The Classical music traditions of Turkish, Arabic and western music are all based on the same musical theories of scale building credited to the ancient Greek Pythagoras. Over the centuries, the three traditions followed a separate path of development, each of which is now recognized as a form of high art, but each with a distinct musical ‘dialect’. By the time of J.S. Bach, Western Classical music had developed into a system of tuning known as equal temperaments, where the musical octave is divided into 12 equally spaced half-tones. These tones are visible on any piano or fretted guitar. Equal temperament enables Western composers to create works using complex harmonies and polyphony.

Arabic classical music went through an important period of early development during the 9th through the 12th centuries when the Arabs ruled large parts of the Middle East, North Africa and Southern Europe. Arabic scholars made important contributions in studying and interpreting the works of the ancient Greeks. The Arabic system of modes known as MAQAMAT came out of these early studies. In the Arabic Maqamat, the octave is divided into 24 equally spaced Quarter-Tones. Classical Arabic composers show their skill in the development of these quarter-tones not through harmony or polyphony(as in the West), but through melody. To Western ears trained in 12 tone equal temperament, these quarter-tones can sound odd at first and are sometimes referred to as Micro-Tones.

While Turkish Classical music went through a parallel period of early development with the Arabs, the high point in the development of the Turkish Classical style was during the Ottoman Empire period from the 15th through the 20th centuries. In Turkish Makams, the octave is not divided equally, but proportionally using Whole-Tones, Half-Tones, Quarter-Tones and smaller which approximate an Eighth-Tone. In theory, there are 24 tones in the Turkish octave, however in practice there

String Instruments

Lyre

One of the oldest string instruments, known to have existed since the third millennium B.C. A 5 or 6-string instrument, usually triangular in shape, with a shallow sound box made of wood or metal, about 1 meter high.

Common name – Tambura

Lute family

Oud – Clearly the most respected and honored instrument in Middle Eastern classical music, in existence since the 7th or 8th century, with an unfretted short neck, with 5 or 6 courses of strings played with a plectrum (a type of pick).

Kwitra – Another short necked lute, mostly used in the North African classical (Andalusian) tradition. Has a smaller and elongated shaped sound box.

Qanbus – The Yemeni version of the lute, with 4 strings, made from a single piece of wood. The sound box is covered with skin.

Long neck lutes

Tanbur & Saz – Mostly associated with the folk tradition used in Iran, Northern Iraq, Syria and parts of Central Asia. Comes in different sizes and shapes, and have between 12-17 frets and 2 or 3 courses of strings.

Buzuq – Consists of 24 frets, with an expanded sound range which makes it into a preferable instrument for improvisation, and closer to the oud in this function.

Gimbri – A native instrument of North Africa. There are three types, according to origin: Arabi, Sudani and Gnawi. Two sizes exist – the smaller Saghir or Souidsi, which has almost disappeared; and the larger, associated with the loud, almost bass like quality of the famous Gnawa tradition. The soundbox is made of wood, tortoise shell or a rectangular metal can.

Bowed string instruments

Rababa –The oldest of the spike fiddles, this is a single string instrument which is extended on one end by metal spikes for frets. The musician uses cloth or thread that is tied along the neck in different intervals. Mostly used by the Bedouins around the Sinai, the Red Sea shore and the Arabian coast.

Rebeb – A 2-string fiddle used in Andalusian classical tradition.

Joze – A 4-string fiddle with a coconut shell for a soundbox, used in Iraqi classical music.

Kemenche – A 4 string spiked fiddle with a small soundbox covered with animal skin, played vertically, resting on the musician’s thigh. Primarily associated with Persian classical music, but can be found throughout Central Asia. The Turkish version has a different construction, but the method of playing is similar.

Cretean Lyra – Traditionally one of the main instruments in Cretean folk music, but can be found in other Greek islands as well. Can also be found in other Balkan countries, with some variations. Traditionally a 3-string upright fiddle. Some of the newer versions include 18 sympathetic strings. The unique difference between the Cretean lyra and other upright fiddles is the technique used. The back of the fingernails is used to apply pressure on the sides of the strings.

Zithers

Qanun – A trapezoid shaped zither, commonly using 26 triple strings, played with 2 plectras that are attached to rings worn on the first finger of each hand. In existence since the 14th century, and a main instrument of the traditional small ensemble of classical Middle Eastern music.

Santur – First mentioned in texts from around 600 B.C., in the orchestra of the Babylonian king. A trapezoid shaped zither with 23-25 triple strings played with two light sticks. Also a main instrument of the traditional small ensemble of classical Middle Eastern music.

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Woodwind Instruments

Nay – The reed flute associated with the classical traditional music throughout the Middle East and Central Asia. There are seven sizes, with six top holes and one thumb hole. Three octaves may be reached by a master musician.

Mizmar- A single or double reed instrument.

Common names – Mizwij, Jifti, Mitbej, Mijwiz, Zurna.

Arghull – A double pipe flute of two pipes of different length. The short pipe has finger holes, and the long pipe is a drone.

Bagpipes – A single reed instrument attached to a skin bag that holds the air.

Common names – Jirba, Qurba, Habban

Nafir & Buk – Two large conical horns, primarily used for religious ceremonies.

Duduk – One of the oldest woodwind instruments, with an emotional tone character. Considered the national instrument of Armenia. While there are different versions from different countries, the Armenian is the most well known; carved from apricot wood and available in three sizes.