I have a question regarding the instrumentation used on "The Gates of Istanbul." Does anyone know what instrument is playing the part that sounds like a slide acoustic guitar or dobro? The phrase repeats with some slight variation throughout the song.

Thanks!

I think that it is an acoustic oud. Wonderful sound !

No question about it, Mark A... it's an Oud. What an incredible instrument!.

Hello Mark A:
I´m agree with Gudgenby.Actually both instruments, the oud and the zither,appear in the song.The zither is an Armenian or Arab one,cause there are countries in Asia,like China,that have another ones that sound great too. The zither creates a more complicated and delicated sounds.The oud is purer,stronger and clearer.
I hope I´ve helped you.

Victoria.

Or a zither.

Hi Mark A,

Taking a punt here but seeing as the title piece is "The Gates of Istanbul" I suspect from what I hear the instrument could be an Oud. Might me wrong, but if not an oud may be a similar instrument.

Gudgenby