The Middle East: Islam and the Arab World, Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Israel

This eighth chapter continues the reader’s global journey into the study of world music. The chapter opens with a map of the Middle East (West Asia & North Africa) that highlights the areas where the text focuses its review. The text then prepares the reader with a brief tour of the sights, sounds, and significant historical events associated with the region before visiting specific locales and their musical and cultural activities. In this chapter, much of the attention focuses on the influence of religion on musical activities. The sites examined include: a review of Islam and the Call to Prayer as it relates to the Arabic world; Iran, santur - a hammered zither considered the origin of similar instruments around the world; Egypt, takht instrumental ensemble, which sometimes accompanies dance; and, liturgical cantillation found in Judaism, including the shofar, a ram’s horn blown as a trumpet. The chapter concludes with Questions to Consider intended to stimulate reflection on the chapter contents, as well as further investigation of related themes.