The Damascene Oud part of the Syrian musical heritage

The Cultural center in Kafar Soussa in Damascus held on Monday a symposium entitled “The heritage of Damascene Oud”. The symposium also included an exhibition of models of Oud in addition to a video presenting a historical overview of the industry of the Damascene Oud.

 Oud is an oriental musical instrument. Its uniqueness is expressed in the originality of the handcraft. It is as well considered as one of the most important oriental and Arabic instruments. The Oud is characterized by its small box and long neck.

 Dr. Fouad Tubal, a professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts, reviewed the history of music in Syria, indicating that Syria was a platform from which music was launched to the region and the world. The music began in Ugarit civilization were the first institute of music training was established, then the of use Oud spread in Spain and Europe during the Umayyad epoch, from its capital Damascus.

 Bashar Jaudat al-Halabi the most exalted Skillman “Sheikh al- Kar” said: “the Damascene Oud is one of the most important components of the Syrian heritage and has an international reputation characterized by its precise handcraft and smooth sounds to generate original music”.

 He spoke about the history of handcraft of the Damascene Oud which dates back to 1897 by well known names in the industry like: Abdo al-Nahhat, Jawdat Halabi and others and the type of wood that is used in Oud industries.

the Oud is made from local wood which comes from Ghouta as cypress, walnuts apricots  and pine. The Damascene one is characterized by its soft rhyme, nostalgia and balance between the sounds according to Halabi.

Interviewed by Nada haj Khidr