The Arabic violin is a principal instrument in Middle Eastern music that has replaced the traditional kamanja. Now called the keman, it makes a significant contribution to rhythm and melodic arrangements in a unique and beautiful way. The instrument is unique in itself as it is tuned and played differently than its predecessors. The history of the instrument is rich in the Middle Eastern cultures, as it is a transplant from Europe by Turkish music stylings.

This important instrument has been played in many forms and is even tuned differently. Rather than tuned in the order of GDAE, it has been tuned in the order of GDGD and in GDAD in Turkish music stylings. The playing styles differ too, as some musicians play it in the traditional way, on one knee, or upright between the knees. The beauty of the instrument incorporates the traditional European fingering and bowing, as well as traditional Middle Eastern nasal and sharp transpositions that makes the sound and the essence of the instrument beautifully haunting and alluring.

The playing styles consists of slides, trills,and vibratos reminiscent of the old Levant traditional that is unique and very intense. It is soulful and transforming, and the compliment of other instruments such as the oud, the flute, and the tabla. They constitute the basis of the “magam”, and broaden the musical repertoire of Middle East as a viable world music. The keman is played in either fast pace or slow, depending upon the direction of the rhythm that is being placed within the undertone of the composition. The keman can be the tone or the pitch of the composition and at times, the keman solos throughout the music. The instrument demonstrates a complete versatility in its contribution to Middle Eastern music.

Some of the finest Arabic violin musicians include a broad repertoire in the World Music genre. Some of them include Sami El Shawwa of Syria, Abdu Daghir of Egypt, and Ahmed El Hefnaoui, also of Egypt. As this instrument gains prominence in the World Music genre, and Middle Eastern grows in prominence, other fine musician will certainly follow in reputation.