Assyrian people
(also known as Aramaeans, Chaldeans and/or Syriacs) are an ethnic group
inhabiting today, parts of Iraq, Iran,
Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon. In the past century, due to
countless persecutions including the Assyrian Genocide, about half
of its population has emigrated into the Caucasus, North
America, and Western Europe.
Assyrian people are believed to be the inheritors of the
ancient Assyro-Babylonian cultures. They have a culture, religion,
and language different from that of the modern-day Arabs,
Kurds, Persians, and Turks, whom happen to inhabit, what they believe
to be, their indigenous land.
Assyrian music is divided into three main periods: the
ancient period that is of (Ur, Babylon and Nineveh), the middle period
(or tribal and folkloric period) and the modern period.
Within the modern period, Assyrian music holds a special
place in the hearts of all Assyrians whether it be at a festival,
wedding or any other celebration. The patterns played in
Assyrian music on these celebrations are usually found in a 6/8 metre
such as the famous Khigga or the Sheikhani.
The main instruments are the Dhol or Davul (pronounced "Dawoola" in Assyrian) & Zurna (a type of Oboe), Tambura (similar to the Bouzouki), Baglama, Çiftelia , Dutar, Saz, Watariyat (which consists of Stringed Instruments) & Solo Leads (usually played on a Musical keyboard).
