Azerbaijani musical instruments

The Oriental lute is making a comeback in Iran after decades in the shadows as musicians reconnect with an instrument integral to Arab and Turkish musical tradition.

Known as the oud in Arabic, it is commonly called the barbat in Persian, although some would argue the instruments differ slightly.

The Arab world's favorite troubadour Ilham al-Madfai, who last year had to perform in an empty Roman amphitheater and scrub concert dates across Europe and the Gulf, can't wait to get back on stage.

Masters of a musical instrument family popular in many Western Asian and Eastern Mediterranean countries will come together at an online festival organized by a music school based in Istanbul.

"We are organizing an online kamancha festival. It is going to be the first international effort in this field," Arslan Hazreti, kamancha artist and crafter, told Hürriyet Daily News.

Thracian band Thrax Punks, known for their unique blend of psycho-punk and traditional Thracian music, will be at the Kyttaro Club in downtown Athens on Thursday, February 13.

A 27-year-old Turkish man has strummed his saz, a traditional stringed musical instrument also known as "bağlama," at one of the base camps of Mount Everest.

Takim, a folk music ensemble comprising, lute, clarinet, violin, percussion, bass and traditional instruments such as the oud and qanun, has been invited to perform at the Greek Festival on Wednesday, June 14, in the Garden D area of the Pireos 260 venue, starting at 9 p.m.