Zurna is a widely used instrument in Turkey as well as in every country in Central Asia. The individual species are very widely spread among the Middle Eastern and Caucasian peoples. During the archaeology excavations made on the Mingachevir eraz, which is one of the oldest human dwellings, four zurnas prepared from the maral horn were cut. Although the vocal range of the zurna is not very wide, it can be considered a success to sound two octaves. Although the vocal range is narrow, the voice of the zurna is quite loud and striking.
The smallest zurna is called cura or bell zurna, the medium-sized zurna is called the medium-coarse zurna, and the largest is called the coarse zurna.
The parts that make up the zurna show regional differences in Anatolia terminology. There are many types of zurna in terms of length and shape. It can change from zurna to zurna with small changes. Zurna can be produced from many tree species such as juniper, ash, dogwood, boxwood, willow, plum, mulberry, linden, and walnut. The length of the zurna should be at least 300 millimeters and at most 317 millimeters. A fork is attached to the head of his body. This tong is attached to edit the root register of the musical instrument.
It is a double-reed woodwind instrument that has a very bright, high-frequency sound; it is almost inseparable from davul (Turkish bass drum) and it is thought that they constitute a good ensemble for traditional weddings. It is constructed from one piece of wood, had one thumb-hole, and up to eight finger-holes. The player blows into the double-reed mouthpiece which is inserted into the mouth and uses circular breathing to make the melody continuous. We sell zurnas in apricot and plum wood which are the most used types of wood in zurna construction.
There are two types of zurna playing, sitting and standing. There are seven holes in total on the zurna. The 6 of them are in the upper part, the remaining hole is in the lower section. The left hand of the person who will play the zurna should cover the holes in the top and the right hand the holes in the bottom. However, in both types of playing, it is important to know how to make the best use of the air in the lungs. The most important feature that should be known in all types of zurna is the correct closing of the holes during playing. The person who wants to play the zurna adjusts the sound output and timbre by opening and closing the holes on the instrument by blowing through the "sipsi" in the mouth. While playing the zurna, one should never stop breathing. The sound of the zurna comes out with tremors.
Different sizes of zurna and zurnas in different keys are available in our store and can be provided upon your order. All zurnas in our catalog are high-quality, constructed by masters. We believe you will find here the most convenient zurna at the best value.
History of zurna
Zurna is a musical instrument of Eurasian origin, just like the mey. When we look at history, it is known that it is usually played at weddings or holidays to add a festive atmosphere.
The origin of the zurna is China. China is the homeland of all woodwind instruments with holes on them. In addition, the first simple version of instruments such as zurna and mey emerged from these lands. Susanna, which is still used in temples or funerals in China, is another version of the zurna.
The famous traveler, Ibn Batuta, reported that the zurna was widely used from China to North Africa. Ancient versions of the zurna were used in Egypt, India, and China. Then it took its place in the music of other peoples. Today, it is played in countries such as Albania, Bosnia, and Croatia. In addition, the zurna has many different names. Surnay, tuiduk, zournas, surla, lettish horn, and zurma to name a few. In addition, one of the indispensable elements of the Mehter team during the Ottoman period was the zurna. The zurnas of the Mehter ensemble had different sizes according to their pitch and function. Today, the zurna is among the main instruments in the folk dances of the Anatolian natives.