The tamboura is a musical instrument widely used in Indian classical music. It is also known by various other names depending on its geographic location and cultural influence. In the Middle East, it is called the tanbur or the saz. In Central Asia, it is known as the dutar, dombra, or topshur. In Greece, it is referred to as the pandoura. The African equivalent of this instrument is called the ngoni. In Eastern Europe, it is popularly known as the balalaika. Some other synonyms for the tamboura also include the bouzouki, mandolin, and sitar, as they share a similar sound and structure.