Oriental music covers the rich and varied musical traditions of the Middle East and surrounding regions, known for its distinctive scales and rhythms.
Characteristic Instruments
Oud, qanun, ney, darbuka, and other traditional instruments create the unique sound of Oriental music.
Dominant Styles
Includes classical Arabic, Turkish, Persian music, and folk styles, with complex rhythms and modal scales.
Top Artists by Era
Classic Era
- Umm Kulthum
- Fairuz
- Munir Bashir
- Mohammed Abdel Wahab
Modern Era
- Marcel Khalife
- Nancy Ajram
- Elissa
- Dhafer Youssef
Contemporary
- Souad Massi
- Natacha Atlas
- Omar Souleyman
- Yasmine Hamdan