Shafaq News- Kirkuk
Markets selling musical instruments in Kirkuk have seennotable growth in recent years, driven by increasing interest among youngpeople in learning to play and purchasing a range of instruments, fromtraditional ones such as the oud and tambourine to Western instruments like theguitar and piano.
In the city center, Kirkuk Palace for Musical Instrumentsstands out as one of the oldest and most well-known shops in the field. Overthe years, it has become a key destination for music enthusiasts, reflecting shiftsin the city’s musical tastes across generations. The store offers a wideselection of Eastern and Western instruments, along with accessories, strings,and audio equipment, serving both beginners and professionals.
Mohammed, known as “DJ,” the owner of one of Kirkuk’s oldestmusic shops, told Shafaq News that the oud remains one of the most popularinstruments, alongside the guitar, which has become a common choice forbeginners.
Prices for the oud range from $50 to $250, depending onquality, type of wood, and country of origin. Other instruments vary in pricebased on their technical specifications and sound capabilities.
“The shop’s role goes beyond sales,” Mohammed said, addingthat shops guide customers, help beginners choose suitable instruments, andoffer maintenance and repair services.
A customer, Abbas al-Ali, stressed that the growing interestin musical instruments in Kirkuk is evident, noting, “more young people areturning to music as a way to express themselves and relieve daily stress.”
He added that the spread of performance videos on socialmedia has encouraged many to explore music, supported by the availability ofinstruments at different price levels and easier access to online lessons.
: Iraq between music, traditions, and law: Who sets the rhythm of public life?
