Ahenk

Ahenk
String instrument
Classification String instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification
(Composite chordophone)
DevelopedTurkey
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. ^ a b c habermonitor.com, CULTURE&ART Turkish music 'ahenk'i waiting for the sound
  2. ^ Atlas of Musical Instruments, Middle East, cümbüs.
  3. ^ a b Veysel Musical House Musical Instruments Manufacturer, Hand made instruments, Ahenk Archived December 11, 2012, at the Wayback Machine}

See also

  • Photo of an ahenk.
  • Stringed Instrument Database
  • Pictures of the Ahenk
  • The Stringed Instrument Database
  • ATLAS of Plucked Instruments; there is a picture of the Ahenk under the instrument "cümbüs."
  • Site in Turkish about the creation of the instrument
  • Website about the Ahenk with pictures.
External videos
video icon Cengiz Sarıkuş Ahenk Yapımı TRT Müzik
video icon Hasan Cihat Örter Ahenk Taksim- Dr Cengiz Sarıkuş Yapımı Ahenk