One of the instruments with the most profound cultural roots especially in Turkey and Kurdistan as well as in the Middle East, the Balkans, and Central Asia is the Davul: the strongest member of the percussion family. Also called dhol or dahol, the davul is a traditional double-headed drum.
It is the usual suspect of festivals, ceremonies, celebrations, and weddings with its rhythmic and powerful sounds. The instrument holds a special place for Turkish, Kurdish, and some Middle Eastern cultures today, as it is typically played to create vibrant music with the so-called wind instrument Zurna.
What is the Davul?
The Davul or dhol or dahol is a traditional large drum typically made of wood and animal skin. It is known for its powerful, deep, and resonant sound. It is played on both sides with two sticks. The diameter of the drum is typically 30 or 50 cm, and it weighs around 5 kg.
The instrument is deeply rooted in Turkish and Kurdish culture, as it is often played in almost every celebration. It plays a vital role in the musical heritage of these cultures as it preserves its place in the culture for generations.
Davul’s significance does not only stand within the music as its importance extends beyond that, but it is now a part of the cultural identity. Important moments in Turkish and Kurdish societies are always marked with the Davul and the wind instrument Zurna, as they are the duo for creating melodies that resonate through streets and open spaces, symbolizing celebration, life, and unity. In most weddings, religious festivals, folk dances, and celebrations, you can hear the powerful rhythms of the davul.
Where is the Davul Played?
Davul reached a wide geography thanks to the Ottoman Empire, which had borders from Vienna and Gibraltar in the west, Russia in the north, the Caspian Sea in the east, and Somalia in the south. So, today, you can hear the Davul in Turkey, the Middle East, the Balkans, north Africa, and parts of Central Asia. Today, the davul is considered one of the crucial instruments of Turkish and Kurdish culture.
The davul is commonly played in village squares, city festivals, national holidays, ceremonies, weddings, and any kind of celebration in Turkey. Also, in Muslim countries, especially in Turkey, the Davul has become the iconic sound of Ramadan, as davul players walk around the streets at night to wake people up for Sahur, which is the pre-dawn meal so that people can eat before the full day fasting starts. Turkish folk music is full of davul beats.
In Kurdish parts, the davul sits at the core of the music culture. The traditional Kurdish music is built around the davul as it provides a raw, captivating sound to local festivities. The rhythmic aspects differ from region to region or occasion to occasion, but every time, it reflects the richness and diversity of the culture.
The same traditions and importance of davul can also be found in Middle Eastern countries like Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria. The Syrian and Lebanese Davuls are smaller in diameter, making them more portable. It is heard in traditional celebrations, religious events, and cultural performances. In Lebanon, it is also used in traditional and contemporary music fusions.
The geography of Davul is not limited to the Anatolian cultures. Due to the Ottomans, davul played a big role in the Balkans. In Bulgaria, Serbia, and Macedonia, the davul is often called Tapan or Daouli and is a core part of folk music and dance. In Greece, the Daouli is also used in traditional music, especially at weddings and local festivals. Like in Turkiye, the davul is paired with Clarino (Clarinet) or Zourna (Zurna) in festivals and weddings in Balkan countries. However, Greek musicians used them to create traditional Greek dances such as Kalamatianos and Tsamikos.
In Armenia and Georgia, variations of davul, such as dholi or dhol, are played in celebratory and folk music. Again, it is played at weddings and festivals to energize people and invite them to dance.
In Central Asia, countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan use drums similar to the Davul in their traditional music. These drums accompany horse-riding games, dances, and celebrations.
In Roman Gypsy traditions, the Davul is often used in the folk music. Accompanied by storytelling, dances, and other instruments like violin and accordion, big drums like Davul are used to create upbeat rhythms depending on the region.
How Is the Davul Played?
The davul is a unique percussion instrument in the perspective of how it is played. You use two different Davul sticks with different sizes and functions to play it. There is a large stick called Tokmak and a smaller stick called Çubuk. Tokmak is used to create the bass sound from the lower side of the drum, while the Çubuk strikes the higher parts of the drum to create the snare-like sharper notes. One stick hits one face of the drum while the other is used to hit the other face. This way, the player can create complex and engaging beats to inspire people and make them dance.
Professional and talented davul players use the two sticks with mastery to layer beats and create different sounds from the instrument. As it is a huge instrument, and the required sound is powerful, davul does not only require technique and rhythmic feeling but also strength. The player carries the instrument on his shoulder with a strap and plays it while walking around or moving.
Weddings and Davuls
If you want to see a Davul played in its most traditional and typical way, you must attend a Kurdish or Turkish wedding. Weddings are where the davul and its soulmate, Zurna, shine. Zurna is a high-pitched wind instrument that goes beautifully with the powerful low-end sound of the Davul.
The davul and zurna combination creates a joyous sound that fills the air and invites everybody around to the dance called Halay. The energy of this combination is an integral part of wedding dances and processions. When the powerful and loud rhythms of the davul are paired with the vibrant melodies of Zurna, the perfect music for the traditional dance Halay is fulfilled. All the guests hold hands and make a line dancing in unison to celebrate the marrying wife and husband.
So, the davul’s role for these cultures is not limited to music, as it provides the spirit of the celebration and the community bonding with its energetic and strong beats.
Let’s wrap it up
The davul, or dhol or dahol, is a core part of the cultural heritage of many cultures in the Middle East. Its powerful, deep, and resonant sound symbolizes celebration, unity, and tradition. From Kurdish festivals to Turkish weddings, and celebrations to traditional events, the davul’s sound captures the spirit of these cultures’ joy and union. It does not matter if it is played solo on a Ramadan night or coupled with a Zurna at a wedding; the instrument preserves the rich musical traditions and will continue to do so.