Bendir

The bendir is a frame drum with much in common with the tambourine and with older forms of drum. It is found mainly in the Arab countries of North Africa, and also in the Ottoman musical tradition, where its deep, imposing sound makes it, together with other percussion, one of the foundations of the rhythm. Today the bendir is widely used in 'world music' productions, and many groups have made it part of their sound, so that it now feels like one of 'our' instruments.

Seen more broadly, it is one more member of the family of the ancient Greek 'tympanon', the most widespread form of percussion through the centuries and around the world: a shallow, round frame with a skin stretched over it.

The bendir has a deep sound. The bass is played with the thumb, and the higher sounds first with the middle finger and later with each of the fingers in turn. It accompanies atmospheric pieces as well as more rhythmic pieces that are not really for dancing.