Kurdish Music Theory — The Maqamat

The modal scales (maqamat) of Kurdish folk and classical music. From Bayati to Hicaz Kar — how they work and where they're used.

Maqam Bayati

D, E half-flat, F, G, A, B-flat, C, D

introspective, longing, nostalgic

Maqam Hijaz

D, E-flat, F-sharp, G, A, B-flat, C, D

exotic, dramatic, devotional, deeply Middle Eastern

Maqam Kurd

D, E-flat, F, G, A, B-flat, C, D

plaintive, tender, contemplative — the maqam named after the people

Maqam Saba

D, E half-flat, F, G-flat, A, B-flat, C, D

mournful, deep, ascetic — used for spiritual and tragic themes

Hijaz family (extended)

Maqam Hicaz Kar

C, D-flat, E, F, G, A-flat, B, C

majestic, ornate, ceremonial — common in Ottoman-influenced Kurdish music

Maqam Rast

C, D, E half-flat, F, G, A, B half-flat, C

noble, balanced, hopeful — the "default" Middle Eastern mode