The Middle East is home to some of the oldest civilizations in human history and has inspired the world with its rich musical heritage. The music culture developed in this region has been a crossroads of Eastern and Western influences; over time, its instruments have evolved, transformed, and spread beyond borders to different cultures. In this article, we will take a brief historical journey through some of the most characteristic Middle Eastern instruments: bağlama, ney, oud, qanun, santur, and more…

Bağlama: The Stringed Heart of Anatolia

The bağlama is the heir of a long tradition stretching from Central Asia to Anatolia. It is a stringed instrument related to the ancient Turkish kopuz and holds a special place, especially within the Anatolian Alevi-Bektashi culture. Over time, different types such as cura, tambura, and divan sazı have emerged. It is widely used in both folk music and modern arrangements.

Oud: The Lyre of the Arab World

The oud is perhaps the most symbolic instrument of Middle Eastern music. It is known for its short neck and pear-shaped body. Its name derives from the Arabic word al-ʿūd, meaning “wood.” With the spread of Islam, it extended across North Africa and Iran, later evolving into the European lute. The oud produces a rich, expressive tone with great depth.

Ney: The Breath Within Silence

The ney is one of the symbols of Sufi music. Made from reed, this wind instrument plays a spiritual role in Mevlevi ceremonies. Its roots date back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Mastery of the ney requires great skill, as each note represents both a physical and spiritual state.

Qanun: The Strings of Serenity

The qanun is a zither-like instrument with a rectangular shape and many strings. It has been used since ancient times throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Played with a plectrum, it features special levers to control microtonal intervals. The qanun is found in Ottoman palace music as well as in modern Arab music.

Santur: The Melody Struck by Hammers

The santur (or santoor) is a trapezoidal string instrument played by striking the strings with small mallets. The oldest examples date back to ancient Persia. It has since reached India, China, and Europe, evolving differently in each region. The Iranian santur, in particular, holds an important place in the Radif tradition.

A Shared Identity of Middle Eastern Instruments

These instruments do more than produce sound; they carry cultural memory along with their rich tone. Their common traits include openness to improvisation, compatibility with microtonal systems, and the ability to express emotion deeply. The maqam musical system comes alive through these instruments, with every note whispering a story.

From Tradition to the Future with Tapadum Music

At Tapadum Music, we produce many traditional Middle Eastern instruments—from bağlama to santur—in our workshop in Turkey, and deliver them worldwide from our store in Italy. Behind every instrument is the craftsmanship of an artisan, the culture of a community, and the soul of a musician. We are devoted to preserving and spreading this spirit.

Conclusion: The Melodies of a Region

Middle Eastern music has always been a universal language beyond borders. The sound of the bağlama in Anatolia, the ney in the skies, the oud in the Arab lands, and the santur in Persian territories shows us that music is a shared human heritage. Listening to these instruments means listening to the past and to ourselves.