Sn3 bs7r - Levantine Folklore takes over the Stage!
Music and its diversity has always been the theme of our events and that is why having a band like Made with Magic perform at our stage was a wonderful new experience for us and our audience. The raw talent and cultural flavor was overflowing our space and the crowd couldn’t agree more! Their music consisted of old Syrian, Lebanese, and Iraqi Folklore that heightened a sense of nostalgia in the crowd. The night was memorable and like nothing we’ve seen before. The word Takht means “bed”, “seat”, or “podium” in Persian. Persian Takhts, or musical ensembles, appeared in Turkey in the second half of the 19th century and were adopted by the Middle East soon after.
It soon became common in the Levantine countries: Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Iraq. It was even popular in Egypt! This art is familiar to all residents of these regions, as it combines their folklore and ancient music. It was extremely popular in big celebrations and weddings, and a significant part of the culture.
As time passed, the Eastern Takht became a kind of nostalgic time travel show. Anyone born in the Middle East could identify the songs and sing along, almost like they were rehearsed! And that was proven true as we watched the crowd sway, nod, hum, and sing along to Made with Magic, the Eastern Takht that performed that night. It was a beautiful symbol of music transcending time and place, and we will never forget their performance.
By Naya Ahmed
