The Doumbek is an American named, which is also called the goblet drum, which is basically the hand drum. It is known in many diverse names, totally depending on the type of instrument played in a particular area of the world. In Israel and Turkey, single headed drums are called as darbuka many different name or dumbelek, while the Arabic musician refers it as tabla.
Common names of a Doumbek drum in their own countries are:
- Dombuk in Assyria
- Doumbeg in America
- Tonbak in Iran
- Zairbaghali in Afghanistan
- TArbouka in Bukhori
The Doumbek drums are among the oldest of world instruments. It was originated in Bohemia as well as made by Celtic tribes from ceramics. The drums are usually made up of metals like brass, copper, aluminum and nickel in Middle East, while the African people made up doumbeks of clay.
The Turkish and Egyptian Doumbek drums are the two very popular drums of it. The Turkish Doumbek is lighter than the Egyptian Doumbek drums. The bodhran or Irish drum also adds in the group of various types of drums. The Turkish drums are generally easily identifiable by metal bolts to be found on the outer rim of the drums. The Doumbek of Egyptian style is commonly used for giving accompany to the belly dancers and also recommended for solo performances. Psaltery and oud are very famous instruments.