Turkish Zills

The Turkish Zills or zils (from Turkish zil ‘cymbals’), also called finger cymbals, are small metallic cymbals used in belly dancing and similar performances.

They are called sagat in Egypt. They are similar to Tibetan tingsha bells.

These Zills were personally sourced in Turkey and are shipped form the UK.

Dimensions: 6cm / 2.5″ diameter

Weight of pair: 75g We sell a range of Turkish musical items including more Zills.

We also sell a large range of musical instruments from around the world.

Turkish Zills Background

Finger cymbals, are part of a family of musical instruments known as clappers. Clappers are musical instruments made of wood, bone, metal, and other substances that are played by being struck against each other. Clappers come in pairs and are often held in the hands, fastened together, or strapped to the performer’s fingers. The clapper family also includes spoons, bones and castanets.

Also known as “zills”, finger cymbals consist of two tiny cymbals that attach to the finger and thumb of each hand and are then hit together. Originating from Turkey, finger cymbals are often used by belly dancers, but their ability to produce a wide array of unique tones makes them ideal for marching bands and orchestral performances as well. Of course, their miniature nature also makes them a perfect tool for teaching percussion to younger students – in fact many of today’s top drum and percussion manufacturers specialize in their own finger cymbal models, including Zildjian and Meinl.

Links

We sell other kinds of zills and belly dancing items

More info on zills

Playing the zills