Conclusions
In this study, the objective was to give answers to some of the most important questions:
1. What are the distinctive characteristics and unifying elements of Sufi music in Damascus and Morocco?
Sufi music in both Damascus and Morocco is deeply spiritual and rooted in mysticism. In Damascus, the music often features intricate traditional scales and complex rhythmic patterns. In Morocco, the style blends Arab influences with local traditions of Al Andalus, resulting in a unique musical scale and structure.
2. How can an intercultural musical ensemble reveal these elements through collaborative music making?
An intercultural musical ensemble allows musicians from different traditions to share and blend their unique styles. This cooperation enriches the performance and deepens the understanding of Sufi traditions.
How do traditional elements in Sufi music remain intact in modern contexts?
Traditional elements in Sufi music, such as spiritual lyrics, established musical motifs, and meditative rhythms, are maintained even when modern instruments and technology are used. Musicians keep the original melodies and thematic content intact while incorporating contemporary techniques. This approach ensures that the music continues to honor its historical roots and spiritual purpose, even as it evolves in a modern setting.
The results show that the religious nature of Sufi music endures even when modern instruments and arrangements augment its structure. We further discovered that variations based on place are important—traditional musical structures and distinctive scales in Damascus and Morocco give each of them individual identities. Further, the creativity process, especially live performance and improvisation, is not merely a method of generating data; it actually generates new information about the art form.
The study contributes new knowledge by demonstrating that new practices and heritage practices may support and complement each other in Sufi music. It underscores that the addition of new elements does not weaken the religious underpinnings of the music but adds richness and complexity. Such an understanding may be helpful for musicians, cultural practitioners, and scholars who are interested in balancing heritage and innovation.
Despite this, there are some limitations of this research. Utilizing qualitative methods—interviews and observing performances—opens our findings up to bias and a low number of participants and venues. It is obvious from this study that artistic research builds new knowledge by synthesizing the creative processes and scholarly reflection. Keeping the spiritual nature of tradition but being open to new influences, Sufi music is a living dialogue between past and present. This balance offers a very prospective path forward for potential research and applications in the preservation and development of cultural arts.
Lastly, the intent of this study is to respect the depth and richness of Sufi music and emphasize its status as a unifying force larger than any boundary. Through studying both the continuities and discontinuities of these traditions, the study expresses a deeper appreciation of the rich and enduring legacy of Sufi music. I will continue my studies in the future towards universal Sufi music, taking away the language, tradition, and religious boundaries to make it more accessible for all people.
Here I present links of my work related to my research. the aim of my performance was to support my research aim and to give a clear example of what is writing in the research. I tried to combine both the traditional aspects and my original work.
Video credit : Sibelius Academy of the Arts, Global music department
Place: Helsinki, Musiikkitalo Black Box
Time: 16.05.2025
Whispers of The Heart - YouTube
This Melody is presenting a peaceful moment in life, one of a thousand thoughts.
Zaman is a moment of wondering, walking on the path of truth.
Shadow is a fascinating melody composed by Daniel Alattrash, It is done with a mixed culture of improvising and interacting by musicians with the original melody.
Salwat is an invocation for sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and they are an essential pillar of Sufi and religious rituals in Damascus.
Al-Fiyyashiyya"is one of the most famous Sufi poems in Morocco, written by Sidi Othman Ibn Yahya Al-Sharqi, also known as Bahloul Al-Sharqi, in the 16th century.