Thurayya

Thurayya is the same rhythm that the reference calls Aqsaq Turki, and it is a relatively rare 5/8 rhythm. Modern references state that it derives from the Turkish Ağır Aksak tradition and that it is also known by the name Thurayya. They also stress that it is used less frequently than many other rhythms, though it is clearly present in the well-known muwashshah Fi Al-Rawd Ana Shift Al-Jamil by Umar Al-Batsh. Most importantly, Thurayya is not just a generic five-beat rhythm; it belongs to the same family of tilted or limping meters, and that asymmetrical character is the core of its identity.

Thurayya is used as a rhythmic template for feeling the 5/8 meter. Start from the first Dum, then connect the Taks and rests to the movement of the melody or song.

• Fi Al-Rawd Ana Shift Al-JamilPerformed by Umar Al-Batsh