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OUD- The Music Of Turkey

Like guitar is famous in the west, OUD is an Arabic musical instrument. It is an instrument which has played a major role in evolution of the guitar. Music has been a very important part of every culture and there have been hundred of musical instruments which have been used for many centuries.

The instrument was developed from kopuz which was used by Turkish people around 6th century. There has been also a picture depicting a women carrying a similar looking instrument upon a boat and playing it with her right hand. It has a special mentioning in the ancient culture.

Kopuz in the past was believed to have magical effects and was used during war time in military bands. It existed throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It was the Arabs that introduced it to Spain when they marched into Iberian Peninsula during 8th century. It is believed that during this time only the instrument gained popularity but the possibility of Greeks and Romans introducing a similar instrument way before cannot be denied.

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 the modern influence on everything it has also changed the tradition musical instrument. The new one is completely different from its old prototype. Turkish make is different from the Arabic and differ in both playing style and shape.

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.

Tags: Music