zurna

Where does the word "zurna" come from? It comes from Persian surnā, passing through Ottoman Turkish and Macedonian before entering English (1900s).

Zurna’s story begins in Persian: surnā meant “festive pipe.” 'festive pipe', from 'sūr', feast. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in Ottoman Turkish as zurna. Played with the big 'davul' drum at weddings, wrestling matches and in the Janissary band. From there it passed into Macedonian as zurla by 1600s. Spread with Ottoman rule through the Balkans, where Roma musicians still play it. It reached English by 1900s as zurna. Entered English through writing on Turkish and Balkan folk music. Today, zurna means a loud double-reed pipe played with the davul drum at Turkish and Balkan festivals.

1. Stage 1 · Persian · medieval surnā "festive pipe", 'festive pipe', from 'sūr', feast.
2. Stage 2 · Ottoman Turkish · 1500s zurna "shawm", played with the big 'davul' drum at weddings, wrestling matches and in the Janissary band.
3. Stage 3 · Macedonian · 1600s zurla "shawm", spread with Ottoman rule through the Balkans, where Roma musicians still play it.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1900s zurna "Turkish shawm", entered English through writing on Turkish and Balkan folk music.