The duduk is the double-reed instrument widely regarded as a national symbol of Armenia.
It is a cylindrical woodwind traditionally made from apricot wood. Its broad, warm tone comes from a large double reed, known in Armenian as a ghamish. The instrument is commonly associated with melancholy melodies, ceremonies, and Armenian cultural identity.
The duduk has a relatively soft sound compared with the penetrating zurna, another double-reed instrument found across the region. That difference is a useful way to distinguish the two: the duduk is generally mellow and intimate, while the zurna is designed for loud outdoor performance.
The duduk and its music were added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. Its repertoire includes both traditional music and modern film soundtracks.