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Turkish ney, nay, or nai

The ney is the oblique rim blown flute of Turkey, used in classical, folk and religious music. Originating in Egypt over five thousand years ago, it is unknown when it came to Turkey. The Turkish ney is distinctive for its wooden or horn mouthpiece that resembles a small hat. The mouthpiece makes the positioning of the instrument much easier, and produces a sound that is distinct from its neighbours. Turkish neys vary greatly in size with some instruments reaching over a metre in length!

Country: Turkey
Region: Middle East
Type: flute

Turkish ney flute
©  R. Raine-Reusch, Jan. 1999