The Rich Musical Heritage of the Middle East: Traditional Instruments

The Middle East is known for its rich cultural heritage throughout history, and music, which is an important part of this heritage, reflects the diversity and depth of the region. Traditional instruments and other musical instruments of the Middle East play an important role in expressing this richness and diversity. Here are the traditional saz and other musical instruments of the Middle East:

1. Oud:

Oud, one of the most well-known and oldest instruments of the Middle East, is widely played in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries. Oud, a handmade reed, is a stringed instrument and is usually made from high-quality woods such as maple, rosewood or walnut. It has a deep and rich tone that forms the basis of traditional Middle Eastern music.

2. Santur:

Santur, a musical instrument of Persian origin, is one of the traditional instruments of the Middle East. It has a body made of metal strings and is played with thin sticks. Santur, which has a melancholic and emotional tone, is used in traditional music performance in Iran, Iraq, India and some parts of Central Asia.

3. Saz (Baglama):

Saz is considered the national instrument of Turkey and is an indispensable part of Turkish folk music. It has strings and is usually played acoustically. Saz plays an important role in Turkish music and is also popular in other parts of the Middle East.

4. Ney / Nay:

Ney, one of the oldest wind instruments in the Middle East, consists of a pipe usually made of reed. Used in Sufi music and rituals, Ney is used for spiritual experiences and trance spiritual journeys. It is commonly seen in Persian, Turkish and Arabic music.

5. Qanun / Kanun:

The zither is a traditional instrument of the Middle East and North Africa. It consists of wires stretched over a body made of Kutnu tree. It is played similar to the santur, but the strings are struck with a plectrum instead of the fingers. Qanun plays an important role in the performance of traditional music in various countries of the Middle East and is often used in orchestras and traditional ensembles.

6. Rabab:

Rabab is one of the traditional string instruments of the Middle East. It is commonly played in Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of the Middle East. Rabab, used in folk music and religious ceremonies, has a deep and touching sound.

7. Kudüm:

Kudüm is one of the traditional percussion instruments of the Middle East. It consists of a pair of hand-made drums and is used for rhythmic beats. It is commonly played during religious ceremonies and rituals.

8. Bendir:

The bendir is a traditional instrument of the Middle East and North Africa, a large frame drum. It is used for rhythmic beats and intonations and is often played in Marrakesh music and Gnawa music.

9. Zurna:

Zurna is a wind instrument of the Middle East and Central Asia. It usually consists of a pipe made from grass or trees. It is widely used during weddings, celebrations and other traditional ceremonies.

10. Duduk:

Duduk is a traditional wind instrument originating from Armenia. It consists of a pipe usually made of mulberry wood and has a melancholic tone. Duduk is widely used in various regions of the Middle East and the Caucasus and plays an important role in the performance of traditional music.

11. Buzuq:

Buzuq is a stringed instrument traditionally used in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. It is a three or four-stringed instrument, usually made from wood with roots and cheeks. Buzuq, which has a rich and melodic sound and is frequently used in traditional folk music, has a lively and melodic sound.

12. Simsimiyya:

Simsimiyya is a stringed instrument used in Nubian music and other traditional music genres in southern Egypt. It usually has 5 or 6 strings and has a medium-sized body. It is often performed within communities and is popular in the Nile Valley region of Egypt.

13. Qanbus:

Qanbus or Gambus is a stringed instrument traditionally used in the Arabian Peninsula. It is especially common in Yemen and Oman. It usually has three or four strings and has a thin and loud tone. It plays an important role in traditional Arabic music, especially Hadrami music.

14. Kemence:

Kemence is an instrument commonly used in some parts of the Middle East and the Caucasus. Kemence, which has a boat-shaped body, is a three or four-stringed instrument and is played with a bow. It is traditionally played at weddings, celebrations and other social events. Kemence has a characteristic tone and is often used in dance music.

These instruments are important elements that reflect the rich musical heritage of the Middle East and add depth to the cultural texture of the region. Each is traditionally produced and used in different regions of the Middle East, thus expressing the diversity and richness of the region’s traditional music.

Orient Valley Team
www.theorientvalley.com