Clubcoition.com

OUD- The Music Of Turkey

OUD is Arabic instrument which is as popular as guitar in the western countries. It is an instrument which has played a major role in evolution of the guitar. There are hundreds of musical instruments which are found in various cultures for the past many centuries.

A women sitting on a boat and playing the instrument with her right hand has special mentioning and there has been a picture depicting it. Arabic musical instrument was developed from Kopuz which was used by Turkish people around 6th century.

Kopuz was used during war time as it was believed to have some magical affect. The instrument existed throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East and it was the Arabs that introduced it to Spain when they invaded into Iberian Peninsula during 8th century. During this time only it is believed that the instrument gained much popularity although there is a possibility that Greeks and Romans introduced a similar instrument much earlier in the region.

The influence of the instrument on western culture or evolution from Muslim to Christian culture took place at Sicily where it was made popular by the musicians but there are no hard facts that support these findings. By the end of the 14th century it gained popularity throughout Italy and many German speaking regions.

The OUD is unlike guitar and has a back resembling the shape of a half watermelon. The shape makes it structurally very strong enabling the upper portion to be very thin. It is made of hardwood but is not heavy if the wood is good. It has one to three sound holes which can be either oval or circular in shape. These holes are often decorated with wood carving.

With time the instrument has also changes and is not like its prototype. The Turkish make is quite different from the Arabic and they also differ in shape and playing style. The Arabic is believed to be older and Turkish is the modified version of it.

OUD having its root in Iraq has a very popular saying there that the music lies in the countries soul. Many believe that this instrument has lot of healing powers. It helps in keeping the body temper low and clams the heart. After the Islamic militants the music has lost its favour as many players and teachers where exiled for playing it as secular music is considered to be forbidden.

Taking care of the OUD is not very complicated or difficult. The more you play it the strings and the instruments should be cleaned every time with a soft cloth. Replacing the strings in every 6 month or 12 month is necessary. Avoid the instrument from being exposed to high heat, humidity or cold as it will damage it. Keep it in a hard case to protect it from all extreme conditions. Also applying peg compound around the holes will help in fine tuning as it will become smooth.