The tidinit is a traditional string instrument of Western Sahara that originated from the Arab lute. It was created in Iraq by musician Ishagh Almufsali and brought to Western Africa by his disciple Zariat. The tidinit is a small, five-string guitar made of acacia wood with a turtle shell-shaped soundboard. It is played during religious ceremonies, weddings, and concerts, where it is the most important instrument in Saharawi bands.

1. A traditional
instrument of
western sahara
The Tidinit

2. Where and who was it
created?
● It originates from the original Arab
lute
● was created by the Iraqi musician
Ishagh Almufsali.
● The tidinit was able to reach the
music of western Africa through an
Ishagh disciple named Zariat.
● Considered one of the greatest of
Saharawi music as a "symbol of
history" for Hasan cultures

3. What is it?
● Tidinit, is a small five-string guitar with a soundboard shaped like a turtle
shell made of acacia wood, and anchored to the leaden rhythm of the
tbal, the drum that ancient nomadic women played sitting on the floor
● Originally it had four strings and Ishagh Almufsali himself was the one
who added a fifth red rope made of silk, called "blood rope."

4. When is it used?
● Religeous ceremonis
● Weddings
● Concerts (the tidinit is the
most important instrument
in the saharawi bands)