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Middle East

The Maqam world · Egypt, Iran & Turkey

Arabic maqām, Turkish makam and Persian dastgāh/radif are related but distinct modal cultures. Court, devotional and urban traditions evolved through radio and conservatories.

History & evolution

  1. Court lineages

    Modal repertoires

  2. 1900s

    Radio and recording

  3. Today

    Living modal traditions

Key styles

  • Maqām
  • Makam
  • Dastgāh
  • Radif

Instruments

  • Oud
  • Qanun
  • Ney
  • Tār
  • Setār
  • Santur

Masters & composers

  • Umm Kulthum
  • Mohammad Reza Shajarian
  • Tanburi Cemil Bey

Listen live

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Watch

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Learn

Cairo Opera

Official publisher · checked October 20, 2026

AKDN · Mohammad Reza Shajarian

Official publisher · checked October 20, 2026

İKSV

Traditional coverage depends on programme

Attend

Cairo Opera

Official publisher · checked October 20, 2026

İKSV

Traditional coverage depends on programme

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