Aqsaq

Aqsaq is the Arabic name for the Turkish Aksak, a word that means roughly limping or uneven. It is a 9/8 rhythm that is very common in muwashshahat. Modern references describe a first and more common form, and then a second form in which two consecutive Dums appear in the middle of the cycle instead of one. That second form is especially important because it allows a piece in Aqsaq to connect to one in Sama'i Thaqil without an abrupt rhythmic break, thanks to the continuous feeling generated by the adjacent Dum strokes. Aqsaq is therefore not just a generic 9/8 meter, but a muwashshah rhythm with two recognizable forms and a practical linking function with Sama'i Thaqil.

Aqsaq is used as a rhythmic template for feeling the 9/8 meter. Start from the first Dum, then connect the Taks and rests to the movement of the melody or song.

No examples are documented for this rhythm yet.