The Middle East and North Africa
From Morocco in the west to Iran in the east and north to Turkey, where Asia and Europe meet, the Middle East covers a sprawling geographical area. Its musical influence spreads even further, from the Indian Ocean all the way to Spain (some of flamenco's roots are in the Andalus of North Africa). Its classical music, in formalized maqams, or modes, offers an ancient beauty, with acclaim for the musicians who perform virtuoso taqsims, or improvisations. But many other regional styles have grown up around it, from the raw street pop called cha'bi that blares from taxis and shops all over Egypt to the hypnotic, bass-y gnawa of Morocco's all-male Jilala secret societies. In between there's Algerian raï, the rebellious sound of the underclass that's found a global audience in the hands of artists like Khaled, and the sinuous sounds of Istanbul, where continents and cultures collide. Although the lute-like oud remains the musical symbol of the Middle East, the region has also produced many brilliant voices, although none shone brighter than that of Oum Kalthoum — the entire region came to a halt to catch her Thursday night radio concerts in the '50s, a symbol of the expansive glory of the region's music, full of breathtaking melodies and complex rhythms that harbor both a long history and a fascinating future.
