Ahenk

Ahenk
String instrument
Classification

String instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification
(Composite chordophone)
Developed Turkey
Related instruments

Cumbus
Komuz
Oud

Tanbur

The ahenk is a fretless stringed instrument from Turkey, invented by Süleyman Suat Sezgin in 1929. [1]It was designed to be played like the oud. The instrument is similar to a banjo; like the banjo it uses has a reflector bowl as a resonator. On the ahenk, the bowl is made of wood. The front resembles a banjo, with a bridge between the strings and a skin head, similar to that used on a kanun.[1] [2] The skin head does not cover the whole front of the instrument; instead the instrument has a wooden front with a hole for the skin, and two or more sound holes.[3] It is similar to the Cumbus by having an adjustable neck, adjusted by turning a wing-nut.[3]

Unlike the Cumbus, another Turkish banjo invented in the early 20th century, the instrument has nearly disappeared. There is a renewed interest in the instrument, which is being built in Istanbul and in Eskişehir (where it was invented).[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 habermonitor.com, CULTURE&ART Turkish music 'ahenk'i waiting for the sound
  2. ↑ Atlas of Musical Instruments, Middle East, cümbüs.
  3. 1 2 Veysel Musical House Musical Instruments Manufacturer, Hand made instruments, Ahenk Archived December 11, 2012, at the Wayback Machine.}

See also

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