Nawakht

Nawakht is a seven-beat rhythm in 7/4 and one of the important rhythms in the Arabic muwashshah repertoire. Its name is Persian in origin, but its musical use is documented in the Arabic tradition, especially in classical muwashshah contexts. Nawakht is therefore a clear example of the historical overlap between Persian, Turkish, and Arabic terminology within maqam music. It should not be confused with Dawr Hindi. Both are seven-beat cycles in a broad sense, but their feel, tempo, and ornamentation are different. Nawakht is generally broader and slower, and it requires a clear sense of the full cycle. In the SVG card, the meter is 7/4: seven quarter-note units. The count is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. It is not enough to divide it mathematically; students should hear the accents and rests as shown in the card.

Nawakht is used as a rhythmic template for feeling the 7/4 meter. Start from the first Dum, then connect the Taks and rests to the movement of the melody or song.

• Ya HilalanPerformed by Muwashshah
• Badru TimminPerformed by Muwashshah