Turkish, Egyptian or Syrian Oud: What are the differences and which one to choose?

The oud is the emblematic instrument of Eastern and Mediterranean music. Present in Turkey, Egypt, Syria and many other Middle Eastern countries, it fascinates as much by its deep sound as by its thousand-year history. But not all ouds are alike: each region has developed its own style, with differences in size, wood, string tension and above all... sound .

In this article, we explain the differences between Turkish, Egyptian, and Syrian ouds , as well as other lesser-known types of oud. This will help you choose the instrument that best suits your musical style.

The Turkish Oud: Clarity and Virtuosity

The Turkish oud is generally smaller and lighter than other models. Its body is thin, with a short scale (approximately 58.5 cm). The strings are taut, which allows for great precision and facilitates the rapid execution of the ornaments characteristic of Ottoman music.

👉 Sound : bright, clear, incisive, with a clear projection.
👉 Ideal for : musicians looking for virtuoso playing, clear sound and great agility.

Egyptian Oud: Power and Warmth

This is probably the most popular oud among Arab musicians. The Egyptian oud has a wide, deep body , with a longer scale length (about 61 cm). The strings are less taut, making it easier to achieve a warm, round sound.

👉 Sound : powerful, deep and enveloping.
👉 Ideal for : accompanying vocals, playing expressive melodies and achieving a bass-rich sound.

Syrian Oud: The Perfect Balance

Often considered a compromise between the Turkish and Egyptian ouds, the Syrian oud combines a medium-bodied sound with medium string tension. Its sound is balanced: bright enough for melodic playing, yet warm enough for accompaniment.

👉 Sound : balanced, neither too bright nor too deep.
👉 Ideal for : Versatile musicians who want to explore different styles.

Other types of oud

Although the Turkish, Egyptian and Syrian models are the most widespread, there are also other regional variations:

• Iraqi Oud : recognizable by its unique star-shaped soundhole. Very clear sound, appreciated by soloists.
• Maghrebi Oud : often called kwitra in Algeria, with a smaller body and slightly different tuning.
• Armenian Oud : close to the Turkish model, but used with specific musical styles.

These instruments are rarer but bear witness to the cultural richness of the oud family.

How to choose your oud?

The choice of an oud depends on several criteria:

• Your musical style (fast and ornate → Turkish; expressive and warm → Egyptian; versatile → Syrian).
• The desired timbre (clear, round, balanced).
• Your level : some models are more accessible to beginners, others are intended for experienced musicians.

At Cham Music , we offer a wide selection of Turkish, Egyptian, and Syrian ouds, suitable for both beginners and professionals. All our instruments are selected from reputable luthiers and checked in our workshop before being shipped.

📌 Explore our oud collection now.

Conclusion

Whether you choose a Turkish oud for its brilliance, an Egyptian oud for its power, or a Syrian oud for its versatility, you will always be playing an instrument full of history and emotion. The most important thing is to find the one whose voice resonates with yours .

And if you are still unsure, don't hesitate to visit us in our boutique in Paris or contact us for advice from our experts.