The Influence of the Drum in the Middle East
By Dejaih Smith
Tar
Enjoy a modern-day Tar drum performance
Played by women in ancient Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), this single-headed duff was first noted hanging in a shrine room. However, the first frame version was seen in ancient Egypt c. 1417-1379 BCE usually overlaid with mother-of-pearl, tortoise-shell, or ivory.
A jingle arrangement seen as the ancient tambourine, the Riq is an important instrument in both folk and Arabic classical orchestral music.
Riq
Engage with a Riq drum demonstration
Doumbek
Click for a Doumbek drum performance
The most popular drum in the Middle East originating in Egypt, the Doumbek is usually crafted of ceramic or metal. It’s famous for its seamless drumhead and is believed to have been invented by women potters many centuries ago.
Used in traditional Turkish art music and very popular in music across Morocco, Algeria, and Persia, a Bendir meaning “a big, hand-frame drum” has also been heard at Sufi ceremonies crafted to make a snazzy, buzzy sound.
Bendir
Listen to a Bendir drum demonstration
Tombak
Morphed from the Egyptian goblet drum around 1100 BCE, the Tombak has been considered the principal percussion instrument of Persian music since pioneered by Hossein Tehrani in the 20th century.