Feel the pulse of Arabic music.

What are Arabic iqa'at?

An iqa' (plural iqa'at) is a cyclic rhythmic mode in Arabic music, built from two core strokes: the dum — a low, kick-like tone at the centre of the drum — and the tak, a bright edge stroke. Rests are as important as hits: they are where ornaments and fills breathe. Rhythms like Maqsum, Baladi, Saidi and Malfuf underpin most Egyptian, Levantine and Turkish repertoire, from tarab and sha'abi to modern pop and belly-dance music.

How to practice on your phone

1. 1. Pick a rhythm and start the loop at a slow tempo (60–70 bpm).
2. 2. Say the pattern out loud — "dum tak · tak" — before playing it.
3. 3. Play along on darbuka, riq, cajón, or just your knees and a table.
4. 4. Raise the tempo by 5 bpm only once the cycle feels automatic.