Iqa‘ Ciftetelli 8/4

(can also be played in 4/4)

Iqa‘ Index

Iqa‘ Ciftetelli (pronounced "shaftatalli" in Arabic) is a Turkish usul that became popular in Arabic music. It is rarely used for composed melodies; instead, its primary use is to support improvisations (both vocal and instrumental).

Ciftetelli is usually slow paced and stretched out over two 4/4 measures (see notation), and can share the same tempo and pace as Masmudi Kabir. Alternatively, it can be performed faster and lighter, in which case it can be notated in 4/4 and becomes very similar to Wahda w-Nuss (plus or minus some ornamentation).


Examples of the faster form of Iqa‘ Ciftetelli that can be notated in 4/4