Musical Traditions
From ancient ceremonial music to living folk traditions — a window into how humanity has shaped sound across continents and centuries.
7 traditions in Middle East & North Africa
Maqam (Arabic)
Medievalمقام عربي
The Arabic modal system underlying classical and popular music across the Arab world, defining melodic frameworks and emotional character.
Andalusian Classical
9th centuryالموسيقى الأندلسية
Classical tradition descended from medieval Al-Andalus, preserved in North Africa in large-scale nuba suites.
Gnawa
Medievalڭناوة
Spiritual music and ritual healing practice of Moroccan Gnawa communities, combining trance rhythms with low-pitched guembri bass and metal castanets.
Chaabi
Early 20th centuryالشعبي
Popular urban folk music of Algeria and Morocco blending Andalusian, Bedouin, and Berber elements.
Persian Classical
Qajar period (19th century codification)موسیقی کلاسیک ایرانی
The classical music of Iran, based on the radif — a canon of melodic modes — performed on instruments such as tar, setar, and santur.