Hearing Fayez Saidawi play the Turkish zurna is like watching someone tame fire with their breath. It’s loud. It’s raw. And it’s absolutely unforgettable.
The zurna is carved from solid woods—usually ( gül ağacı ) or walnut ( ceviz ). Climate changes (common in touring) cause cracking.
A comparison between the and other regional variants (like the Armenian duduk or Egyptian mizmar) Share public link Fayez Saidawi Turkish Zurna
: A virtual version of the traditional end-blown flute.
Traditionally, the Turkish zurna is paired with the davul (a large, double-headed bass drum). Together, the davul-zurna duo forms the heartbeat of Turkish folk culture. They are indispensable at weddings ( düğün ), regional festivals, sporting events like oil wrestling, and traditional folk dances such as the Halay . The music is celebratory, hypnotic, and designed to move crowds. Fayez Saidawi: Championing the Zurna’s Voice Hearing Fayez Saidawi play the Turkish zurna is
: Composers scoring historical dramas or action sequences use the zurna to instantly inject regional tension or cultural realism.
The Legacy of Fayez Saidawi and the Art of the Turkish Zurna And it’s absolutely unforgettable
Fayez Saidawi's musical journey is a testament to his love for the Turkish Zurna and its rich cultural heritage. Growing up in Palestine, Fayez was exposed to various musical traditions, including Arabic, Turkish, and Greek music. He began playing the Zurna at a young age, initially learning traditional Palestinian folk songs and melodies. As he progressed, Fayez became fascinated with the Turkish Zurna, which he found to be an incredibly expressive and versatile instrument.
The zurna features a distinctively wide, flared bell at the end, which helps amplify its incredibly loud volume.
Saidawi understood the physical toll that playing the zurna takes on a musician. He optimized the placement and size of the finger holes, allowing players to execute rapid ornamentation, trills, and glissandos with less physical fatigue. Wood Selection and Durability