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Over the course of three episodes, we explore the rich traditions of Persian classical music and what makes it classical. With roots in the urban and courtly traditions, we hear works of the long pre-Islamic period and the Greek, Jewish and Christian musical theories and practices behind them. We explore how the arrival of Islam and the influence of neighbouring Arab musicians brought new modes, scales and rhythms to the music. And as a new genre of composed pieces arrived in the 20th century, we hear the works that have shaped Persian classical music over the last century. These traditions cross borders, and we hear how Persian classical music is performed in Afghanistan, India and Central Asia.