with a longer neck and a larger body, was a popular folk instrument in Turkish music.
* The evolution of the bouzouki: Over time, the Greek "bouzouki" and the Turkish "saz" influenced each other, resulting in a hybrid instrument with four strings and a larger body. This new version became known as the "trichandili" in Greek.
* Modern bouzouki: The "trichandili" further evolved into the modern bouzouki with eight strings, gaining popularity in the 20th century, particularly with the rise of rebetiko music, a genre rooted in Greek urban life.
So, while the bouzouki has clear roots in Greek music, the influence of the Turkish "saz" played a crucial role in shaping its modern form.